Bright and shining on the side of Young Brothers Pharmacy is the oldest building painting advertising Coca-Cola in the world. Painted by a cola syrup salesman in 1894, the sign was restored in 1989 and authenticated as being the oldest in 1994. In the small town of Cartersville, Georgia, this sign stands as a giant homage to the southern roots and lasting legacy of the world famous beverage.
Coca-Cola Facts
- Coca-Cola was invented by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886.
- Coca-Cola is sold in more than 200 countries worldwide and is considered the most recognizable brand in the world.
- On average, more than 10,000 Coca-Cola soft drinks are consumed every second of every day.
- Frank Robinson, John Pemberton’s bookkeeper came up with the name as well as the famous script lettering logo.
- Between 1886 and 1914, one in 10 Cokes was given away free as part of a promotional campaign.
- The modern version of Santa Clause is often credited to Coca-Cola advertising. Before the 1931 advertisement by illustrator Haddon Sundblom, Santa was often in blue, gold, green, or purple. He was also not always depicted as plump and jolly.
- The first Coca-Cola products did contain cocaine but only 9 milligrams (roughly) per glass, and it was was removed from the recipe in 1903.
- It is the most widely sold single product in the planet.
- Coca-Cola claims its name is the second most understood word in the world, behind the word OK.
- Coca-Cola has a product portfolio of more than 3,500 beverages and 500 different brands.
- Coke syrup is shipped to McDonald’s locations in stainless steel containers instead of the conventional plastic bags used by other vendors. The result is alleged to be freshest Coke available.
