Who, What, Why: In which countries is Coca-Cola not sold? (2024)

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Who, What, Why: In which countries is Coca-Cola not sold? (1)

After almost 60 years, Coca-Cola is on sale again in Burma. It's one of the world's most recognised brands, so are there any countries where the drinks giant still remains unsold?

Coca-Cola says it sells 1.8 billion servings of the drink every day. But for the last six decades, none has been in Burma.

That's because of US trade sanctions on the military junta which ruled the country from 1962 to 2011.

Those sanctions were suspended a few months ago, as the country began to move towards democratic reforms.

But the company said on Monday its first delivery had arrived and local production would begin soon.

Coca-Cola's entry into any country is a powerful symbol, says Tom Standage, author of A History of the World in Six Glasses.

"The moment Coca-Cola starts shipping is the moment you can say there might be real change going on here," he says. "Coca-Cola is the nearest thing to capitalism in a bottle."

Coca-Cola's rival PepsiCo has also announced plans to resume sales in Burma.

There are now just two countries in the world where Coca-Cola cannot be bought or sold - at least, not officially. They are Cuba and North Korea, which are both under long-term US trade embargoes (Cuba since 1962 and North Korea since 1950).

Cuba was actually one of the first three countries outside the US to bottle co*ke, in 1906.

But the company moved out as Fidel Castro's government began seizing private assets in the 1960s, and has never returned.

In North Korea - the other Coca-Cola-free zone - recent media reports suggested it was being sold in a restaurant in Pyongyang. But Coca-Cola says if any drinks are being sold in either North Korea or Cuba, they are being smuggled in on the black market, not via official channels.

The dark fizzy soda was created in 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia. From the early days the Coca-Cola company looked to expand worldwide, and by the early 1900s it was bottling the drink in Asia and Europe.

But the big boost came as a result of World War II when Coca-Cola was provided to US troops overseas.

There were more than 60 military bottling plants for Coca-Cola around the world during the war, and locals got a taste for the drink too.

It became powerfully associated with American patriotism, says Standage, and was seen as so crucial to the war effort that it was exempted from sugar rationing.

Dwight Eisenhower, at the time the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe, was said to be a particular fan and he ensured its availability in North Africa.

He also introduced the drink to top Soviet general, Georgy Zhukov, who asked if a special, colourless version - one that looked like vodka - could be made, and Coca-Cola duly obliged for a while, says Standage.

"It has always been about the American dream," says Bruce Webster, an independent branding consultant who has done work for the Coca-Cola company in the past.

But not all countries have embraced the American-ness that seems to be embodied by Coca-Cola.

It was the French who first coined the pejorative term "coca-colonisation" in the 1950s. Trucks were overturned and bottles smashed, says Standage, as protesters saw the drink as a threat to French society.

During the Cold War, Coca-Cola became a symbol of capitalism and a faultline between capitalism and communism, says Webster.

It was not marketed in the former Soviet Union due to the fear that profits would go straight into communist government coffers, says Standage.

Pepsi filled the gap and was widely sold.

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, many East Germans bought Coca-Cola by the crate-load, says Standage. "Drinking Coca-Cola became a symbol of freedom."

Other than the former Soviet Union, the main region that Coca-Cola has struggled in historically is the Middle East, largely due to a boycott implemented by the Arab League from 1968-1991, as a punishment for it selling in Israel.

Pepsi picked up a lot of the sales in the Middle East - and many local versions of the drink thrived.

Coca-Cola is not trying to get involved in politics, says Webster, but as a huge brand so closely associated with the US, it sometimes finds itself tangled up in politics, or singled out for criticism.

"The whole strength of the brand is plugging into a way of life that so many people wanted. As an ideology, it polarises. And sometimes those associations become unattractive," he says.

"America itself as a brand is more tarnished now. People are more ambiguous towards it."

In 2003, protesters in Thailand poured Coca-Cola onto the streets as a demonstration against the US-led invasion of Iraq, and sales were temporarily suspended, says Standage.

Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has threatened to ban Coca-Cola and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez recently urged people to drink locally-made fruit juice rather than drink Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

But 126 years after its birth, Coca-Cola is still pushing forward in terms of sales, with strong growth - especially, it says, in the emerging markets of India, China and Brazil.

Reporting by Cordelia Hebblethwaite

Who, What, Why: In which countries is Coca-Cola not sold? (2024)

FAQs

Who, What, Why: In which countries is Coca-Cola not sold? ›

North Korea and Cuba are the only places you can't buy Coca-Cola. No matter where you go, it's comforting to know you can always enjoy a Coca-Cola. Well, almost anywhere. While this fizzy drink is sold practically everywhere, it still hasn't (officially) made its way to North Korea or Cuba, according to the BBC.

Why is Coca-Cola banned in some countries? ›

Due to ongoing trade embargoes and sanctions, there are currently no legal avenues to buy Coca-Cola in Cuba and North Korea. That isn't to say that you can't get your hands on the drink in any other way, just that importing or bottling the beverage is not officially possible in these places.

Is Coca-Cola banned in some countries? ›

While some countries may have threatened to ban the sale of Coca-Cola, and in certain countries this has actually been enforced for certain periods of time, today there are just two countries in the world where the soda cannot be bought or sold; Cuba and North Korea.

Does Coca-Cola exist in every country? ›

More than 200 countries.

It's actually quite difficult to think of a country where it's not available. Even in countries where The Coca‑Cola Company doesn't manufacture Coca‑Cola, many entrepreneurs will import it from neighbouring countries.

Why doesn t Cuba sell Coca? ›

Cuba was actually one of the first three countries outside the US to bottle co*ke, in 1906. But the company moved out as Fidel Castro's government began seizing private assets in the 1960s, and has never returned.

What two countries can't you buy co*ke? ›

Those two countries dealing with the misfortune of not having coca-cola or coca-cola products are Cuba and North Korea. The reason for these awful circ*mstances is the result of long-term trade embargoes and sanctions against these countries.

What country is Coca-Cola least popular? ›

This map shows Scotland is the only country in the world where Coca Cola doesn't own the most popular soft drink | indy100 | indy100.

Is Coca-Cola sold in Russia? ›

Coca-Cola continues to remain top seller in Russia despite withdrawal: Report. The report further said that the top-selling Dobry Cola brand, which is produced in Russian factories, continued to be a top seller among cola drinks and belonged to Coca-Cola HBC Russia, accounting for just over one-third of the market.

Is co*ke available in Russia? ›

While Coca-Cola Co (K.N) stopped producing and selling drinks in Russia last year, others have been importing them, with labels on cans and bottles showing they have arrived from Europe, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and China.

Is Coca-Cola ban in Europe? ›

In a rush to safeguard the health of their publics, the governments of Spain and France banned the sale of Coca-Cola soft drinks. However, other nations near Belgium, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, did not ban sales of co*ke products.

What country drinks the most Coca-Cola? ›

Mexico doesn't merely enjoy an occasional sugary carbonated drink—it downs the stuff like no other country. Mexico is the world's biggest per capita consumer of soft drinks.

Why is thumbs up not sold in US? ›

Thums Up is only available in India.

This brand was originally its own company when the New York Times reported that the Indian government removed Coca-Cola and Pepsi from the country in the 1970s. When they allowed the cola companies back in the 1990s, Coca-Cola bought the brand and has owned it ever since.

Why is Coca-Cola not in China? ›

When Coca-Cola first came to China in 1927, it was a big hit. But in 1949, when communist leader Mao Zedong took over, co*ke, along with other imported goods from the West, was banned. It didn't return until 1979, and by then many Chinese people had never tried it.

Does North Korea have co*ke? ›

There is a common myth that there are two countries, namely Cuba and North Korea, that you cannot buy co*ke, but time for some myth-busting. You can buy coca-cola in both Cuba and North Korea.

Why does Apple not sell to Cuba? ›

Apple has an official presence in dozens of countries around the world, but Cuba is not one of them. There are no official Apple Store locations in Cuba. In fact, the island nation's Internet infrastructure is relatively new, highly immature, unaffordable for most Cubans, and not entirely free.

