Iconic South Australian soft drink brand Halls is set to make a comeback after 20 years

It’s been a long time between drinks but an iconic SA soft drink brand is set to make a long-awaited comeback this summer. What other snack icons should return?

It has been a long time between drinks for lovers of Halls Lemonade, Lemon Twist, Fruita and Stonie Ginger Beer.

But after more than two decades, the iconic SA soft drink brand is set to return for summer thanks to Adelaide businessman Cameron Ballard.

Ballard has secured the Halls trademark after a near-three-year battle with global company Coca-Cola and plans to start manufacturing the label’s classic drinks within months.

Mr Ballard said he wants to take on the large multinational soft drink companies who dominate the market, and return Halls to its rightful place as a “South Australian institution”.

“The support has been overwhelming from the public. I just love Halls and I hope it brings back some good memories for people,” said Mr Ballard, whose family owns the Jolt Cola brand in Australia.

“It’s been such a tough 24 months, we’ve been kicked around as a planet with Covid and everything, so hopefully this can put a smile on people’s faces and remind everyone of a simpler time.”

Halls soft drinks will soon make a comeback under an Adelaide businessman’s plan.

Mr Ballard said he’s hoping to secure a local bottling line in SA and will produce Fruita, Lemon Twist, Lemonade and Stonie Ginger Beer in glass bottles.

He’s also been in contact with old relatives of the founders, the Hall family, and hopes to replicate the original recipe as close as possible.

There are also some new flavours in the works, including sarsaparilla and a sugar-free range.

Originally founded in 1849 by George Hall at a site in Marryatville, his sons joined the company in 1869 and they moved to a larger premises in Norwood in 1872.

One litre bottles of soft drinks including (l-r) Halls Lemon Twist, Halls Bubbly Soda, Halls Lemonade, Tresca, Leed low calorie Lemonade, Leed Lemonade, Fanta, Tab and Coca Cola.

This automatic bottling machine at the Geo. Hall and Sons Limited factory on the Parade, Norwood. Photo: Neve Photography Pty Ltd.

The label was sold to Coca-Cola in 1972, and production of Halls’ soft drinks moved to its Thebarton factory the following year.

The Hall’s name was discontinued in 2000, as Coca-Cola brought several brands under the brand, Kirks. The old Coca-Cola factory on Port Road closed in December 2018 after 66 years.

Another food icon set for a comeback is the Polly Waffle.

South Australian chocolate company Robern Menz has confirmed its plans to bring back the Polly Waffle are still in the works.

“We do not have a definitive date for launch,” Robert Menz said on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, like so many, COVID-19 put a spanner in our plans, and created some unexpected and significant delays.

“We are just as eager as you are and can’t wait to get Polly Waffles in the hands of those who remember it so well, as well as those yet to try this special chocolate bar.”

Adelaide businessman Cameron and Tahlia Ballard with their children Walter, 2 and Albert, 6 with some of the mock-up Halls labels. Picture Matt Turner.

Originally published as Iconic South Australian soft drink brand Halls is set to make a comeback after 20 years