The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta can feel like a big advert at times. But there’s some fascinating history and a big tasting session packed in.
World of Coca-Cola review, summarised
- The museum covers the history of Coca-Cola.
- The presentation feels like a big advert at times.
- Marketing is the secret of Coca-Cola’s success.
- The highlight is tasting more than 100 Coca-Cola products at the end.
- But Sunfill Menthe is revolting.
To book World of Coca-Cola tickets, head here.
For a more detailed review, read on.
Sunfill Menthe at the World of Coca-Cola
If John Pemberton had come up with Sunfill Menthe, apparently a popular soft drink sold in Djibouti, it’s fair to say it wouldn’t have made him much money. It is a thoroughly revolting drink, tasting at best like diluted mouthwash.
But then again, the drink Pemberton did invent – which became a global behemoth – didn’t make him a fortune either. And you learn both of these things at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta.
The World of Coca-Cola museum experience
As museum experiences go, it is often hideous – a barrage of hagiographic advertising, accompanied by someone shouting “when I say Coca, you say Cola” far, far too often. But in amongst that there is the genuinely fascinating (if somewhat sanitised) tale of how a drink concocted in a pharmacy basement conquered the world.
The history of Coca-Cola
The birthplace of Coca-Cola was Jacob’s Pharmacy at 107 Marietta Street. Pemberton didn’t just invent a new drink back on May 8th, 1868 – he invented a whole new category of drink. But he wasn’t exactly a marketing genius. In the first year, he sold an average of nine drinks a day, and by 1891, he’d sold the formula and rights to the much savvier Asa Griggs Candler for $23,000. The next year, Candler formed the Coca-Cola company and set the steamroller running.
The secret to success: Marketing
While the initial marketing focused on Coca-Cola’s unique taste, what mattered was the amount of marketing. It was an absolute deluge, as Candler made sure he got the drink into soda fountains everywhere, and continually reminded people to try it. The logo was put on everything – key chains, calendars, bottle openers and bookmarks, to the point where Coca-Cola was increasingly difficult to avoid.
Even the six pack – now a bog standard thing for most soft drinks – was created with marketing in mind. The idea was that it was one for each member of the family – father, mother, three kids and mother-in-law.
Coca-Cola and World War II
This continued long after the company was sold for $25 million in 1919. Sponsoring the Olympics started in 1928, and even World War II became an opportunity. Five billion bottles were sent to GIs during the war for a nickel each, and 64 complete bottling plants were prefabricated and sent to Europe, Africa and the Pacific.
Nowadays, Coca-Cola is much bigger than just one drink – the company produces more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Some are well known – Fanta, Sprite, Powerade – but not necessarily immediately associated with the same company.
Tasting more than 100 Coca-Cola products
Others, however, are more obscure, and that’s where the real fun comes in. The last stop on the walk through the World of Coca-Cola is the giant tasting room, with more than 100 products to try. Many are only sold in certain regions, such as the red berry-flavoured and quite horrible Viva from Moldova. Bonaga Apfel-Birne from Germany should be nicer, given it combines pear and apple flavours.
But others are unexpected hits. Fanta Wild Cherry from North America? Pretty tasty. Hibiscus-flavoured Jamaica & Nada from Mexico? Surprisingly delicious. Just don’t pour too big a glass of the Sunfill Menthe…
Booking World of Coca-Cola tickets
Tickets for the World of Coca-Cola cost $25.05. You can book them online here.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission.
