Coca Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with its iconic red and white logo and deliciously refreshing soft drink. But, the journey of this company began over 130 years ago, with a humble beginning and a curious pharmacist.
In 1886, an Atlanta pharmacist named John Pemberton was looking for a new tonic to sell in his drugstore. He was inspired by the popularity of French coca wines, which were believed to have medicinal properties. Pemberton’s goal was to create a similar product, but without the alcohol content.
After experimenting with various ingredients, including kola nuts and coca leaves, Pemberton finally came up with a syrup that he mixed with carbonated water. He believed that this concoction would be beneficial for headaches, anxiety, and even impotence. He named his creation “Coca Cola” after the two key ingredients.
Pemberton’s bookkeeper and partner, Frank Robinson, is credited with creating the now-famous script logo and coming up with the name “Coca Cola.” The first advertisements for the drink appeared in local newspapers, with the tagline “Delicious and Refreshing.”
At first, Coca Cola was only sold at the soda fountain in Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta. The first glass of Coca Cola was sold for only five cents, and it quickly became a popular beverage among the locals. In the first year of production, Pemberton sold an average of nine drinks per day, bringing in a total of $50 in revenue.
Unfortunately, Pemberton was not able to see the success of his creation for long. In 1888, he sold the formula for Coca Cola to Asa Griggs Candler, a businessman with a vision for the future of the company. Candler recognized the potential of the drink and aggressively marketed it, leading to a significant increase in sales.
Candler’s marketing tactics included giving away coupons for free glasses of Coca Cola and plastering the logo on everything from calendars to bookmarks. He also expanded the distribution of the drink, making it available in soda fountains across the country.
In 1894, Candler formed the Coca Cola Company and began to acquire the rights to the brand and its formula. In 1899, the company became incorporated, and Candler became the sole owner. He also started to sell bottles of Coca Cola, which were easier to transport and more convenient for consumers.
The early 1900s saw the expansion of Coca Cola beyond the United States, with the first international bottling plants opening in Cuba and Canada. The company continued to grow, with new flavors and variations being introduced, such as Cherry Coke and Diet Coke.
One of the most significant moments in Coca Cola’s history came in 1916 when the company created its iconic contour bottle. This bottle, which is now recognized worldwide, was designed to be easily recognizable even in the dark and was patented in 1915.
Throughout the years, Coca Cola has continued to innovate and adapt to the changing times. From sponsoring the Olympic Games to introducing new products like Sprite and Fanta, the company has remained a leader in the beverage industry.
Today, Coca Cola is a global brand, with its products being sold in over 200 countries worldwide. It has become more than just a soft drink, with the company diversifying into other areas such as bottled water, sports drinks, and juices.
The humble beginnings of Coca Cola may be hard to imagine when looking at the brand’s current success. Still, it is a true testament to the vision of its founders and the hard work of everyone involved in the company. From a small soda fountain in Atlanta to a household name, the story of Coca Cola is a remarkable one that continues to inspire businesses and consumers alike.
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