RC Cola

Claud A. Hatcher

Jersey Shore, PA (3873481401)

Louisville, Georgia Commercial Historic District (35)

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RC Cola ad in Margilan, Uzbekistan

RC Cola, also known as Royal Crown Cola, is a carbonated soft drink that has been a significant part of the beverage industry since its inception in 1905. Originating in the United States, RC Cola has grown to become a popular brand globally, known for its unique taste and history of innovation in the soft drink market.

History

RC Cola was developed by pharmacist Claud A. Hatcher in Columbus, Georgia, as a response to the high cost of purchasing syrup from a national cola company. Hatcher decided to create his own line of beverages, leading to the birth of the Royal Crown line of products. The first cola product, Chero-Cola, was introduced in 1910, and by the 1930s, the company had been renamed Nehi Corporation due to the popularity of its Nehi fruit-flavored sodas. In 1934, the company introduced Royal Crown Cola, which would eventually become known simply as RC Cola.

Product Development and Innovations

Over the years, RC Cola has been at the forefront of innovation in the soft drink industry. It was the first brand to sell soft drinks in a can and the first to introduce a low-calorie diet cola, Diet Rite, in 1958. Additionally, RC Cola was one of the first to offer a caffeine-free cola, RC 100, in the 1980s.

Marketing and Expansion

RC Cola has employed various marketing strategies throughout its history, including celebrity endorsements and participation in motorsports. Despite facing stiff competition from larger cola brands, RC Cola has maintained a loyal customer base through its unique flavor profile and nostalgic appeal. The brand has also expanded internationally, with a significant presence in countries outside the United States.

Current Status

Today, RC Cola is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, following a series of acquisitions and mergers involving its parent companies. The brand continues to be a favorite among cola enthusiasts around the world, offering a range of products including the original RC Cola, Diet RC, and Cherry RC, among others.

Cultural Impact

RC Cola has made a notable impact on popular culture, particularly in the southern United States, where it has been embraced as a regional favorite. It has also been mentioned in various songs, movies, and TV shows, further cementing its status as an iconic American brand.

See Also

• Soft drink
• Cola
• Diet Rite
• Keurig Dr Pepper

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