History of Coca-Cola | Secrets of Coca-Cola | Channel 5 #History

Summary

This video explores the fascinating history of Coca-Cola, beginning with its invention by Dr. John Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886. Originally a medicinal tonic containing cocaine, Coca-Cola transformed into a popular soft drink through innovative marketing by Asa Candler, who recognized its potential for mass appeal. The video details key developments, including the introduction of the iconic contour bottle and Coca-Cola's strategic moves during World War II to maintain production and expand internationally. It highlights the brand's rise to prominence, overcoming challenges like imitators and changing public perceptions of cocaine, ultimately becoming a staple of American culture.

Takeaways

• 🥤 Coca-Cola was created in 1886 by Dr. John Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia, initially marketed as a medicinal tonic.
• 🍷 The original formula, known as 'French Wine of Coca,' contained cocaine and alcohol, claiming to cure various ailments.
• ⚗️ To make Coca-Cola appealing to a broader audience, Pemberton removed alcohol and sweetened the drink with sugar.
• 📝 The name 'Coca-Cola' was coined by Pemberton's accountant, Frank Robinson, who also designed the iconic logo.
• 💰 In its first year, Coca-Cola sold only $50 worth, struggling to find its market until Asa Candler took over in 1891.
• 📈 Candler implemented aggressive marketing strategies, including heavy advertising and distributing free drink coupons, leading to rapid growth.
• ❗ Coca-Cola faced a scandal in the early 1900s due to public backlash against cocaine, prompting a change in the formula to remove it.
• 🏭 In 1899, Candler sold the exclusive bottling rights for just $1, which significantly contributed to Coca-Cola's widespread distribution.
• 🥤 The invention of the bottle cap improved sanitation, allowing bottled soft drinks to flourish and solidifying Coca-Cola's market position.
• 🌍 During World War II, Coca-Cola provided drinks to soldiers, enhancing its image as a symbol of American life and facilitating global expansion.

Q & A

What was the original product created by Dr. John Pemberton before Coca-Cola?

Dr. John Pemberton's original product was called 'French Wine of Coca,' a mix of Bordeaux red wine, caffeine, and coca leaf extract, marketed as a patent medicine.

Why did Dr. Pemberton decide to create a non-alcoholic beverage?

Pemberton aimed to adapt his bitter-tasting medicine to sell as a soda fountain drink, believing he could profit more by selling multiple drinks for five cents each, rather than a dollar per bottle.

Who was Frank Robinson, and what was his contribution to Coca-Cola?

Frank Robinson was Dr. Pemberton's accountant who invented the name 'Coca-Cola' and created the iconic script logo that is still recognized today.

What significant change occurred after Asa Candler acquired Coca-Cola?

After acquiring Coca-Cola, Asa Candler implemented aggressive mass advertising strategies that significantly increased the brand's recognition and sales, transforming it into a nationally successful beverage.

How did Coca-Cola manage to gain popularity despite initial challenges?

Coca-Cola introduced promotions like free drink coupons, which encouraged sampling, and Candler leveraged mass advertising to create a strong brand presence, leading to increased sales.

What issue arose concerning cocaine in Coca-Cola, and how was it addressed?

As concerns about cocaine's safety grew, especially after a New York Tribune expose in 1903, Coca-Cola removed the active cocaine while retaining coca leaf extract for legal trademark protection.

What role did bottling play in Coca-Cola's expansion?

Bottling allowed Coca-Cola to reach a broader audience; despite initial skepticism, the sale of bottling rights for just one dollar led to a nationwide network of bottlers, boosting sales significantly.

What was the significance of the contour bottle introduced by Coca-Cola in 1915?

The contour bottle was designed to be recognizable even in the dark or when broken, which helped distinguish Coca-Cola from numerous imitators and reinforced its brand identity.

How did Coca-Cola adapt during World War II?

Coca-Cola provided drinks to troops for five cents and was exempted from sugar rationing. The company established mobile bottling plants to distribute its product overseas, enhancing its global presence.

What was the impact of WWII on Coca-Cola's international expansion?

The war led to the establishment of permanent bottling plants in various countries, as GIs who were familiar with the drink wanted to continue consuming it, thus solidifying Coca-Cola's international market.