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Our History

On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton served the world’s first Coca‑Cola at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Ga. From that one iconic drink, we’ve evolved into a total beverage company.

More than 1.9 billion servings of our drinks are enjoyed in more than 200 countries each day. And it’s the 700,000 individuals employed by The Coca‑Cola Company and 225+ bottling partners that help to deliver refreshment across the globe.

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. See the story here of how it all began.

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Coca‑Cola's sustainability history

Since 1917, our efforts have covered water sustainability, women empowerment, community well-being, sustainable packaging, climate protection, human and workplace rights, and sustainable agriculture.

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Coca‑Cola’s First Bottle

The contour bottle has been celebrated in art, music and advertising. Read the story of the collaboration that began in 1915 and turned into one of the most famous shapes in the world.

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Santa Claus and Coca‑Cola

Seeking to create an advertising program that links Coca‑Cola with Christmas, artist Haddon Sundblom creates his first illustration showing Santa Claus pausing for a Coke. For the next three decades, from 1931 to 1964, Sundblom paints images of Santa that help to create the modern interpretation of St. Nick.

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Coca‑Cola System

We are a global business that operates on a local scale, in every community where we do business.

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Starting a Coca‑Cola Collection

Interested in starting a collection of your own Coca‑Cola memorabilia? Read former archivist Phil Mooney’s recommendations for building a Coca‑Cola collection.

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125 Years of Coca‑Cola Advertising

The remarkable story about the evolution of an iconic brand and the company that bears its name. Read about Coca‑Cola advertising, products, and major milestones throughout its unique history.

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