Coca-Cola: From Iconic Brands to Different Can Sizes
Coca-Cola is a household name. With over 130 years of history, the brand has gone through a number of packaging changes to cater to the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of its consumers.
From soda fountains to aluminum cans, Coca-Cola has come a long way. In this article, we will delve into the various dimensions of the Coke can, discuss the history of Coca-Cola packaging, list the soft drink brands under Coca-Cola, and shed light on the different Coke can sizes between countries.
Coke Can Dimensions
The Coke can has become an iconic symbol of the brand. The standard 12-fluid-ounce can has a diameter of 2.60 inches and a height of 4.83 inches.
These dimensions have remained constant for decades. However, in recent years, Coke has introduced a tall, slim can that measures 2.25 inches in width and 6.125 inches in height.
This can size was launched to cater to the health-conscious population that wants to reduce their calorie intake. The tall, slim can is available in the Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite variants.
On the other hand, Coke has also introduced a mini-can that contains 7.5 fluid ounces. The mini-can is perfect for those who want to indulge in a guilt-free Coke break.
However, Coke’s decision to introduce mini-cans and smaller bottle sizes stems from the sugar tax imposed by certain countries. This tax has pushed the brand to reduce the sugar content in its products and introduce smaller serving sizes.
An 8-fluid-ounce and an 8.5-fluid-ounce bottle are also present in the market. In South Africa, Coke has taken a bold step by reducing the size of its can from 440 milliliters to 330 milliliters.
This change was made to comply with the sugar tax imposed by the government. The previous 440-milliliter can had 39 grams of sugar, whereas the new 330-milliliter can contains only 29 grams of sugar.
This reduction in can size has caused an uproar among South Africans, some of whom are unhappy with the change.
Different Can Sizes Between Countries
Coke’s can size varies from country to country. In the UAE, Coke cans come in different sizes, ranging from 150 milliliters to 355 milliliters.
In Japan, small can sizes are popular, and Coke comes in 160-milliliter and 250-milliliter cans. In Botswana, Coca-Cola cans are only available in 330 milliliters.
In Canada, South Korea, Zambia, and Namibia, Coke cans are only available in 12-fluid-ounce sizes. However, in North America, Coke cans are available in 12-fluid-ounce cans and 16-fluid-ounce cans.
History of Coke Packaging
The journey of Coca-Cola packaging began in the early days of the brand. The first Coca-Cola drink was sold in a pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886.
The syrup was mixed with seltzer water, and the drink was served in a glass. The first contour bottle was introduced in 1916 and was designed to distinguish Coca-Cola from other sodas in the market.
The bottle’s curves and grooves were meant to mimic the curves of a woman’s figure. In 1955, the first Coca-Cola can was introduced.
It was initially sold in soda fountains and vending machines. The Coke can’s design has gone through several changes over the years, from a flat-looking can to the modern, sleek design we know today.
In the late 1960s, Coca-Cola introduced the “ring pull” can. The ring pull can was a more convenient way to open the can, eliminating the need for a can opener.
Soft Drink Brands under Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola owns several soft drink brands in addition to the Coca-Cola Classic and Diet Coke. These brands include Appletiser, Barqs Root Beer, Fanta, Fresca, Schweppes, and Sprite.
Appletiser is a sparkling apple juice and is available in several flavors, including Apple, Apple & Pomegranate, and Apple & Passionfruit. Barqs Root Beer has a unique taste and is a favorite among root beer enthusiasts.
Fanta is popular for its fruity flavors, which include Orange, Strawberry, Pineapple, Grape, and Mango. Fresca is a citrus-flavored soda that has zero calories.
Schweppes offers several flavors of tonic water and ginger ale. Sprite is a lemon-lime flavored soda that has been around since 1961.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coke cans have come in different sizes to cater to a wider range of consumers’ preferences. The brand has had a rich history of packaging, and each change has generated massive interest among its consumers.
