sharing happiness since 1886
1886
the first taste
Coca‑Cola is first served at Jacobs’ Pharmacy on May 8, 1886. Nine drinks a day are sold during this year.
a name is born
Company accountant, Frank Robinson, names the drink “Coca‑Cola,” and thinking the two Cs would look well in advertising, pens the famous Spencerian script logo.
1899
now in bottles
Coca-Cola bottling begins when the first bottling contract is signed in 1899. "Hutchinson" style bottles are used for the product.
1900
celebrity endorsement
Music hall performer Hilda Clark becomes the first celebrity to appear in multiple advertising formats, including trays, posters and even bookmarks.
1915
the contour bottle
The Coca-Cola contour bottle prototype is designed by Alexander Samuelson
1921
year-round goodness
The first use of the slogan “Thirst Knows No Season” helps transition Coca‑Cola from a summer beverage to one enjoyed year-round
1929
fountain glass
The bell-shaped Coca‑Cola fountain glass debuts
1931
santa has a coke
Artist Haddon Sundblom creates his first illustration showing Santa Claus pausing for a Coke
1942
coke for short
The Sprite Boy character is introduced in advertising to convey the message that “Coca‑Cola” and “Coke” are two terms that reference the same product.
1947
metal disc
The red disc metal sign is introduced in diameters ranging from 12 to 48 inches.
1950
cover shot
Coca‑Cola becomes the first product to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
1960
available in cans
12-ounce cans for Coca-Cola are introduced
1963
swingin' the jingle
The “Things Go Better with Coke” advertising campaign begins. On the radio, pop singers like The Supremes, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Jan and Dean, Roy Orbison and The Coasters use their unique musical styles to swing the jingle.
1969
red and white
A new graphic look for the Coca‑Cola system is introduced, featuring a red-and-white color scheme and logo.
1971
buying the world a coke
"First introduced as a radio ad and later produced as a television commercial, “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” becomes an international hit and remains one of the most popular ads for Coca‑Cola."
1985
new vs. classic
The formula for Coca‑Cola is changed for the first time in 99 years. The product, popularly dubbed “New Coke,” generated consumer protest nationwide. Product made with the original formula, renamed “Coca‑Cola Classic,” is returned to the market 79 days later.
1993
polar bears arrive
The popular Coca‑Cola polar bears are introduced in the commercial “Northern Lights.”
