Coca-cola vs. Pepsi

With every good product comes a competitive force with a similar product in hopes of reaping a percentage of the benefits. Capitalists call this free competition; or in another words, the freedom to benefit monetarily by selling your goods or services. But enough on individual rights; examples of free competition encompass nearly every aspect of our lives. It allows you, as a citizen of the United States government, to freely purchase whichever product you prefer (excluding illegal that is). So which do you prefer, Coke or Pepsi products?

Coca-Cola is the largest beverage company in the entire world! Its very first product, invented in the 1880’s, is where it derives its namesake from. Since then, it has released over 400 brand names and serves them to over 200 countries. A few examples in each category are Full Throttle, Simply Orange, Fanta, PowerAde, and even Vitamin Water. They simply manufacture the syrup and distribute it, and allow bottling companies to sell the fill.

For Coca-Cola, Pepsi was its arch-evil nemesis. Invented only a decade later, it appears to control the rest of the beverage industry with products such as AMP Energy, Naked Juice, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and Propel Fitness Water. Aside from the southern headquarters Coca-Cola operates in Atlanta, Pepsi Co. resides in Purchase, NY. Is it possible to be drinking something that is not owned by Coca-Cola or Pepsi?

Though Coca-Cola remains the number one beverage provider in the world, Pepsi remains a rival only a few steps behind. In fact, this rivalry really blossomed in the late 80’s and 90’s when Pepsi advertising created the “Pepsi Challenge.” This marketing campaign targeted Coca-Cola and suggested that it threatened their sales. Before you knew it, each company was creating advertisement on television, radio, etc and sponsoring famous rock musicians to promote their campaigns and target young fans. It became known as the “Cola Wars.” Pepsi had Sierra Mist while Coca-Cola had Sprite. Low calories drinks such as Pepsi One were competing against Coca-Cola Zero.

For the past 5 minutes I have been trying to think of a beverage I love that is not owned by these two Fortune 500 corporations. While they battle for millions of dollars in profit, I would much rather be drinking goat’s milk than funding their charades. What are your ideas on the matter?

The Coca-Cola Company (2009). Retrieved Nov 02, 2009 from http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/index.html

Pepsi Company (2009) Retrieved Nov 02, 2009 from http://www.pepsico.com/index.html#/flash/sunchips_earthday.swf