The carbonated beverage industry has always been a hub of innovation, reflecting changing tastes, experimental flavors, and pioneering packaging. If you want to understand the future of the carbonated soft drink (CSD), you might want to begin by looking back at its monumental history of transformation. RC Cola International has been around since 1905, and it’s still coming up with new beverage experiences all the time. We’ll begin by exploring the industry’s humble beginnings and look at the ways in which it has changed, as well as discussing new trends and directions.
The first carbonated drink was discovered by accident, in springs of mineral water that were naturally infused with carbon dioxide, making the water bubbly. In 1767, Englishman Joseph Priestley found a way to reproduce the effect by infusing water with carbon dioxide. Torbern Bergman, a professor of chemistry in Sweden, made the same achievement in 1771. Both of them had made simple carbonated water.
The bubbly water caused a great deal of excitement. It wasn’t long until someone found a way to produce it on a mass scale and sell it to thousands of eager customers. By the turn of the 19th century, a number of CSD companies had opened across Europe, and the first soda water was bottled and sold in the US in 1835.
The soda water sold by these early companies was unflavored, unsweetened carbonated water, generally called soda water or seltzer water. But it didn’t take long for flavors and sweeteners to be added to the mix. The first flavored syrups were created in the early years of the 19th century. These ingredients, like ginger and birch bark, were chosen for their health benefits. At the time, people believed that soda had medicinal benefits. But in the 1830s, these healthy flavors were overtaken by fruit flavors and sweeteners. By 1865, soda drinkers could choose from orange, apple, black cherry, lemon, grape, and many more.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the CSD industry expanded rapidly. Initially, people bought their carbonated drinks from pharmacies with a ‘soda fountain,’ which became the social hub in every neighborhood. The first filling and corking machine was designed in 1850, and a patent was filed for the crown bottle cap, which stopped carbonated beverages from losing their fizziness. Now it was much easier to sell carbonated beverages for people to enjoy at home.
The growing CSD industry received a major boost from the temperance movements of the early 20th century. These popular movements pressured people to stop drinking alcohol. In the US, this culminated in the Prohibition Movement in 1919, which prohibited the sale or consumption of alcohol.
Faced with government legislation and massive social pressure, consumers in the US, UK, and a number of other countries turned to pharmacies selling CSD instead of bars selling alcohol.
Founded in 1905 and an American favorite, RC Cola was the first soft drinks manufacturer to distribute soft drinks in cans in 1954, and introduced the 16oz bottles in 1958. The first pull-ring tab was introduced in 1962, and the first resealable drinks top in 1965. Technology reduced the cost and improved the speed of CSD production. By 2016, the global CSD market was worth $392.6 billion.
While the 20th Century began well for the CSD industry, by the end of the century companies had to adapt to changing preferences. Together with rising health awareness, these studies brought a cascade of popular demand for healthier alternatives to the traditional CSD. These demands have propelled sales of sparkling water, sugar-free drinks, and innovative beverages that are perceived as more healthy. For example, RC Cola International offers healthier CSD alternatives like RC No Sugar, RC with Stevia, and smaller pack sizes.
Consumers today are also seeking a new beverage “experience.” The latest trends for craft cola and other craft beverages are driving the development of innovative beverage flavors and production methods.
The carbonated beverage industry has never stopped innovating, from its earliest beginnings and unflavored soda water to the new production methods, tastes, and experiences offered today.
The biggest trends in the CSD market call for sustainable consumption, a growing demand for clean, organic ingredients, and a new rise in the popularity of plant-based products. Now more than ever, contemporary bottlers need to be more proactive in developing and producing innovative beverage products that meet the changing tastes of consumers.
RC Cola International’s advanced offerings include both exciting craft beverages and new healthier CSD choices. We combine the highest levels of product development and quality assurance with the very best raw materials. Our R&D department is constantly innovating new flavors and healthy CSD options that increase well being, based on extensive consumer research. Team up with us today to access the beverages that consumers want.