The introduction of the slim, tall cans, mini-cans, and smaller bottles has come in response to the sugar tax trend, and Coca-Cola has been quick to adhere to regulations forced upon the brand. Coca-Cola continues to reign as the king of sodas, and its innovative packaging solutions keep consumers anticipating what’s next in store.
Classic Coca-Cola Fountains
Coca-Cola is not only recognized for its iconic glass bottle and the sleek, aluminum can; the drink has also been enjoyed from classic Coca-Cola fountains for over 130 years. A fountain drink is soda prepared and poured directly from a dispenser in a single serving.
Customers can witness their drink being made before their eyes and enjoy the unique taste consistency, making the fountain drink a timeless classic. The history of Coca-Cola fountains dates back to the brand’s inception.
John Pemberton, the man who invented Coca-Cola, first sold the drink at soda fountains in Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta. In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, Coca-Cola fountains were the only way to consume the beverage as bottled sodas were not yet popularized.
Fountains remained the preferred way of pouring a Coca-Cola until bottled and canned sodas were created. Eventually, consumers began buying Coca-Cola bottles and cans, creating an increase in demand for the portable form of the soda.
Nonetheless, the demand for classic Coca-Cola fountains remains to this day. Unlike bottles and cans, which have pre-set measurements and are prepared in advance, every fountain drink is poured and prepared fresh, assuring a refreshing, high-quality taste every time.
This dining experience appeals to many people because they are interested in seeing their drinks being made and poured right in front of them.
Making a Coke Can
The basic composition of a Coke can consists of new aluminum and sometimes recycled aluminum, which is made from the Bauxite ore mined in various countries. Aluminum provides the can’s structure, and other ingredients like iron, manganese, and other trace minerals are added to the aluminum to offer extra strength.
The chosen mix of alloys is fed through an extrusion press – the process where aluminum is squeezed through a mold known as a dye – that creates a block. This block is further sliced, stretched, and heated to make it easier to work with before pressing it onto a stamping press to cut it out and create its shape.
Afterward, the coke can takes a washing, rinsing, and drying step to remove the various chemicals and germs. These cans are washed multiple times to remove any contaminating elements such as coliform bacteria, which are responsible for causing illness.
Once cleaned and dried, the cans get coated in a varnish layer and decorated with paint, paper, and other finishes before being filled with the soda. In conclusion, whether one prefers the classic Coca-Cola fountain beverage or an ice-cold can of Coke, they can enjoy the legendary Coca-Cola taste.
The creation of these timeless classics involves careful consideration of the various aspects that go into making the perfect serving of Coke. From the first drop of syrup in the fountain to the sealing of the can with liquid nitrogen, the Coca-Cola team takes the utmost care in creating a unique and consistent taste that has become a household name.
In summary, Coca-Cola has an extensive history of innovation with its packaging, from its classic glass bottles and fountain drinks to its modern-day aluminum cans, in various sizes. The distinct flavor and quality of the drink are a result of thorough procedures taken to maintain consistency, regardless of how it’s served.
Furthermore, the brand’s commitment to using sustainable materials in its products has made Coca-Cola a frontrunner in environmental responsibility. Overall, Coca-Cola continues to be a beverage of choice for many consumers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the dimensions of a standard 12-fluid-ounce Coke can?
A: The standard Coke can is 2.60 inches in diameter and 4.83 inches in height. 2.
Why has Coke introduced smaller can sizes, such as mini-cans and 8-fluid-ounce bottles?
A: The introduction of smaller sizes is a response to sugar tax trends in certain countries and consumer demand for guilt-free alternatives.
3. Are Coke cans made of recycled aluminum or new aluminum?
A: Coke cans consist mainly of new aluminum, but sometimes recycled aluminum is also used in their production. 4.
How are Coke cans cleaned before soda is filled into them?
A: Before the soda is poured, Coke cans go through a washing, rinsing, and drying process to remove any contaminants and germs.
5. What are the other brands that Coca-Cola owns?
A: Coca-Cola owns several other brands including but not limited to Appletiser, Barqs Root Beer, Diet Coke, Fanta, Fresca, Schweppes, and Sprite.