Coke and chinese herbs: Birth of a refreshing idea
October 24, 2007
The Coca Cola Company is branching out into the possibility of developing health drinks with the opening of a research center at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing.
Among the chinese herbs and traditional chinese medicine formulas of interest are chrysanthemum and myrobalan, a prune-like fruit rich in antioxidants. The new research center is housed within the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, the national center for research, health care and education in traditional Chinese medicine.
The Coca Cola Company’s Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness research group has been in operation since 2004. Coca Cola, or globally recognized simply as Coke, was first introduced as a patent medicine in syrup form in 1886 by an American pharmacist John Stith Pemberton. Carbonated water was added to create a soda fountain drink. Coca leaves gave the beverage a stimulant quality.
The first year Coca-Cola was sold, sales averaged a mere nine drinks per day. Over the next several years, Pemberton sold his interest in the business to several different business partners, and shortly before his death in 1888, the remaining interest to Asa G. Candler. Eventually, Candler gained complete control of Coca Cola.
Today, in addition to the original Coke that made them world-famous, the Coca Cola Company products include energy drinks, juices, juice drinks, soft drinks, sports drinks, tea, coffee and water.
As consumer interest in food and drinks that provide health benefits continues, and an avoidance for those food and drinks that do not, those who sell food and beverages will aim to provide what the market demands.