Coca-Cola: A Historic Look at the Invention of the World's Most Popular Soft Drink
On May 8, 1886, the world was forever changed with the invention of Coca-Cola by American pharmacist John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia.
Originally billed as a cure-all tonic, the drink's name refers to two of its original ingredients: coca leaves and kola nuts.
Pemberton, a pharmacist, had access to a variety of chemicals and natural ingredients. One day, he prepared a dark colored liquid and decided to take it to his shop, Jacobs' Pharmacy, to mix it with carbonated water.
After having customers taste it, they greatly appreciated the delicious and refreshing drink.
On that day, Pemberton put the forerunner of the current Coca-Cola on sale at five cents a glass as a takeaway drink.
The famous Coca-Cola logo, written in its famous italics font, was invented and designed by Frank M. Robinson, Dr. Pemberton's accountant.
The first advertising campaign dedicated to the drink appeared in the newspaper, inviting citizens to try this "popular new take-out drink."
Despite its humble beginnings, with just about nine glasses sold per day in the first year, Coca-Cola would go on to become a global phenomenon. In 1887, John Pemberton registered the copyright of Coca-Cola Syrup and Extract with the US Patent Office.
Disheartened by the lack of success of his invention and never fully convinced of its potential, Pemberton gradually sold the company's shares to various partners.
Shortly before his death, he sold the rest of Coca-Cola to Asa G. Candler, who bought back the shares of other holders until he acquired complete control of the company.
Candler, along with his brother John S. Candler, Frank Robinson, and two other partners, opened The Coca-Cola Company in 1892 with a start-up capital of $100,000.
They invested heavily in marketing with free coupons, promotions, souvenir fans, calendars, clocks, cup holders, and more.
In 1894, the first Coca-Cola factory was born in Dallas, Texas, and a year later, Candler made a famous announcement: "Today Coca-Cola is drunk in every state and territory of the United States." Under Candler's leadership, sales rose from about 9,000 gallons of syrup in 1890 to 370,877 gallons in 1900.
Today, Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with a rich history that dates back to that fateful day on May 8, 1886.
