-
Coca-Cola formula created by John Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia
Who sold it at drug store soda fountains as a “potion for mental and physical disorders” -
Pepsi-Cola was invented in New Bern, North Carolina, by pharmacist Caleb Bradham
-
Pepsi declared bankruptcy in 1932
-
Coke filed suit against Pepsi brand for trademark infrigement
Coke filed suit against Pepsi claiming that the Pepsi-Cola brand was an infringement on the Coca-Cola trademark. -
Pepsi’s lowered its price of its 12 oz bottle to a nickel
• During the Great Depression, Pepsi’s business began to pick up as it lowered its price of its 12 oz bottle to a nickel, the prices that Coke charged for a 6.5 oz bottle. -
Coke won exemptions from war time sugar rationing
• In 1942, Coke won exemptions from war time sugar rationing for production of beverages that it sold to the military or to retailers that served soldiers. Coke bottling plants followed the troops, and during the war set up 64 plants overseas. -
Coke: “America’s Prefered Taste”“No wonder Coke Refreshes Best”
• 1950’s- Coke began using advertising messages that included “America’s Prefered Taste”(1955) and “No wonder Coke Refreshes Best”(1960) -
Pepsi launched its “Pepsi Generation” marketing campaign
• In 1963, under the leadership of CEO Donald Kendall, Pepsi launched its “Pepsi Generation” marketing campaign, which targeted the “young and young at heart”. Narrowed the Coke-Pepsi lead to a 2-1 margin. -
Pepsi launched the “Pepsi Challenge” in Dallas Texas
1974- Pepsi launched the “Pepsi Challenge” in Dallas Texas. As Sales when up, Pepsi launched the Challenge nationwide. Coke countered with rebates, retail price cuts and a series of advertisements that questioned the tests validity. -
Pepsi passed Coke in food store sales for the first time
• In 1979, Pepsi passed Coke in food store sales for the first time, opening up at 1.4 share-point lead -
Coke switched from using sugar to using high-fructose corn syrup
• in 1980, Roberto Goizueta was named CEO of Coca-Cola and Don Keough became its president. That year Coke switched from using sugar to using high-fructose corn syrup, a lower priced alternative. (A move later imitated by Pepsi) -
Diet Coke was introduced
• in 1982, Diet Coke was introduced, as the first extension of the “Coke” brand name. “Most successful consumer product launch of the 80’s, despite reservation form many” -
Coke changed the 99-year-old Coca-Cola formula
1985, Coke announced that it had changed the 99-year-old Coca-Cola formula. Because of declingin sales and outcry from loyal consumers, 3 months later Coke brought back the original formula under the name Coca-Cola Classic -
Coke creates independent bottling subsidiary, CCE
• 1986- Coke creates independent bottling subsidiary, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), selling 51% of its shares to the public and retaining the rest -
Coke and Pepsi offered more than 10 major brands
• By 1990 both Coke and Pepsi introduced and offered more than 10 major brands and 17 or more container types -
Pepsi Bottling Group went public retaining 35% equity stake
• 1999 Pepsi Bottling Group went public retaining 35% equity stake -
Coke and Pepsi turned to alternatives
• 2004- Due of new federal nutrition guidelines and a growing public concern for diet and obesity, Coke and Pepsi turned to alternatives like low or no calories drinks and non-carbonated drinks -
Coke won the Subway account from Pepsi
• In 2004 Coke won the Subway account from Pepsi ( Subway was the largest account measured by outlets) -
Pepsi grabbed the Quiznos account from Coke
• In 2004, Pepsi grabbed the Quiznos account from Coke -
Coke retained exclusivity deals with Burger King and McDonalds
• In 2005 ,Coke retained exclusivity deals with fast food giants Burger King and McDonalds (the largest national account in terms of sales) -
Pepsi supplied all Taco bell, KFC and most Pizza Hut restaurants
• In 2005, Pepsi supplied all Taco bell, KFC and most Pizza Hut restaurants
