7 Up was first produced in 1929

Cadbury paid $49m (�25m) to acquire the Seven-Up Bottling Company of San Francisco from the Easley family.

It has assumed control of one plant and ten warehouses across the state, as well as taking on 600 staff.

Cadbury sold its European drinks business last year to focus on the US and other international markets.

Diet preferences

As well as 7 Up, Cadbury produces Dr Pepper and the Snapple range of fruit drinks.

Cadbury already operates 11 factories and bottling plants in the US, the majority of which it owns.

Sales of carbonated soft drinks are falling in the US, with health-conscious consumers turning towards bottled water and energy drinks in ever-greater numbers.

But diet versions of carbonated drinks such as Dr Pepper and Sunkist continue to be popular, with sales growing last year.

7 Up was created by CL Grigg in 1929, when it was initially known as Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda.