Research Guides: This Month in Business History: World’s First Coca-Cola was Served (2024)

Research Guides: This Month in Business History: World’s First Coca-Cola was Served (1)

May 8 is a bit of a red letter day—literally. Back on May 8, 1886, the world’s first Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the creation of Dr. John Pemberton as a tonic for common ailments. He likely had no idea what was in store for his product, the company, and an industry that would grow into the giant it is today.

Coca-Cola wasn’t his first beverage invention. In 1885, he introduced Pemberton’s French Wine Coca, an alcoholic beverage billed as a nerve tonic and cure for headaches, inspired by Vin Mariani. However, not long after he introduced the product, the county passed a prohibition bill and he needed to develop a non-alcoholic version. He came up with the precursor to Coca-Cola, which was the beverage served that day in May.

The Pemberton Chemical Company, later renamed Coca-Cola, was established to market and sell the product. When it was first sold, Coca-Cola was in syrup form and mixed on premise; the bottling came later. It sold slowly at first, and unfortunately, Pemberton died in 1888 before he could see his creation really take off.

After Pemberton died, Asa G. Candler took control of the company and ran it until 1916. After Chandler the company was sold to a group of investors including Ernest Woodruff who brought in his son Robert Woodruff who ran the company for many years. It was under his leadership that the company began to bottle Coca-Cola, cocaine was removed as an ingredient, and Monsanto began to supply the caffeine that was used in Coca-Cola. Later years brought other changes, including the introduction of cans in 1955 and the acquisition of other beverage brands like Dasani, Sprite, and Fanta.

One thing has been constant—the company has for decades been very well known for its advertising and marketing, which is reflected in the market for Coca-Cola collectibles. Older advertising and news articles are great resources for Coca-Cola's history,like the short pieceabout a Coca-Cola v Chero-cola “rivalry”from the the January 26, 1916Brunswick News.

Research Guides: This Month in Business History: World’s First Coca-Cola was Served (2024)

FAQs

Research Guides: This Month in Business History: World’s First Coca-Cola was Served? ›

Back on May 8, 1886, the world's first Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the creation of Dr. John Pemberton as a tonic for common ailments. He likely had no idea what was in store for his product, the company, and an industry that would grow into the giant it is today.

How was Coca-Cola first served? ›

On May 8, 1886, pharmacist John Stith Pemberton hauled a jug of his latest patent medicine—a tonic he called Coca-Cola—over to Jacob's Pharmacy on Peachtree Street. The syrup was mixed with soda water, deemed tasty, and sold for a nickel a glass.

What is the summarized history of Coca-Cola? ›

Founding and early history

The drink Coca-Cola was originated in 1886 by an Atlanta pharmacist, John S. Pemberton (1831–88), at his Pemberton Chemical Company. His bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, chose the name for the drink and penned it in the flowing script that became the Coca-Cola trademark.

How did Coca-Cola become one of the most successful brands in history? ›

So, Why is Coca-Cola so Successful? Few companies can boast the tremendous success and growth that The Coca-Cola Company has enjoyed for over 135 years. This accomplishment can be attributed to industry-leading advertising, innovation of their products, and delivering a positive brand message.

What do you think the form of business Coca-Cola initially had? ›

Answer: Based on the information provided, Coca-Cola initially had a form of business known as a "sole proprietorship." In a sole proprietorship, a single individual, in this case, Dr. John S. Pemberton, owns and manages the business.

How did Coca-Cola impact society? ›

The Coca‑Cola system creates local jobs to make, distribute and sell our drinks that refresh local communities. “We are a global company, operating as a local business. This means we have a major local economic and employment multiplier effect in the communities we serve.

What is the history of Cola? ›

Cola is a carbonated soft drink flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, citrus oils, and other flavorings. Cola became popular worldwide after the American pharmacist John Stith Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, a trademarked brand, in 1886, which was imitated by other manufacturers.

What are the 5 important facts of Coca-Cola? ›

Fun Facts:
  • The name Coca-Cola refers to two of its original ingredients: coca leaves and kola nuts.
  • Coca-Cola was formerly sold as a nerve tonic medicine that “relieves exhaustion”
  • White co*ke was invented for a Russian general.
  • More than 10,000 Coca-Cola soft drinks are consumed globally per second.
Mar 7, 2024

What are some facts about the original Coca-Cola? ›

The Origin of Coca‑Cola

On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brought his perfected syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta where the first glass of Coca‑Cola was poured. Serving about nine drinks per day in its first year, Coca‑Cola was an exciting new drink in the beginning. See the story here of how it all began.

What was the first soda? ›

The first carbonated drink was discovered by accident, in springs of mineral water that were naturally infused with carbon dioxide, making the water bubbly. In 1767, Englishman Joseph Priestley found a way to reproduce the effect by infusing water with carbon dioxide.

What did Coca-Cola originally sell? ›

When it was first sold, Coca-Cola was in syrup form and mixed on premise; the bottling came later. It sold slowly at first, and unfortunately, Pemberton died in 1888 before he could see his creation really take off. After Pemberton died, Asa G. Candler took control of the company and ran it until 1916.

Is co*ke more successful than Pepsi? ›

Both companies have a large global presence, controlling several hundred brand names each. Since 2004, Coca-Cola Company has been the market leader, according to industry statistics. Pepsi ranks second, followed by Keurig Dr. Pepper.

Is 7up a co*ke product? ›

7 Up (stylized as 7up outside the United States) or Seven Up is an American brand of lemon-lime–flavored non-caffeinated soft drink. The brand and formula are owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, although the beverage is internationally distributed by PepsiCo.

Why has Coca-Cola been successful? ›

In summary, Coca-Cola's strong brand recognition, diversified product portfolio, global distribution network, effective advertising, and constant innovation, have all contributed to the company's profitability.

What was the purpose of Coca-Cola at the beginning? ›

Coca-Cola has retained many of its historical design features in modern glass bottles. Originally marketed as a temperance drink and intended as a patent medicine, Coca-Cola was invented in the late 19th century by John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia.

Which country owns Coca-Cola? ›

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational corporation founded in 1892. It produces Coca-Cola.

How was Coca-Cola first sold? ›

The origin of Coca‑Cola in the USA

On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton sold the first glass of Coca‑Cola at Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta. Serving nine drinks per day in its first year, Coca‑Cola was new refreshment in its beginning.

Who was the first person to bottle Coca-Cola? ›

The first person to bottle co*ke was Joseph A. Biedenharn, owner of a candy store in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Correctly determining that bottles could boost sales, Biedenharn put the drink into Hutchinson bottles, a common and reusable glass bottle that bore no resemblance to the modern co*ke bottle.

How much was the first glass of Coca-Cola? ›

Marker Text: The first glass of Coca-Cola was sold for five cents on May 8, 1886, at Jacobs' Pharmacy, a popular Atlanta soda fountain that was located on this corner.

Who discovered Coca-Cola drink? ›

The Origin of Coca‑Cola

On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brought his perfected syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta where the first glass of Coca‑Cola was poured. Serving about nine drinks per day in its first year, Coca‑Cola was an exciting new drink in the beginning. See the story here of how it all began.

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