Coca Cola fans are only just realising what the 'hidden message' is in its logo

Coca-Cola, the global giant known for its iconic red and white branding, has become a household name with its distinctive packaging and classic script logo.

As Coca Cola rolled out new versions of its beloved beverage - think Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and an array of limited editions and unique flavours - the famous logo has been tweaked to suit each new product while maintaining that unmistakable Coca Cola charm.

Brands across the globe strive to achieve this level of instant recognition, and much of their success is down to the power and familiarity of their logos. "Businesses cannot overlook the value a great logo holds; they are the connection between a company and potential customers and what customers will remember most," says Richard Lau, president of LOGO.com and a guru in logo design and marketing strategy.

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The Coca Cola logo might seem like just a fancy version of the company's name, but there's more to it - the extended tail on the 'C' is said to represent a smile, echoing the brand's commitment to spreading happiness and joy. Richard adds: "This subtle message may go unnoticed, but it subconsciously creates a positive association with the brand in the minds of consumers."

Coca Cola doesn't shy away from its roots, openly sharing the story behind its logo and the evolution of the brand on its official website. The world-famous drink's formula was concocted by Dr John S Pemberton back in May 1886, an Atlanta-based pharmacist who crafted the original syrup that would become a global sensation, reports the Manchester Evening News .

Coca-Cola's origin story is a fizzy tale of innovation and marketing genius. The iconic drink was born when carbonated water met a special syrup, creating what was hailed as "delicious and refreshing."

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According to the Coca Cola website, Dr Pemberton took a jug of his new concoction to Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, where it received high praise and started selling at the soda fountain for five cents a glass.

It was Dr Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank M Robinson, who suggested the catchy name "Coca-Cola" and crafted the famous script still recognized worldwide. Robinson believed that the double Cs would stand out in adverts, a notion that Coco Chanel also capitalized on with her own brand in 1910.

Robinson wasn't just about the name; he played around with various versions of the logo in Spencerian script, which was all the rage back then. The company's visual identity evolved until the late 1960s.

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Then came 1969, when the Arden Square logo made its debut - "presented in a red box, with [Robinson's] Coca Cola script underlined with a white 'wave', or 'Dynamic Ribbon Device'."

This design has become the universal symbol for the brand. The backstory has sparked conversations on Reddit, with recent posts admiring Coca-Cola's enduring design. Another user noted: "Also cool to see how it translates across different languages."

Another chimed in with a revelation: "Ever since someone told me about the faces in the logo I can't unsee it whenever I look at it." A third person was enthusiastic, saying: "Perfect logo."

While a fourth offered praise for brand consistency: "Coca Cola is a cool logo that's why they didn't change it."

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