Years ago, when Founder and CEO Dietrich Mateschitz was in Thailand, he came across a substance taken by rickshaw drivers there in order to stay energized throughout the day. He managed to get the recipe, altered it a bit, added flavour, and gave the world Red Bull. The name is a literal translation from what the Thai beverage is referred to.

Sold as an energy drink to combat mental and physical fatigue, this Austrian carbonated soft drink contains (per 250 ml) 20 grams of sugar, 1000 mg of taurine, 600 mg of glucuronolactone, B-complex vitamins and 80 mg of caffeine (as much as a cup of coffee). There is also a sugar-free version available, and the drink is also a popular mix with alcoholic beverages.

In 2003, almost 2 billion cans were sold in over 120 countries. Current brand value: $1.7 billion. Brand sales: $2.0 billion. Drink up. The brand posted growth figures of 31%.