Is it illegal to drink Coca-Cola in North Korea? ›

North Korea | No Diplomatic Relations, No Coca-Cola

The United States has long imposed sanctions on this East Asian Kim dynasty. Since 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, the US has tightened its sanctions from time to time.

What countries sell more Pepsi than co*ke? ›

That said, here's a list of countries where Pepsi sells more products than co*ke:
  • Oman.
  • India.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Pakistan.
  • Dominican Republic.
  • Guatemala.
  • Various Canadian provinces. Quebec. Newfoundland and Labrador. Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island. Northern Ontario.

What country only drinks Coca-Cola? ›

Nobody in the world drinks more Coca-Cola and other fizzy drinks than the residents of Chiapas, Mexico's southernmost and poorest state. In the state's mountain town of San Cristóbal de las Casas – population 186,000 - locals drink just over two litres of soft drink a day, or around 800 litres a year.

What country drinks more Coca-Cola than any other country? ›

A state of the Mexican Republic holds the world record for Coca-Cola consumption per person. We tell you what it is. According to data from Yale University, Mexico is the largest consumer of soft drinks worldwide, with an average of 163 liters per person per year.

Do Italians drink co*ke? ›

The most popular Italian soft drinks are orange soda, lemon soda, co*ke, citron drinks, chinotto and tonic water, but also ice tea, all sorts of alcohol-free aperitifs, and energy and sports drinks.

What is the most sold drink in the world? ›

1. Water. Water is the most popular beverage on the planet. This is such a simple drink, but no one can live without it.

What is the most popular soda in the United States? ›

It is no surprise here, but the number one most popular soft drink is hands down Coca-Cola Classic. Manufactured by the largest soft drink beverage company in the world, co*ke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company. Crisp, delicious, and super refreshing, Coca-Cola Original is an all-time favorite.

Does McDonalds still exist in Russia? ›

After the takeover of the former CFO Oleg Paroev McDonalds Russia's restaurants remained open as of mid March 2022. On 18 March, it was reported that McDonald's remained unable to close some locations in airports or transit stations.

Where can't you buy Coca-Cola? ›

North Korea and Cuba are the only places you can't buy Coca-Cola. No matter where you go, it's comforting to know you can always enjoy a Coca-Cola. Well, almost anywhere. While this fizzy drink is sold practically everywhere, it still hasn't (officially) made its way to North Korea or Cuba, according to the BBC.

What is Russia replacing Coca-Cola with? ›

In lieu of Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite, Russians will be able to choose from CoolCola, Fancy and Street, Russian drink producer Ochakovo announced Monday. The three global soda brands have been largely absent from Russian shelves since the Coca-Cola Company suspended business in Russia in March.

Is Pepsi sold in Russia? ›

In 2021, Russia was New York-based Pepsi's third-biggest market, after the United States and Mexico. Atlanta-based rival Coca-Cola Co's (KO.

What American restaurants are still in Russia? ›

KFC is the most prolific American fast food brand in Russia with over around 1,000 premises across the country. That is followed by McDonalds with close to 847, and Burger King, which operates roughly 800 restaurants in Russia. There are also 130 Starbucks coffee shops and 50 Pizza Hut restaurants in Russia.

Who replaced McDonald's in Russia? ›

GOVOR'S ACQUISITIONS. Since acquiring Russia's McDonald's restaurants, Govor has snapped up Finnish packaging company Huhtamaki's (HUH1V. HE) Russian business and a logistics firm, set to be renamed "Logistics & that's it".

Why was Coca-Cola banned in India? ›

The Coca-Cola Company started operating in India in 1950. However, in 1977, they withdrew operations from the country in protest of regulations and legislation by the Government of India limiting the dilution of equity of multinational corporations.

Why was Sprite banned in Belgium? ›

On Monday, Belgium Health Minister Luc Van den Bossche banned all sales of co*ke and other Coca-Cola brands such as Fanta, Sprite, Aquarius, Bonaqua or Minute Maid fruit juices. The move came after a total of almost 50 people were hospitalized suffering from nausea after drinking co*ke products.

