She Took the Job for the Money and Lost Herself

Pepsi-Cola is one of the world's most popular and well-known soft drink brands. It has a long and fascinating history spanning over a century.

 

Today, Pepsi-Cola is a global brand synonymous with youth, energy, and refreshment. Its success can be attributed to its innovative marketing campaigns, commitment to quality, and willingness to adapt to changing consumer tastes.

 

Pepsi-Cola has come a long way from humble beginnings as Brad's drink. It has survived two world wars, recessions, and fierce competition from Coca-Cola.

 

In our Great Corporation Series, Heraldviewws takes you on a short journey through the history of Pepsi-Cola, from its humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today.

 

  Birth of Pepsi-Cola

Pepsi-Cola was created in 1898 by a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham. Bradham owned a drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina, where he made various formulas. Including digestive aids, which he called "Brad's drink."Brad's drink was a mixture of carbonated water, sugar, vanilla, rare he oil, pepsin, and cola his nuts. It was highly praised for its refreshing taste and health benefits and was well received by customers.

 

In 1902, Bradham renamed his drink Pepsi-Cola and began selling it in drugstores. The name Pepsi-Cola comes from its two main ingredients: pepsin and cola nut. Bradham believed the drink aided digestion and boosted energy levels.

 

 

The Early Years

Pepsi-Cola's popularity grew rapidly, and by 1904, Bradham had registered the trademark for the drink. He also began bottling and selling it in other drugstores and soda fountains in North Carolina.

 

In 1905, Bradham incorporated the Pepsi-Cola Company and moved its headquarters to New York City. He also hired a team of salesmen to promote the drink to retailers and consumers. By 1910, Pepsi-Cola was being sold in 24 states, and the company's annual sales had reached $100,000.

 

 The Pepsi Challenge

Despite its growing popularity, Pepsi-Cola was still overshadowed by its main competitor, Coca-Cola. In 1975, Pepsi-Cola launched a bold marketing campaign called the "Pepsi Challenge." The campaign included a blind-tasting test of Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola, asking consumers to try both drinks and choose which one they prefer. The taste test results surprised many, as the majority of consumers preferred the taste of Pepsi-Cola to Coca-Cola. contributed.

 

 The Cola War

The success of the Pepsi Challenge led to a fierce rivalry between Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola known as the Cola Wars. Both companies spent millions of dollars in marketing and advertising to convince consumers. 

 

In 1985, Pepsi-Cola launched a new marketing campaign called "The Choice of a New Generation" featuring pop star Michael Jackson. The campaign was a huge success, and Pepsi-Cola became the favorite drink of young people.

The Modern Era

In the 1990s, Pepsi-Cola continued to innovate and expand its product line. It introduced new flavors, such as Cherry Pepsi and Pepsi Max, and began marketing itself as a lifestyle brand.

 

In 1996, Pepsi-Cola merged with Frito-Lay to form PepsiCo, creating a global powerhouse in the food and beverage industry.

 

Today, PepsiCo is one of the largest companies in the world, with a diverse portfolio of products that includes Pepsi-Cola, Frito-Lay snacks, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices, and Quaker Oats cereals, among others.