Sunday, November 13, 2011

COKE VS. PEPSI: The Amazing Story Behind The Infamous Cola Wars


COKE VS. PEPSI: The Amazing Story Behind The Infamous Cola Wars

 

soda wars coca cola pepsi

 

The rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi is legendary. Although the feud really heated up with the Pepsi Challenge in 1975 —which prompted Coca-Cola's horrific New Coke debacle — the brands have been fighting each other for more than a century. 

And not just about product development. Things occasionally get personal, which sometimes resonates in their marketing. Earlier this year, Pepsi went after Coke's famed mascots, the polar bears and Santa. 

The feud has even moved into outer space and raged over social media. 

So how'd it become this way?

The folks at CnnTees put together an amazing infographic entitled "The Soda Wars" that includes everything you'd ever want to know about the history of Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Take a look:


The saga began in 1886, when John S. Pemberton developed the original recipe for Coke. Here's what was in it:

The saga began in 1886, when John S. Pemberton developed the original recipe for Coke. Here's what was in it:

Image: CnnTees

Pepsi-Cola was created in 13 years later by pharmacist Caleb Bradham

Pepsi-Cola was created in 13 years later by pharmacist Caleb Bradham

Image: CnnTees

Coca-Cola was already selling a million gallons per year by the time Pepsi came to be

Coca-Cola was already selling a million gallons per year by the time Pepsi came to be

Image: CnnTees

Coke developed its iconic contour bottle, got big name endorsements and expanded to Europe. Meanwhile, Pepsi went bankrupt because of WWI

Coke developed its iconic contour bottle, got big name endorsements and expanded to Europe. Meanwhile, Pepsi went bankrupt because of WWI

Image: CnnTees

Pepsi went bankrupt again eight years later, but this time it rebounded

Pepsi went bankrupt again eight years later, but this time it rebounded

Image: CnnTees

During WWII, Pepsi amped up its advertising and started selling its drink in cans

During WWII, Pepsi amped up its advertising and started selling its drink in cans

Image: CnnTees

In the 50s, Coke ads started hitting TV, while Pepsi rebranded to try to keep up

Image: CnnTees

Coke decided to go public in 1962, on the heels of its launch of Sprite, which would become one of its most successful brands

Coke decided to go public in 1962, on the heels of its launch of Sprite, which would become one of its most successful brands

Image: CnnTees

Pepsi merged with Frito Lay in the mid-60s to create PepsiCo, setting the stage for the war today. Diet drinks popped up too, creating a whole new soda segment

Pepsi merged with Frito Lay in the mid-60s to create PepsiCo, setting the stage for the war today. Diet drinks popped up too, creating a whole new soda segment

Image: CnnTees

Here are their stock values over the years. Pepsi's successful foray into the snack food biz with Frito Lay have helped it significantly, especially in the past decade. Meanwhile, Coke has stayed strictly in beverages

Here are their stock values over the years. Pepsi's successful foray into the snack food biz with Frito Lay have helped it significantly, especially in the past decade. Meanwhile, Coke has stayed strictly in beverages

Image: CnnTees

Here are some of Coke's biggest brands -- 15 of them have reached $1 billion or more in retail sales

Here are some of Coke's biggest brands -- 15 of them have reached $1 billion or more in retail sales

Image: CnnTees

Though Pepsi's beverage brands may not be as strong, its snack food business is enormous

Though Pepsi's beverage brands may not be as strong, its snack food business is enormous

Image: CnnTees

Coke has a big lead in cola market share over Pepsi, but Pepsi's multiple business lines haul in more cash

Coke has a big lead in cola market share over Pepsi, but Pepsi's multiple business lines haul in more cash

Image: CnnTees

Each brand has had a brigade of celebrities on their side. Here are some famous faces that endorsed Coke:

Each brand has had a brigade of celebrities on their side. Here are some famous faces that endorsed Coke:

Image: CnnTees

And Pepsi:

And Pepsi:

Image: CnnTees

Both brands have made tons of changes to their logos throughout their histories. Neither look anything like they did originally

Both brands have made tons of changes to their logos throughout their histories. Neither look anything like they did originally

Image: CnnTees

They've both embraced the digital world as social media gets bigger and bigger -- but Coke seems to be faring better thus far

They've both embraced the digital world as social media gets bigger and bigger -- but Coke seems to be faring better thus far


 
 

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