Coca-Cola or Coke by Sherryl Reid February 4, 2021

Coca-Cola or Coke by Sherryl Reid February 4, 2021

Coca-Cola, a carbonated soft drink, was invented by John Stith Pemberton in the late 19th century. The name, Coca-Cola, refers to two of the original ingredients in the formula which are coca leaves and kola nuts.  Even though many companies, over the years, have tried to duplicate this formula, the actual formula has remained a trade secret.

In 1886, when prohibition legislation was passed in Atlanta, Pemberton introduced Coca-Cola.  It was nonalcoholic and marketed as "The Temperance Drink".  Coca-Cola was sold as a patent medicine.  Pemberton claimed it would cure morphine addiction, indigestion, nerve disorders,  headaches and impotence.

Even though most brands come and go with the times, the Coca-Cola brand has remained relevant for more than 130 years.  The innovative and unique marketing programs has kept the Coca-Cola brand on top.

One of their top advertising programs included Santa Claus from the 1930's to the 1960's.  The red and white suit worn by Santa Claus was used to cement the red and white logo of the Coca-Cola brand.  This marketing program is still used today.

Coca-Cola also marketed their product as an every man's drink by introducing a product packaging concept known as the six-pack.  Their marketing strategy showed tremendous foresight and imagination.

Due to the longevity of the Coca-Cola brand, there are collectors of Coca-Cola merchandise found in every corner of the world.  You can find a small collection of Coca-Cola products on my "SoldOutright Shopify Store".  A couple of the more unusual items are a cast iron "Coke" butler and an empty, but still sealed Coca-Cola drink can.  Please check out collection.