COCA COLA Coca-Cola is one of the worlds most recognised brand names.

Every second of every day, 13,000 people drink a bottle of coke! But this popular drink has surprisingly humble origins.

In May 1886, Doctor John Pemberton, a pharmacist in the USA, created the Coca-Cola syrup recipe in a three-legged brass kettle in his back garden. Sales of the carbonated soft drink did not go well at first. Sales in the first year averaged only nine drinks a day. As a result, Dr Pemberton made a 40% loss. His sales at $50 were less than his expenses of $70!

The famous Coca-Cola logo was created by John Pembertons bookkeeper, Frank Robinson. The catchy name and cursive writing, which was popular at that time, remains one of the most recognised trademarks in the world today.

Dr Pemberton never realised the potential of his new drink and gradually sold off shares in his business. He finally sold his remaining interest in the company to businessman Asa Griggs Candler, just before he died in 1888. Candler decided to take Coca-Cola to every corner of the United States. He succeeded this in less than 10 years. Today, coke remains the number one brand in the world soft-drink market.

The Coca-Cola Company has, on occasion, introduced other cola drinks under the Coke brand name. The most common of these is Diet Coke, with others including Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola, Diet Coke Caffeine-Free, Coca-Cola Cherry,Coca-Cola Zero, Coca-Cola Vanilla, and special versions with lemon, lime or coffee. The strategy Candler used to market his drinks was not just directed at soda fountains, but on a much bigger scale - by selling the Coca-Cola syrup to bottling companies which were licensed to sell the drink by its brand and packaging. Soon, Coca-Cola reached every corner of the world!