Coca-Cola is arguably the most well known soft-drink product in the entire world.  As a result of its popularity, it is easy to recognize the product’s distinct red label and white cursive script.  Coca-Cola’s current day success is largely due to the company’s successful marketing campaigns that have touched consumer through television, print, billboards and other mediums.

On this day, May 29th, in 1886, the first advertisement for Coca-Cola was placed in the Atlanta Journal by chemist John Pemberton.  Much removed from the soft drink beverage of today, the Coca-Cola advertised by Pemberton was a non-alcoholic version of a wine coca.  In early ads, Coca-Cola was advertised as an “invigorating” that could cure headaches and calm nerves.  By the 1890s, Coca-Cola had fully embraced the simple advertising slogan, “Drink Coca-Cola”

With famous spokesman, catchy slogans, product placement, holiday campaigns and sports sponsorship, Coca-Cola has had some of the most successful advertising of any company.  Since becoming a household name, many argue that Coca-Cola advertising has played a notable role in shaping American Culture.