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How Coca-Cola Expanded Globally

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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During World War II, Coca-Cola embarked on an unprecedented global expansion. The company's leadership coordinated with Gen. Eisenhower to ensure that every American soldier had access to the beverage, regardless of where they were stationed.

The CEO promised that Coke would be available at 5 cents a bottle, leading to the establishment of bottling plants across battlefields. This logistical feat transformed the drink into a symbol of home and American resilience for troops abroad.

Following the war, these overseas plants remained, allowing the brand to penetrate international markets rapidly. By leveraging military infrastructure, Coca-Cola transitioned from a domestic favorite to a global powerhouse, effectively filling the world's cups.