Pepsi is a widely-known soda brand, but how many students know about the history of the company? Teaching students about the origin of Pepsi can not only be a fun and interesting lesson, but it also provides valuable information about marketing, business, and innovation.

When discussing the history of Pepsi, it is important to start at the beginning. Pepsi was first invented by Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist from North Carolina, in 1893. Initially called “Brad’s Drink,” it was a mix of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and other ingredients. Bradham believed this drink would aid digestion and boost energy. Brad’s Drink became so popular that, in 1898, he renamed it Pepsi-Cola and formed the Pepsi-Cola Company.

The first Pepsi-Cola logo was a script created by Bradham himself. However, in 1905, the company hired a graphic artist to create a new logo with a circular design known as the Pepsi Globe. The new logo incorporated red, white, and blue, which represented the colors of the American flag.

In the 1960s, Pepsi introduced the “Pepsi Generation” campaign. The company marketed itself as the drink of young, hip, and fun-loving people. The campaign helped Pepsi compete with Coca-Cola, which was the dominant soda brand at the time. Pepsi also became famous for its celebrity endorsements, like Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.

Today, Pepsi is a well-known brand, selling its products in over 200 countries. Pepsi has earned a reputation for being innovative, introducing new flavors like Cherry Pepsi and Mountain Dew Code Red.

One way to teach students about the history of Pepsi is by assigning research projects or creating presentations. Students can dive into the history of Pepsi-Cola, the company’s advertisements, and its impact on the soft drink industry. Another idea is to have students create their own soda brand and marketing campaign, drawing inspiration from Pepsi’s strategies.

Overall, teaching students about the origin of Pepsi is an excellent way to provide them with valuable information about business, marketing, and innovation. By learning about this iconic brand, students can gain a deeper understanding of the history of the soda industry and how corporations have used creative strategies to succeed.