Why was Coca-Cola banned in Portugal? ›

In the past, the late dictator, Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, fought the introduction of Coca‐Cola, alleging that it was a symbol of American imperialism and a habit‐forming drug. In democratic Portugal the fight continued, mainly waged by the Communists who took up the Salazar cause with the same arguments.

Which is older co*ke or Pepsi? ›

Pemberton created Coca Cola in 1886 while Pepsi did not come about until 1893. Both companies have long histories, and each has had some ups and downs along the way.

What country eats the most soda? ›

Soda Consumption by Country 2023
Country2023 Population
India1,428,627,663
China1,425,671,352
United States339,996,563
Indonesia277,534,122
225 more rows

Which country drinks the most in the world? ›

Looking at the amount of alcohol consumed per person aged 15 years or older, the Seychelles is in first place with around 20.5 litres of alcohol drunk per person per year, according to Our World in Data; studies show that young male peer groups primarily drink high amounts of alcohol in the Seychelles.

Why does my throat hurt when I drink co*ke? ›

"Carbonation from beverages like soda causes two sensations, making your mouth taste sour and causing a tingling feeling in your nose and throat. The burning sensation that many people feel when drinking carbonated drinks stems from nerves that respond to pain sensations and temperature in your nose and mouth."

Does soda help digest meat? ›

While co*ke and Diet co*ke may be able to break down meats and other dense foods, they are even better and more efficient when it comes to helping to break down less dense items such as breads and french fries.

Which cold drink is best? ›

We recommend Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Maaza.

What do Chinese people call Coca-Cola? ›

可口可乐 : Coca-Cola... : kě kǒu kě lè | Definition | Mandarin Chinese Pinyin English Dictionary | Yabla Chinese.

Do people in China drink co*ke? ›

Coca-Cola is one of the most well-known international brands in China. We have more than 15 brands and offer over 50 beverage choices to Chinese consumers, who enjoy 150 million servings across the country every single day.

Why we don t drink Coca-Cola? ›

Even one or two colas a day could increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 20%. Sugar intake is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess fat, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. Colas and other sugary drinks have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Can you drink alcohol in North Korea? ›

Alcohol faces no restrictions in the DPRK. There is no legal drinking age- although in general it's frowned upon for students to drink (this includes university students). Top producers like Taedonggang Beer are granted special designation by the state that ensures they receive priority over other factories.

Can you wear jeans in North Korea? ›

In North Korea, blue jeans are seen as a symbol of American imperialism and are thus forbidden. The same is true for other Western clothing items such as T-shirts, skirts, and suits. Instead, citizens are required to wear traditional Korean clothing such as hanboks.

What crimes are punishable by death in North Korea? ›

Prominent supposedly executed criminals include officials convicted of drug trafficking and embezzlement. Common criminals convicted of crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, drug dealing, smuggling, piracy, vandalism, etc. have also been reported to be executed, mostly by firing squad.

Why is there no Apple in Russia? ›

Like many other companies, Apple pulled out of Russia in March, following Russia's continued invasion of the Ukraine. While services like Apple Pay aren't usable in the territory, Apple also ceased the export of products to sales channels in the country.

Why did Russia ban Apple? ›

The Kremlin has ordered officials to stop using iPhones because they fear the devices may be vulnerable to Western intelligence agencies. Russia's Kremlin ordered officials to stop using iPhones, apparently over concerns the devices could be vulnerable to Western intelligence agencies, Reuters reports.

Why is Apple not in Africa? ›

In all, the Apple brand is neither too affordable nor too popular in Africa, which is why its market share is not in good health and Africa hasn't proven to be a good market opportunity for the company despite a growing smartphone market.

What is the illegal age to drink in Korea? ›

The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years of age. Although it is legal to drink alcohol in public, disorderly conduct under the influence of alcohol can result in hefty fines and a visit to the police station.

