Caleb Bradham

Caleb Davis Bradham (May 27, 1867 – February 19, 1934) was an American pharmacist and is best known for creating the soft drink Pepsi-Cola. He was born in Chinquapin, North Carolina, and later moved to New Bern, North Carolina, where he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before dropping out due to financial hardships. Bradham eventually completed his education at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Following his graduation, he returned to New Bern and purchased a drug store, which he named "Bradham's Drug Store."

Early Life and Education

Caleb Bradham was born to George Washington Bradham and Julia McCann in Chinquapin, North Carolina. He initially pursued a career in medicine by enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. However, due to financial constraints, Bradham was unable to complete his studies there. Determined to pursue a career in pharmacy, he later attended the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1890.

Career

After acquiring his pharmacy degree, Bradham returned to New Bern and bought a drug store. It was in this drug store that he invented a new drink in 1893, which he initially called "Brad's Drink." This beverage was a mixture of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and other natural additives. Bradham believed that his drink was not only refreshing but also a digestive aid and marketed it as a healthy cola to aid in digestion.

In 1898, Bradham renamed his drink "Pepsi-Cola," a name derived from the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe. He patented the drink in 1903 and registered the Pepsi-Cola trademark. Bradham's business initially flourished, and he began selling Pepsi-Cola syrup to other pharmacies and soda fountains.

Pepsi-Cola Company

Encouraged by the success of his drink, Bradham founded the Pepsi-Cola Company in 1902 and began bottling the beverage for wider distribution. The company saw rapid growth, and by 1910, there were over 250 bottling franchises across the United States. However, the fluctuating sugar prices due to World War I severely impacted the cost of production, leading to financial difficulties for the company.

In 1923, Bradham declared bankruptcy and sold the Pepsi-Cola trademark and formula to Craven Holding Corporation. Despite his financial setbacks, Bradham continued to work in his drug store until his death in 1934.

Legacy

Caleb Bradham's creation, Pepsi-Cola, has grown into one of the world's most recognizable and successful soft drink brands. His innovative approach to beverage creation and marketing left a lasting impact on the soft drink industry. Today, PepsiCo, the corporation that owns Pepsi-Cola, is a global leader in the food and beverage industry.

Death

Caleb Bradham died on February 19, 1934, in New Bern, North Carolina. His contributions to the soft drink industry are still remembered, and his legacy lives on through the global brand of Pepsi-Cola.