U.S. corporation known for manufacturing the syrup and concentrate for the soft drink Coca-Cola, the most popular branded drink in the world.
Coca-Cola was invented as a tonic by an Atlanta, Ga., pharmacist, John S. Pemberton (183188); it included cocaine (removed in 1905) and caffeine-rich extracts of the kola nut . Another Atlanta pharmacist, Asa Griggs Candler (18511929), acquired the formula and in 1892 founded the Coca-Cola Co., which he built into a commercial empire. Candler saw the product as syrup to be combined with carbonated water at a soda fountain; he did not anticipate the success of the bottled product, and as a result bottling operations were run by franchisees. After World War II the company began to manufacture other beverages, and in the early 21st century its product line included root beer, bottled water, juices, and sports drinks. Its corporate headquarters are in Atlanta.