Introduction:
One of the most recognizable drinks and brands in the world today, the Coca-Cola Corporation is a pioneer of the global soft drink industry. Founded in 1886 by John Pemberton, the original Coca-Cola beverage has gone on to have a tremendous impact on the world, from popular culture to politics. As one of the world’s largest beverage companies, Coca-Cola has found a way to establish an international presence that very few other companies can match. Here are 15 interesting facts about the world of Coca-Cola that show just how big an influence it has had.
Fact 1: The Coca-Cola Recipe is a Closely Guarded Secret
Few secrets in the corporate world are as closely-guarded as the original formula for Coca-Cola. It is said that two-thirds of its weight is in the flavorings and, when saved, the notes are kept in the safety-deposit box at SunTrust Banks in Atlanta. There is a rumor that only two executives in the company know the secret recipe, and those executives are said to not be allowed to fly on the same plane in case of an accident.
Fact 2: The Red and White That Make Up the Logo Are Actually Different Shades
The classic red and white that make up the logo of Coca-Cola is actually two different shades. The white is a soft ‘ivory’ and the red is ‘spicy red’, which is designed to make the contrast between the two colors stand out more. This subtle difference in the colors helps to make the logo so recognizable all around the world.
Fact 3: The Contour Bottle that Everyone Knows was Introduced in 1903
One of Coca-Cola’s most enduring symbols is the classic contour bottle. This distinctive shape was introduced in 1903 by Root Glass Company employee Earl R. Dean, and was rolled out across the US one year later. The bottle is so iconic that it was registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office in 1977, and is now considered one of the most recognizable trademarks in the world.
Fact 4: Cans of Coke Were Used as Currency During the Vietnam War
When it comes to soda, few drinks are as recognizable as Coca-Cola. It’s little wonder then that, during the Vietnam War, cans of Coke became a popular currency among soldiers. Whether it was to buy cigarettes or buy better food, the trust that people placed in Coca-Cola is a testament to its popularity among the troops of the day.
Fact 5: Coke was the First Soft Drink in Space
In 1985, Coca-Cola became the first soft drink to make it into space. On the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronauts carried cans of Coke and a special gadget called the ‘Coca-Cola Space Can’ that could heat the soda in zero gravity. To this day, Coca-Cola is the only soft drink that has made it beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Fact 6: Coca-Cola Nearly Released a Coffee-Flavored Drink in the 1990s
To capitalize on the trend towards coffee drinks, Coca-Cola came close to releasing a coffee-flavored cola in the 1990s. The drink, called ‘Coca-Cola BlāK’, was test-marketed in select locations, but eventually the product was scrapped due to a less-than-enthusiastic response.
Fact 7: A ‘Coke Expansion’ Took Place in the Middle East
At the end of the 1800s, a series of events known as the ‘Coke Expansion’ took place around the world, with the Middle East being a key area in which the drink’s presence was established. In 1892, the first Coca-Cola plant was opened in Cairo, with similar factories appearing in other major cities around the region.
Fact 8: There is a Coca-Cola Factory Tour in Atlanta
For visitors to Atlanta, a visit to the famous World of Coca-Cola could be just the thing to complete their trip. At this unique attraction, guests can learn all about the history of Coca-Cola, take a virtual tour of the original factory, and explore the world of collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise.
Fact 9: In 2013, Coca-Cola Spent Over $3 Billion in Advertising Worldwide
Unsurprisingly, given the reach of the brand, Coca-Cola spends a substantial amount of money on advertising. In 2013 alone, the company spent over $3 billion in advertising worldwide. Much of this money was spent on traditional media platforms, such as television, radio, and print. However, in recent times, the company has become increasingly active on digital platforms (e.g. online, mobile, etc.).
Fact 10: It is Estimated that Over 1.9 Billion Servings of Coke Are Drunk Everyday
Just how many servings of Coca-Cola are consumed in a day? Well, it’s estimated that some 1.9 billion servings are enjoyed each day around the world. To put that number into perspective, it’s enough to fill over a million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Fact 11: Coca-Cola Is the Most Popular Soft Drink in the World
From the United States to Argentina, from Iraq to Zimbabwe, Coca-Cola is the go-to soft drink of choice for people all around the world. In fact, Coca-Cola is the most-consumed soft drink in the world, with over 1 billion servings enjoyed every day.
Fact 12: The Coca-Cola Company Employs Over 700,000 People Worldwide
The obvious success of Coca-Cola has helped the company to employ over 700,000 people all over the world. As a result, it has become one of the most recognized employers in the world, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Fact 13: Coke Is the Number One Selling Product on Amazon
When it comes to buying products on Amazon, few items are as popular as Coca-Cola. It’s estimated that Coke is the number one selling product on the world’s largest e-commerce platform. This speaks to the enduring popularity of the drink, as well as the convenience of Amazon’s platform.
Fact 14: ‘Buy the World a Coke’ Was One of the Most Famous Advertising Campaigns Ever
In 1971, Coca-Cola released one of the most successful and beloved advertising campaigns of all time. The commercial, called ‘Buy the World a Coke’, featured a group of young people from all around the world singing a jingle while holding a Coca-Cola can. It is now remembered as one of the most iconic commercials in history.
Fact 15: Coca-Cola is Identifiable by Smell and Sound
The iconic sound of the fizzy bubbles popping as soon as a can of Coca-Cola is opened, combined with its unmistakable smell, are two tell-tale signs that the world’s favorite soft drink has arrived. The sound of tableside service come to life and the rush of refreshing bubbles fills any Coca-Cola fan with nostalgia.
Conclusion
Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized drinks in the world, with an intense presence in popular culture, politics, and business. As a symbol of global unity and refreshment, it has brought joy to many, and has had a major impact on the beverage industry. These 15 facts about the world of Coca-Cola show just how influential the drink has been, from its iconic bottle design to its status as the number one selling product on Amazon.
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