Guide Note

Coca-Cola is the world's most popular beverage and one of its largest companies.

Though thought of as an intensely American product, Coke licenses its beverages to local bottlers, who make products for 200 countries worldwide. Mexico drinks the most Coke per capita of any country. The Coke logo in its flowing script has become one of the world's most recognizable symbols.

Dr. John Stith Pemberton invented the original syrup for Coca-Cola in 1886. It was sold as a soda fountain drink. The product was eventually taken over by Asa Candler, a businessman who marketed the beverage heavily via advertising and free samples. In an effort to set it apart from its many imitators, the company developed the distinctive curved glass bottle in 1916. Coke in a metal can was introduced in 1960. Plastic bottles were first sold in 1977.

Coca-Cola and its various products have made an indelible mark on modern popular culture. Advertising, product placement, and general ubiquity have made the drink a fact of life.

Coke Fast Facts

1. Introduced: 1886
2. Invented by: John Pemberton
3. Per capita, Mexico consumes more Coke than any other country
4. 1.5 billion servings of Coke products are consumed every day

1. Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
2. Mailing address: The Coca-Cola Company, P.O. Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301
3. Stock symbol: KO
4. 2007 revenue: $28.9 billion

1. Diet Coke
2. Diet Coke Caffeine-Free
3. Cherry Coke
4. Vanilla Coke
5. Coca-Cola Zero

A 12 ounce can of Coke contains 140 calories, 0 grams of fat and 39 grams of sugar.