Since the 90s Vimto has become increasingly associated with the holy month, in the UK, throughout the Middle East and elsewhere. More than half of all sales of the cordial take place during Ramadan.

"I think there are parts of the Middle East where Vimto is better known than parts of Britain," said John Nichols of Vimto owners Nichols Plc, in a 2013 interview with the BBC.

"They like the flavour, and particularly with it being non-alcoholic, that obviously helps.”

Manchester imam Asad Zaman, appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme, concurred: “One of the reasons it is so popular in the Middle East is because they have quite a sweet tooth. After a day of fasting your stomach has collapsed and your body is really low on energy.