Many social media posts claim that Coca-Cola sold only 25 bottles in its first year, often shared as a motivational anecdote for business professionals. In reality, this number is greatly exaggerated. Coca-Cola most likely sold far more, but the truth about its early days is still an interesting lesson in business persistence.
Coca-Cola’s Humble Beginnings
Coca-Cola was created in 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist. The beverage was initially served in glasses, not bottles, and sold at five cents per glass. During its first year, sales averaged about nine servings per day in Atlanta, according to the official World of Coca-Cola, website.
Even though Coca-Cola did sell more than 25 bottles, the business was far from an instant success. Pemberton reportedly made around $50 in his first year while spending $70 on advertising, showing that early financial results were modest at best.
The Transition to Bottled Coca-Cola
In 1894, Joseph Biedenharn, a soda fountain owner in Mississippi, installed bottling machinery to make Coca-Cola portable. This allowed people to take the drink home, increasing its popularity. Large-scale bottling only became possible five years later, helping Coca-Cola grow into the global brand it is today.
Lessons from Coca-Cola’s Early Struggles
Coca-Cola’s journey shows that even the world’s most iconic brands often start small and struggle financially. It took years of effort, persistence, and smart business decisions for Coca-Cola to become the household name we know today.
This story serves as a reminder for entrepreneurs and dreamers: overnight success is rare. Early setbacks are part of the process, and consistent effort can eventually lead to remarkable results.
