54. FANTAstic

Fanta is one of the most loved carbonated drink, created by The Coca-Cola Company. The product is known for its fruit flavors and there are more than 100 flavors worldwide. But do you know how Fanta came into being?

 Interestingly, the beverage originated as a substitute for Coca Cola in the 1940s. During the pre-war years, Coca-Cola was extremely famous in Germany and the rest of Europe. In fact, between 1933-39, the number of Coca-Cola crates sold in Nazi Germany was 4.5 million per year. Over 50 factories were producing Coca-Cola. The brand was so popular that it was the official sponsor of the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

 However, during the Second World War, America established a trade embargo against Nazi Germany. The import of Coca Cola syrup faced obstacles. Faced with these constraints of ingredient shortage, Max Keith, the head of Coca Cola (Deutschland) decided to create a new product that will cater only to the German markets. The ingredients that were used were all available in Germany, such as beet sugar and whey. The name Fanta comes from the German word ‘Fantastisch’ meaning fantastic. The name was chosen in collaboration with the Coca Cola headquarter in the US.

 During the war, Fanta's factory was cut off from the Coca Cola headquarters. As the war ended, the parent company regained control of the plant, as well as all the profits made during the war. This was huge because Fanta was considered as a cheap alternative to sugar. In 1943 alone, around 3 million cases of Fanta were sold.  However, after the war, Fanta was discontinued  In 1955, Coca Cola re-launched the drink in the markets.  The drink was an instant hit in several continents. 

Source: The Next Web

The Fanta as we know it today was first produced in Naples, Italy, in the same year,  using locally sourced oranges. Today Fanta is 79 years old. Thus, Fanta was created to quench the thirst for Coke in Nazi Germany!