Coco cola History
1886: The invention. Dr. John Stith Pemberton created the syrup and served the first glass of Coca-Cola at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in
down town Atlanta.
Name and logo. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, named the product “Coca-Cola” for its alliterative sound and distinc-
tive Spencerian script logo.
Initial sales. In its first year, sales averaged only nine drinks per day.
Asa Candler takes over. Before his death in 1888, Pemberton sold most of his business to Atlanta businessman Asa Candler, who
later acquired complete control of the company.
National expansion. Under Candler’s leadership, distribution expanded nationwide, and Coca-Cola was sold in every U.S. state and
territory by 1895.
Bottling begins. Candler sold the bottling rights for $1 to two Chattanooga businessmen in 1899, establishing the franchise
bottling system that exists today.
CCoonnttoouurr bottle. To fight against imitators, the company introduced the now-famous contour bottle in 1915, which could be recog-
nized even in the dark.
Goes public. In 1919, a group of investors led by Ernest Woodruff purchased the company for $25 million and made it a publicly
traded corporation.
Mid-century expansion and brand evolution (1920–1970)
Robert Woodruff’s leadership. Robert W. Woodruff, Ernest Woodruff’s son, became company president
in 1923, beginning over six decades of leadership.
Advertising milestones. Under Woodruff, the company introduced innovations like the six-bottle
carton in 1923 and outdoor billboards in 1925. In 1931, the company commissioned artist Haddon
Sundblom to create the modern image of Santa Claus drinking Coke for its Christmas advertising.
WWII patriotism. During World War II, Coca-Cola gained global recognition by ensuring the drink
was available to U.S. troops for a nickel, building 64 portable bottling plants overseas. This helped
establish it as a worldwide symbol of American culture.
NNeeww bbeevveerraaggeess.. TThhee mmiidd–cceennttuurryy ssaaww tthhee aaccqquuiissiittiioonn of Minute Maid in 1960 and the introduction of new
products like Sprite in 1961 and Tab, its first diet soda, in 1963.
Famous slogans and commercials. The 1960s brought the memorable slogan “Things Go Better
with Coke” and the “Hilltop” commercial featuring “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”.
Modern era and challenges (1980–present)
New Coke. In a major blunder, Coca-Cola changed its formula in 1985, but public backlash and nostalgic demand led the company
to reintroduce the original as “Coca-Cola Classic” just 79 days later.
DDiivveerrssiiffiiccaattiioonn.. Over the following decades, the company focused on diversifying its portfolio by acquiring other beverage com-
panies. This included taking a stake in Monster Beverage in 2014 and acquiring Costa Coffee in 2018.
Sustainability efforts. Responding to environmental concerns, the company has committed to combat plastic waste. In 2021, it
announced a plan to use 100% recycled plastic bottles in the U.S. and to recycle one bottle or can for each one it sells by 2030.