Coca-Cola, established in 1886 by Dr. John Pemberton, transformed from a medicinal tonic to a leading global beverage brand over its 130-year history. After facing initial sales struggles, Asa Candler's innovative marketing strategies, including free samples, enabled rapid expansion and recognition, making Coca-Cola a household name. The company now boasts a revenue of $31.85 billion and is recognized by 94% of the world's population, solidifying its status as a leader in the beverage industry.