10 facts about Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is undoubtedly one of the most iconic soft drink brands in the world. Everyone knows its refreshing taste and recognisable red and white logo, but did you know that this soft drink has a particularly rich history? Here are 10 surprising facts about Coca-Cola that you might not have known yet!

Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally, it was intended as a medicinal drink that would help against fatigue and headaches. The drink was sold for just five cents a glass at a local pharmacy. What started as a small invention soon grew into a global phenomenon.

The famous Coca-Cola logo is one of the most recognisable in the world and has hardly changed since its inception. The graceful letters are based on the Spencerian Script, a common writing style in the 19th century. This timeless design adds to the brand’s nostalgic appeal.

One of the biggest secrets surrounding Coca-Cola is the recipe. The original recipe, known as ‘Merchandise 7X,’ is kept in a vault at the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta. Only a few people would know the exact formula, adding to the mystique surrounding the famous soft drink.

By the 1920s, Coca-Cola was already expanding internationally. Today, it is sold in more than 200 countries and there are numerous local varieties. For instance, in Japan you have the Coca-Cola Peach and in Mexico the beloved Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar instead of fructose syrup.

Coca-Cola played a big role in the popular image of Father Christmas as we know him today. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola used Father Christmas in red and white clothes – the colours of the brand – in its advertising campaigns. This image became so popular that it became associated with the holiday season worldwide.

Although Coca-Cola is best known for its classic cola, the brand has introduced thousands of other drinks over the years. From Fanta and Sprite to Powerade and Vitaminwater, Coca-Cola continues to innovate with new flavours and products.

Coca-Cola’s famous bottle, also called the ‘Contour Bottle’, was designed in 1915 to give the drink a unique look. The design was so recognisable that you could spot the bottle in the dark or even broken. This iconic design is still used worldwide.

Coca-Cola is often used for purposes other than just drinking. It is said to be able to remove rust, clean coins and even work as a good cleaner for toilets. While not its primary function, this makes the soft drink even more special.

Coca-Cola has always been innovative when it comes to marketing. From classic slogans like ‘It’s the Real Thing’ to interactive campaigns like the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, where people could buy bottles with their name on them, Coca-Cola remains a master of branding and storytelling.

Today, Coca-Cola is not just a soft drink brand, but one of the most powerful brands in the world. Its logo and name can be found almost everywhere in the world, from small street stalls to major sporting events. Coca-Cola’s impact on pop culture, advertising and the beverage industry is unprecedented.

Coca-Cola is more than just a drink – it is a piece of history, a global symbol and a source of nostalgia for millions of people.