Among the biggest challenges for early bottlers, were imitations of the beverage by competitors coupled with a lack of packaging consistency among the 1,000 bottling plants at the time. The bottlers agreed that a distinctive beverage needed a standard and distinctive bottle, and in 1916, the bottlers approved the unique contour bottle. The new Coca Cola bottle was so distinctive it could be recognized in the dark and it effectively set the brand apart from competition. The contoured Coca Cola bottle was trademarked in 1977. Over the years, the Coca Cola bottle has been inspiration for artists across the globe — a sampling of which can be viewed at the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta. Check out a preview of the latest art exhibit.
The first marketing efforts in Coca Cola history were executed through coupons promoting free samples of the beverage. Considered an innovative tactic back in 1887, couponing was followed by newspaper advertising and the distribution of promotional items bearing the Coca Cola script to participating pharmacies.
Fast forward to the 1970s when Coca Cola’s advertising started to reflect a brand connected with fun, friends and good times. Many fondly remember the 1971 Hilltop Singers performing “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”, or the 1979 “Have a Coke and a Smile” commercial featuring a young fan giving Pittsburgh Steeler, “Mean Joe Greene”, a refreshing bottle of Coca Cola. You can enjoy these and many more advertising campaigns from around the world in the Perfect Pauses Theater at the World of Coca Cola.