Is it illegal to be drunk in public in Korea? ›

South Korea

In general, drinking in public is legal. But any person who, while drunk, behaves in a riotous or disorderly manner by uttering or doing rough words or conducts, at a public place is fined up to 100,000 won.

Where was co*ke banned? ›

Cuba, despite being one of the first three countries outside the US to bottle the drink when Coca-Cola opened a bottling plant there in 1906, ultimately banned the drink.

Why is Coca-Cola banned in China? ›

But in 1949, when communist leader Mao Zedong took over, co*ke, along with other imported goods from the West, was banned. It didn't return until 1979, and by then many Chinese people had never tried it. In time, the drink caught on, and today China is Coca-Cola's third-largest market, after the US and Mexico.

Why can't we drink Coca-Cola? ›

Even one or two colas a day could increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 20%. Sugar intake is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess fat, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. Colas and other sugary drinks have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Why is Coca-Cola banned in India? ›

The Coca-Cola Company started operating in India in 1950. However, in 1977, they withdrew operations from the country in protest of regulations and legislation by the Government of India limiting the dilution of equity of multinational corporations.

Why is co*ke banned in Korea? ›

Apart from cuba, Coca-Cola is also not sold in North Korea. The Korean war took place between 1950 and 1953, because of which the united states imposed economic sanctions on North Korea. In 1980, north korea bombed South Korea, since then America has made strict laws. So, Coca-Cola is not sold in North Korea.

What is the controversial ingredient in Coca-Cola? ›

Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is found in Coca-Cola fruit and sports drinks such as Fanta and Powerade. Rival Pepsi removed the chemical from its Gatorade sports drink last year.

What soda is banned in other countries? ›

Mountain Dew & Fresca

BVO is banned in Japan and the European Union because it contains bromine, the element found in brominated flame retardants, which can build up in the body and potentially lead to memory loss, as well as skin and nerve problems. The grapefruit-flavored soda, Fresca, also contains the ingredient.

Which is healthier Pepsi or co*ke? ›

Coca-Cola, nutritionally, has a touch more sodium than Pepsi, which reminds us of Topo Chico or a club soda and results in a less blatantly sweet The amounts of sugar in food and drink Pepsi contains slightly more sugar, calories and caffeine while co*ke has marginally more sodium.

Why can't you mix co*ke and milk? ›

There is a chemical reaction that occurs between the Phosphoric Acid in the coca-cola and the calcium in the milk. The reaction creates a precipitate, or solid matter, that is more dense than the liquids, therefore sinking to the bottom of the bottle.

What happens to your body when you drink soda every day? ›

Soda is high in sugar and calories, and drinking too much can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Why does Mcdonald's not sell Pepsi? ›

In the restaurant industry, in the United States, the equipment used for dispensing soda is provided by the soda distributor. So if co*ke has provided your soda gun, or your fountain system, they will not allow you to sell Pepsi products out of it.

What is the most popular canned soda? ›

It is no surprise here, but the number one most popular soft drink is hands down Coca-Cola Classic. Manufactured by the largest soft drink beverage company in the world, co*ke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company. Crisp, delicious, and super refreshing, Coca-Cola Original is an all-time favorite.

What is the Indian version of co*ke? ›

Thums Up was introduced as a flagship brand in 1977 by a company called Parle Agro to offset the gap in the Indian cola market when Coca-Cola and Pepsi were expelled by the Indian government. Over the the next 16 years, the brand enjoyed great success, ratcheting up to over an 80% market share.

Which is bigger Pepsi or Coca-Cola? ›

Both companies have a large global presence, controlling several hundred brand names each. Since 2004, Coca-Cola Company has been the market leader, according to industry statistics. Pepsi ranks second, followed by Dr. Pepper-Snapple.

How much alcohol is in Sprite? ›

Sprite contains a chemical substance called phenylalanine, and there's no alcoholic content in this drink.

Does Pepsi contain alcohol? ›

Alcohol levels as low as 10 mg are believed to be in every litre of these drinks. Putting it in perspective, this is about 0.0001 per cent alcohol.

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