‘Vault of the Secret Formula’ sees Coke reveal secret recipe
Coke chairman and CEO, Muhtar Kent, said: "By sharing this secret formula experience with our consumers, we celebrate both the rich history of the brand's beginnings and the moments of refreshment and happiness to come for future generations.
“This is yet another way we are recognizing and thanking everyone around the world who has made theCoca-Cola brand what it is today."
A new permanent exhibition called (perhaps predictably) ‘The Vault of the Secret Formula’, opened yesterday, but the recipe will still not be publicised.
Colourful history
Dr. John S Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in 1886, and the formula was kept as a closely guarded secret, only shared via word of mouth.
In 1891, Asa Candler became the sole proprietor of Coca-Cola, but in 1919 Ernest Woodruff headed an investor group that bought out the company.
To fund the purchase he asked Candler’s son to write the formula down, so it could serve as collateral for an associated loan.
Thereafter, the formula was kept in the Guaranty Bank in New York until the loan was repaid in 1925.
Thereafter, Woodruff moved the formula and placed it in a vault at the Trust Company Bank in Atlanta (now SunTrust).
