Corona (soft drink)

Corona was a brand of carbonated soft drink that was popular in the United Kingdom during the 20th century. Originating from Wales, the brand became well-known for its range of fruity flavors and its distinctive glass bottles, which were returnable for a small deposit. Corona Soft Drinks was established in the early 1900s and quickly became a household name, with its slogan "Every bubble's passed its FIZZical!"

History

The Corona brand was founded by William Evans and his family in 1895 in Porth, Rhondda Valley, Wales. Initially, the company focused on brewing and selling ginger beer, but it soon expanded its product range to include a variety of flavored soft drinks. The brand's popularity soared in the mid-20th century, thanks in part to its innovative home delivery service, which allowed customers to have Corona soft drinks delivered directly to their doorsteps in the iconic glass bottles.

Products

Corona offered a wide range of flavors, including traditional favorites such as Lemonade, Orangeade, and Cream Soda, as well as more unique offerings like Dandelion & Burdock and Cherryade. The drinks were known for their vibrant colors, sweet taste, and the effervescence of their carbonation.

Marketing and Distribution

Corona's marketing strategies were ahead of their time, with the brand utilizing colorful advertisements, catchy jingles, and a fleet of bright yellow delivery trucks to become a familiar presence across the UK. The returnable bottle system not only encouraged recycling long before it became a global concern but also fostered a sense of community through the shared experience of collecting and returning bottles for a refund.

Decline and Legacy

Despite its popularity, the brand faced challenges in the late 20th century from larger soft drink companies and changing consumer preferences. The introduction of plastic bottles and cans, along with the decline of the home delivery service model, led to a decrease in Corona's market share. The brand was eventually acquired by the Britvic company in the 1980s, and the Corona name was phased out.

Today, Corona is remembered fondly by those who grew up with the brand, and its bottles, advertisements, and memorabilia are considered collectibles. The story of Corona Soft Drinks serves as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era of British beverage history.

See Also

• Soft drink
• History of soft drinks
• Recycling
• Britvic