About
The most famous beverage in history began as a headache remedy: in 1886, Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton brewed a caramel-colored syrup, mixed it with carbonated water, and sold it at a local soda fountain for five cents a glass. The 'secret formula' — locked in a vault and known to only a handful of people — became the foundation of a company whose red logo is recognized in virtually every country on earth. Coca-Cola's real innovation was not the drink but the system: instead of building all its own bottling plants, the company licensed bottlers around the world to manufacture and distribute its products, keeping the concentrate business (where the margins live) for itself. That franchise model let Coca-Cola scale globally at a speed no rival could match, and it still defines how the company operates — with about 225 bottling partners worldwide. Today the company sells over 200 brands — Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Minute Maid, Dasani, and dozens of local favorites — in more than 200 countries, with roughly 79,000 employees and annual revenue near US$46 billion. Its modern challenge is health: the company is steadily shifting its portfolio toward low- and no-sugar drinks, water, and tea, trying to keep the empire growing in an era when sugar is the enemy.
Also known as: Coca-Cola
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Coca-Cola manufactured?+
Coca-Cola was first manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where pharmacist John Stith Pemberton invented the syrup in 1886 and sold it at Jacobs' Pharmacy. Today The Coca-Cola Company produces concentrates and syrups in Atlanta and licenses bottling partners worldwide to manufacture and distribute finished beverages.
Who owns The Coca-Cola Company?+
The Coca-Cola Company is a publicly traded corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KO) and owned by its shareholders. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is one of its largest shareholders.
Where is Coca-Cola headquartered?+
The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Who founded Coca-Cola?+
Coca-Cola was created in 1886 by Atlanta pharmacist John Stith Pemberton. The Coca-Cola Company was incorporated in 1892 under Asa Griggs Candler, who bought the formula and built the global bottling system.
