More 100 years Coke’s billion dollar formula was remain secret for business arena. It is no more a mystery. Most valuable business know-how has been disclosed by the radio show “This American Life”. According to the show it has found the exact recipe for the world’s most selling and popular soft drink in a 1979 newspaper article.
The recipe:
Fluid extract of Coca: 3 drams USP
Citric acid: 3 oz
Caffeine: 1 oz
Sugar: 30 (unclear quantity)
Water: 2.5 gal
Lime juice: 2 pints, 1 quart
Vanilla: 1 oz
Caramel: 1.5 oz or more for color
The secret 7X flavor (use 2 oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol: 8 oz
Orange oil: 20 drops
Lemon oil: 30 drops
Nutmeg oil: 10 drops
Coriander: 5 drops
Neroli: 10 drops
Cinnamon: 10 drops
Pharmacist John Pemberton created the mysterious secret formula in 1886 widely called s “Merchandise 7X.” The host of the show said Atlanta Journal-Constitution, published the formula on page 28 in February 28, 1979 editions.
The whole world is obsessed in Coke but no one knows the secret ingredients. Then shrewd businessman Asa Griggs Candler bought the secrets formula from Pemberton in 1887 for $2,300. He kept the recipe for 7X in the vault in an Atlanta bank. For greater safety only two company employees knew about the secret ingredients and how they’re mixed at any given time.
Interestingly they never traveled together out of fear that a traveling accident might take both of their lives.
It will be very interesting to see how Coke’s deal with the issue. Many companies might introduce drinks with the same formula but different name. But it is also true that coke has created a strong faith to millions of people across the globe and it is a house hold name. Drinking coke is just a habit not drinks for thirst or appetite.