Coca-Cola celebrates 120 years of inspiration

The celebration marked a journey that started on May 8, 1886 by a pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton who carried a jug of Coca-Cola syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta, where it was mixed with carbonated water and sold for five cents a glass.

From these humble beginnings 120 years ago, the Company has evolved from one product to more than 400 brands. It has grown from selling a modest 9 drinks a day in 1886 to more than 1.3 billion a day in 2006. And it has expanded from one city in one country to availability in more than 200 countries around the world, including countries across the Middle East Region.

Celebrating this very special occasion, employees of the Coca-Cola Middle East Region office, based in Bahrain, reflected on Coca-Cola's inspirational history and growth. Committed to offering a wide range of refreshing beverages to meet the ever changing needs of people of all ages and lifestyles, employees across all departments shared their success stories about: providing the best quality products, rolling-out innovative marketing ideas that connect with consumer passions, and implementing development projects that inspire communities where the company locally operates.

Throughout the years, Coca-Cola has made significant contributions to local communities across the Middle East. From employing local citizens; to making valuable investments; to enhancing educational standards; to promoting an active lifestyle by supporting sports initiatives, and finally to helping to preserve the environment, the company has always sought to act as a local citizen and inspire moments of optimism.

Looking back and forging ahead, Rafik El Toukhi, Region Manager for Coca-Cola Middle East expressed his appreciation to all the stakeholders, employees, suppliers, customers, consumers, and community partners that have made Coca-Cola the company it is today. He also expressed his commitment to continue inspiring moments of optimism through Coca-Cola's products and actions and to make a difference - everywhere it engages. 'As I look back on the companies achievements over the last 120 years, I take pride in the past and am confident of an exceptional and inspirational year ahead.'