Gaviscon in brief
- Rank: #75 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #9 of 14 in Consumer & FMCG.
- WCRC Power Score: 63.24 out of 100.
- Founded: 1960s (acquired by Reckitt in 1970), by Grew from research by Dr Stig Sandmark from 1964; acquired by Reckitt in 1970.
- Owner: Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Slough, England.
- Leadership: Kris Licht, Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt.
- Latest revenue: £14.2bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +0.3%), group revenue of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, as per company filings.
What makes Gaviscon powerful
Gaviscon is a familiar name in British pharmacies and has been part of Reckitt since 1970. Reckitt calls it one of the world's leading digestive health brands, with like-for-like growth of more than 10% a year over the past three years. Reckitt reported 2025 net revenue of £14.2bn and like-for-like growth of 5.0%, with Core Reckitt growing 5.2%.
The brand benefits from trust and habit. Consumers with heartburn tend to buy a familiar name, and pharmacists frequently recommend established products. With chief executive Kris Licht reporting another year of earnings growth and £2.3bn of returns to shareholders, the owner has the financial strength to support it.
Reckitt says Gaviscon has grown like-for-like net revenue at a compound rate of more than 10% a year over the past three years.
Why Gaviscon ranks #75
Gaviscon ranks 75th with a WCRC Power Score of 63.24, below Strepsils and above Fever-Tree. Trust is its clear strength at 70, as a remedy many households and pharmacists know. Positioning & recall and Product & innovation both score 62, and Digital & financial 60. Sustainability & governance, at 58, is its weakest pillar and holds it below the bigger consumer health brands in the list.
The Achilles' heel
Gaviscon must compete for attention and investment with Reckitt's larger health brands. Its strong recent growth also sets a high bar to keep matching. Cheaper own-label antacids and prescription alternatives limit pricing power. Reckitt's ongoing restructuring could distract management from smaller health brands.
The 2026 story
Reckitt's 2026 began with its 2025 results in March. Net revenue was £14.2bn, up 0.3% on a reported basis, with like-for-like growth of 5.0% and Core Reckitt up 5.2%. Chief executive Kris Licht said performance was ahead of expectations and cited £2.3bn of shareholder returns.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is Gaviscon in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
Gaviscon ranks #75 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 63.24 out of 100.
What makes Gaviscon powerful?
A trusted pharmacy staple that Reckitt says has grown at more than 10% a year over the past three years.
What is Gaviscon's revenue?
£14.2bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +0.3%), group revenue of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, as per company filings.
Who founded and owns Gaviscon?
Gaviscon was founded in 1960s (acquired by Reckitt in 1970) by Grew from research by Dr Stig Sandmark from 1964; acquired by Reckitt in 1970. It is owned by Reckitt Benckiser Group plc and based in Slough, England.
Who leads Gaviscon?
Kris Licht, Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt.
What is Gaviscon's biggest challenge?
Competes with cheaper generic antacids and depends on Reckitt's continued investment as the group reshapes itself.
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Key facts
| Brand | Gaviscon |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Reckitt Benckiser Group plc |
| Headquarters | Slough, England, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1960s (acquired by Reckitt in 1970) |
| Founder(s) | Grew from research by Dr Stig Sandmark from 1964; acquired by Reckitt in 1970 |
| Leadership | Kris Licht, Chief Executive Officer, Reckitt |
| Latest revenue | £14.2bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +0.3%), group revenue of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, as per company filings |
| Sector | Consumer & FMCG |
| Website | gaviscon.co.uk |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
