How Coca-Cola Got Its Clever Design

Summary

In 1915, Coca-Cola faced a growing issue of imitation bottles flooding the market. To stand out, the company held a national contest for a new bottle design. The winning design came from the Root Glass Company, inspired by the shape of a cocoa pod, which led to the creation of the iconic curvy, ridged bottle. Released just a year later, the bottle was made from German Green glass, later changed to Georgia Green in honor of Coca-Cola’s home state. This sleek, timeless design has since become a symbol of the world’s most popular drink.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Coca-Cola bottle design process began in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1915.
• 😀 Coca-Cola was originally sold at soda fountains or in a simple straight-sided hutchinson bottle, which was easily imitated.
• 😀 To solve the problem of imitation bottles, Coca-Cola held a national contest for a unique bottle design.
• 😀 The Root Glass Company entered the competition and researched the word 'coca' in an encyclopedia.
• 😀 While researching, they found an illustration of a cocoa pod, whose curvy, ridged shape inspired the bottle design.
• 😀 The new bottle design was finalized and introduced to the market just a year later, in 1916.
• 😀 The glass used for the first Coca-Cola bottles was colored German Green, later changed to Georgia Green in honor of the company's home state.
• 😀 The iconic, curvy bottle design became a recognizable trademark for Coca-Cola worldwide.
• 😀 Even in the dark or when broken, the distinct shape of the bottle made it easily identifiable.
• 😀 The Coca-Cola bottle's sleek, iconic design has helped solidify its status as the trademark of the most popular drink in the world.

Q & A

Where and when did the design of the Coca Cola bottle begin?

The design started in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1915.

How was Coca Cola sold before the introduction of the new bottle?

It was sold at soda fountains or in a glass bottle called a hutchinson.

What problem did Coca Cola face with its original straight-sided bottle?

The simple straight-sided bottle was easy to copy, and imitations were flooding the market.

What solution did Coca Cola implement to address the imitation problem?

They held a national contest for a new bottle design that would make Coca Cola stand out.

Which company designed the winning Coca Cola bottle?

The Root Glass Company created the winning design.

What inspired the shape of the Coca Cola bottle?

The team looked up 'coca' in an encyclopedia and found an illustration of a cocoa pod, whose curvy, ridged shape inspired the bottle design.

When did the first Coca Cola bottles with the new design hit the shelves?

The first bottles were available just a year later, in 1916.

What was the original color of the Coca Cola glass, and how did it change?

The glass was initially colored German Green and later changed to Georgia Green in honor of Coca Cola's home state.

What qualities made the new Coca Cola bottle stand out?

The curvy, ridged shape allowed it to be recognizable even when broken or in the dark, making it distinctive and memorable.

Why is the Coca Cola bottle considered iconic today?

Its sleek, curvy design has become a trademark and symbol of the most popular drink in the world.

What role did design play in Coca Cola's brand recognition?

The unique bottle design helped protect the brand from imitations and created a lasting visual identity that is instantly recognizable worldwide.