The History of Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is one of the most popular soft drinks ever made, and people enjoy this delicious beverage throughout the world. Coca-Cola has evolved from a standard soft drink into one that has many varieties and flavors available on the market. Its classic bottle shape is a familiar trademark everywhere. This soft drink has a long and interesting history about its original purpose, development and trade, and its continued popularity by people around the world.
- The Coca-Cola Company: Original website of the soft drink corporation, with stories, recipes and news.
- The History of Coca-Cola: A brief description of the early invention of Coca-Cola and its uses.
A pharmacist named John Pemberton in Columbus, Georgia in 1884 originally invented Coca-Cola. The concoction was a type of coca wine, which was a popular kind of drink of the time that contained a mixture of cocaine and wine. The original name of the drink was Pemberton’s French Wine Coca. During this time period, it was not unheard of to use coca in drinks or mixtures, as the significance of its addictive capabilities was not as well known as it is today. As a chemist, Pemberton sold the drink in various drugstores in Atlanta, claiming it as a product that provided clear thinking.
With the advent of Prohibition, the alcohol content of the Wine Coca needed to be removed. The formula was changed and renamed Coca-Cola in 1886. It claimed to be used for various ailments such as headaches and upset stomachs. The following year, as Pemberton’s health was failing, he sold some of the rights of his company to Asa Griggs Candler.
With various drinks on the market that were similar to Coca-Cola, Candler eventually bought exclusive rights to the organization and incorporated a new company in 1892, called the Coca-Cola Company. This is the original company that continues today. Candler vigorously promoted Coca-Cola over the course of several years following the company’s incorporation. The campaigns spread the use and sales of the product.
Coca-Cola began to be sold in bottles in 1894. The style of the bottle changed over time and the caps evolved from rubber gaskets to the metal caps in use with glass bottles today. The familiar trademark bottle of Coca-Cola was developed in 1916 and has maintained the same image since. The product continued to be aggressively advertised and the company promoted Coca-Cola in various locations and businesses. The goal of advertising was to depict everyday people enjoying Coca Cola, and advertising was directed at all segments of the population.
In 1923, the new president of the Coca-Cola Company began promoting campaigns of Coca-Cola being a “quality drink,” and its use in soda fountains came with specific training for those who served it. The quality standards for bottled Coca-Cola also were improved, and during the Great Depression, sales of the soft drink at soda fountains were outnumbered by bottle sales. Its use continued and expanded through the 20th century, including an agreement between the company and the United States government to supply Coca Cola to soldiers during World War II. The nickname “Coke” was officially trademarked in 1945.
Advertising continued and the line of Coke products expanded. In 1982, the company introduced Diet Coke in response to the increasing awareness of diet and fitness. Coca- Cola introduced the New Coke in 1985, which was quickly rejected by many consumers who maintained an affinity for the original formula. Later that year, Coca-Cola Classic was introduced as a method of retaining and selling the original Coke.
In an attempt to preserve some of the old soda fountain abilities of adding various flavors to cola, Coke introduced several different tastes of the original version. Cherry Coke was introduced in 1985, followed by Diet Coke with Lemon flavor in 2002, and Vanilla Coke in 2005. Adding to the citrus flavor combination, Diet Coke with Lime was introduced in 2005, but left the market after only one year. In 2006, Coca-Cola began marketing for Coke Zero, an updated version of the calorie free soft drink. While Diet Coke maintains its popularity, Coke Zero has evolved into a desired version of calorie free original Coke. The same year, Coca-Cola introduced Coca-Cola Blak, a version of Coke with the flavor of coffee, but the product was discontinued the next year.
Coca-Cola has continued to be marketed throughout the world and its popularity is maintained with the association of sports figures and games. This began during the 1990s with the Olympic Games. The soft drink is also associated with the National Basketball Association, and maintains their marketing by officially sponsoring many events. The use of coupons for purchase or free samples has continued to increase their sales. Promotional coupons and games such as “under the cap” codes that win prizes have maintained the sales of Coke.
The original logo for Coca-Cola was created at about the same time of the soft drink, in 1885. The cursive script of Coca-Cola is a cultural icon that has lasted over a century. The trademark glass bottle for Coca-Cola is made of glass and is referred to as a contour or hobble skirt design. The logo and bottle have changed little since their inception.
Throughout the years, Coca-Cola has assembled various collectible items, some of which are considered antiques. Old-fashioned advertisement logos, bottles, and vintage Coke machines are just some of the items that are gathered. The collectible merchandise has evolved into a large amount of memorabilia that has become popular with Coca-Cola fans and antique collectors, sometimes coming with a high price for purchase.
Coca-Cola has frequently had competitors within the soft drink industry. At the turn of the 20th century, a popular cola called Moxie was the biggest competitor for Coca-Cola, outselling it in most markets until about 1920. Following this time period, another contender, Pepsi Cola took its place as the main competitor for Coke. Through most of the 20th century, Pepsi and Coke were rival colas, even contributing to a campaign known as the Pepsi Challenge, which included a blindfolded taste-test to determine preference between the colas. Coke and Pepsi continue to remain in competition, although their difference in taste spurs consumers to choose what to buy from their own inclination.
- Coca-Cola Heritage Timeline: An instructional timeline for Coca-Cola from its invention through the 21st century.
- John Stith Pemberton: A description of the original source of Coca-Cola by its maker and the initial changes that were made to the formula.
- Coca-Cola at Home: A description of the evolution of the soft drink in America.
Coca-Cola has continued to be one of the largest soft drink producers in the world. Throughout its lengthy history, this soft drink has evolved into the favored beverage that it is today. Coca-Cola remains a popular drink that people around the world enjoy.