Anniversary Of An Icon

Q: Why was the contour bottle designed?
A: In the early 1900s, most soft drinks came in straight-sided bottles. This enabled competitors to mimic the appearance of Coca-Cola® and impact sales. Coca-Cola bottlers urged the Company to create a unique design to differentiate Coke so that consumers could immediately identify the beverage - even in the dark.

Q: Who designed the contour bottle?
A: The Coca-Cola contour bottle was designed by the Root Glass Company in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1915. Distribution of the package began in 1916.

Q: How may designs did Coca-Cola test for the contour bottle?
A: Approximately 11 bottle designs were presented before a Coca-Cola Company committee in Atlanta. Designed by the Root Glass Company, the contour bottle was selected.

Q: Is the contour bottle available around the world?
A: Yes. International bottling of Coca-Cola began in the 1930s. By 1939, Coca-Cola was bottled in 44 countries, including: Belgium, China, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Mexico and South Africa.

Q: Is the contour bottle only available in glass?
A: The bottles were originally produced only in glass, but now are produced in plastic around the globe and in aluminum in Europe.

Q: Are all contour bottles green?
A: In the United States, the green color of the contour bottle is known as 'Georgia Green', a reference to the home of Coca-Cola. The contour bottle is predominantly clear in other regions of the world.

Q: Are any other products available in the contour bottle?
A: Yes. All Coca-Cola trademark brands released globally - from Diet Coke (1982) to Coke Blak (2006) - are packaged in contour bottles.

Q: What sizes of contour bottles are available?
A: The original contour bottle held 6.5 ounces of Coca-Cola. The contour bottle was later designed in larger sizes, including: 10-, 12-, 16- and 20-ounce versions.

Q: Is there still great consumer demand for the glass contour bottle?
A: Around the globe, consumers continue to request Coke in glass contour bottles. Serving as a form of nostalgia and refreshment, the glass contour bottle holds an emotional bond with consumers.