FAQs
Heritage
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Who invented Coca-Cola?
Dr John S Pemberton invented Coca-Cola on 8 May 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia. He tried it out on customers at his local chemist, Jacobs' Pharmacy, where it proved so popular it immediately went on sale at five cents a glass. It was Dr Pemberton's friend and business partner, Frank M Robinson, who came up with the name Coca-Cola and wrote it out by hand in the Spencerian script that we still use as our logo. Learn more about the history of our company.
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Who designed the distinctive Coca-Cola bottle?
The Root Glass Company of Indiana created the famous Coca-Cola contoured bottle in 1915. It was designed to help Coca-Cola stand out from other drinks at the time, and the design brief was to ensure that the bottle was recognisable even in the dark, or if it was broken. Some people think the shape was inspired by a woman's body.
Whatever the inspiration for its shape, the Coca-Cola bottle later received a rare distinction for packaging when, in 1977, it was granted registration as a trademark by the United States Patent Office. It's a classic piece of packaging design that has stood the test of time. Learn more about the history of our company.
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Is it true that Cola-Cola started as a medicine?
Coca-Cola didn't start as a medicine but a doctor and pharmacist, Dr John S Pemberton, invented it in May 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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How did you come up with the white Coca-Cola swirl?
The white swirl - known as the Dynamic Ribbon - was part of a graphic re-design that we brought in at the end of 1969. The design for Coca-Cola in the 1970s was based on a bold, dramatic curve, reflecting the unique contour of the bottle. Learn more about the history of our company.
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When did Coca-Cola first arrive in the UK?
Coca-Cola first arrived here in 1900 when Charles Candler, son of The Coca-Cola Company founder Asa Candler, brought a jug of syrup with him on a visit from the US to England. It was first sold in the UK on 31 August 1900, but didn't go on sale regularly until the early 1920s, when it appeared at outlets around London including Selfridges and the London Coliseum. Learn more about the history of our company.
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Where can I get Coca-Cola merchandise/memorabilia?
Every year we have big, exciting promotions and giveaways* for everyone to get involved with - keep your eye out for collectibles like glasses or limited edition bottles. You can also order Coca-Cola goodies, such as T-shirts and furniture, from the US online.
For older Coca-Cola goods, check out online antiques retailers or the Coca-Cola Collectors Club* - also a good place to go if you already have a few treasured Coca-Cola possessions and want to know what they might be worth.
*By clicking external links you will leave the Coca-Cola GB site. Find out more
