The history of Coca-cola

Summary

The video script presents the fascinating history of Coca-Cola, from its invention in Atlanta in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton to becoming the world's most recognized brand. Initially sold as a soda fountain drink, an accidental mix with carbonated water led to its iconic form. Over time, under the marketing genius of Asa Candler and Robert Woodruff, Coca-Cola expanded globally. Despite competitors, the introduction of the contour bottle in 1916 ensured authenticity. Today, Coca-Cola remains a global leader, known for its unique, refreshing taste enjoyed in nearly 200 countries.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton in Atlanta.
• 🍶 The original recipe for Coca-Cola was a syrup that was mixed with plain water at Jacobs Pharmacy.
• 💧 An accidental mix with carbonated water created the iconic soda we know today.
• 🖊️ Coca-Cola's name and famous handwritten trademark were created by Pemberton's accountant, Frank Robinson.
• 📈 In its first year, Coca-Cola sold an average of nine drinks a day in Atlanta.
• 🛒 In 1888, Pemberton sold the secret formula to businessman Asa Candler, who grew the brand.
• 🚚 Candler's marketing, including red-painted syrup barrels, helped spread Coca-Cola across America.
• 🍾 Coca-Cola started as a fountain drink, but bottling began in 1899 despite Candler initially thinking it was a bad idea.
• 🔒 In 1916, the iconic Coca-Cola contour bottle was introduced to distinguish it from competitors.
• 🌍 Under Robert Woodruff's leadership, Coca-Cola became a global brand and is now enjoyed in nearly 200 countries.

Q & A

Who invented Coca-Cola, and when?

Coca-Cola was invented by pharmacist John Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886.

How was Coca-Cola first sold?

Coca-Cola was first sold at Jacobs Pharmacy, where the syrup was mixed with plain water and sold for five cents a glass.

How did Coca-Cola become carbonated?

An employee at the pharmacy accidentally mixed the syrup with carbonated water instead of plain water, and the customer loved it.

Who named Coca-Cola, and how was the logo created?

John Pemberton's accountant, Frank Robinson, named the drink Coca-Cola and created the trademark in his own handwriting.

What role did Asa Candler play in Coca-Cola's success?

Asa Candler bought the secret formula from Pemberton in 1888 and used creative marketing strategies, such as painting syrup barrels red, to increase Coca-Cola’s popularity.

How did Coca-Cola first become available in bottles?

Two entrepreneurs, Thomas and Whitehead, convinced Candler to allow them to bottle Coca-Cola, despite his initial reluctance. They were sold the rights to bottle Coca-Cola for just $1.

What was introduced in 1916 to distinguish Coca-Cola from its competitors?

The Coca-Cola contour bottle was introduced in 1916 to help consumers distinguish it from competitor brands.

Who took over Coca-Cola in 1919, and what was his goal?

Robert Woodruff became Coca-Cola’s president in 1919, and his goal was to make ice-cold Coca-Cola available to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

How did Coca-Cola become a global brand?

Under Robert Woodruff’s leadership, bottling plants were established worldwide, making Coca-Cola the first truly global brand.

What is the current status of Coca-Cola in terms of its recognition and availability?

Coca-Cola is the most recognized trademark in the world, available in nearly 200 countries, and produced and sold by local bottlers globally.