Dr Pepper

**Dr Pepper** is a pepper-style soda that was established in 1885 by pharmacist Charles C. Alderton in Waco, Texas, United States.

## **History**

Dr Pepper is a popular soft drink that has been around for more than a century. It was invented by Charles Alderton, a pharmacist in Waco, Texas, in the 1880s. The drink was first served at the drugstore where Alderton worked, and it quickly became popular among the locals.

Dr Pepper was originally marketed as a "brain tonic" and was promoted for its therapeutic properties. It was said to cure everything from indigestion to lethargy. The drink was made with 23 flavors, which Alderton kept a closely guarded secret.

The drink's name is a bit of a mystery. Some say it was named after Dr. Charles T. Pepper, a physician who lived in Virginia in the 1800s. Others say it was named after a real Dr. Pepper who lived in Texas around the time the drink was invented. However, the true origin of the name remains unknown.

Dr Pepper was first sold commercially in 1891, when it was bottled and distributed by the Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas. The company was later renamed the Dr Pepper Company and was eventually acquired by the Cadbury Schweppes conglomerate in 1995. Today, Dr Pepper Snapple Group is a publicly traded company that produces and markets a wide range of soft drinks.

Over the years, Dr Pepper has undergone several changes in its formula and marketing. In the 1960s, the company introduced a sugar-free version of the drink called Diet Dr Pepper, which was marketed to people who were concerned about their weight. In the 1970s, the company launched a series of memorable ad campaigns featuring the slogan "I'm a Pepper." These ads were aimed at young people and featured catchy jingles and bright, colorful visuals.

Dr Pepper has also been involved in a number of promotional tie-ins and collaborations over the years. In the 1980s, the company partnered with the movie "Back to the Future" to create a special promotion that included a limited-edition DeLorean car. In the 1990s, the company launched a line of flavored beverages called Snapple, which it eventually sold to Quaker Oats.

Today, Dr Pepper is a beloved soft drink that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is known for its unique flavor and its place in popular culture. Despite changes in the soft drink market and the rise of new competitors, Dr Pepper remains one of the most popular and recognizable brands in the world of soft drinks.

## Distribution

see: list of countries and their Dr. Pepper distributor for a list of countries and their distributor

Dr Pepper is a popular carbonated soft drink that is distributed worldwide. The distribution of Dr Pepper began in the United States in the late 19th century, with its first bottling plant established in Waco, Texas in 1906. Over the years, Dr Pepper has expanded its distribution to other countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, Dr Pepper is distributed by a number of different bottling companies, which are licensed to produce and distribute the product in their respective regions. These bottlers are responsible for manufacturing, packaging, and distributing the product to retailers and other customers in their areas.

Dr Pepper is also distributed through various partnerships with other beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. For example, in certain regions of the United States, Dr Pepper is distributed by Coca-Cola bottlers, while in other regions it is distributed by PepsiCo bottlers. These partnerships allow Dr Pepper to reach a wider audience and increase its availability to consumers.

Outside of the United States, Dr Pepper is distributed by a variety of international bottlers, including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. In Canada, Dr Pepper is distributed by PepsiCo, while in the United Kingdom it is distributed by Coca-Cola European Partners. Dr Pepper is also available in many other countries, including Mexico, where it is distributed by PepsiCo.

Overall, the distribution of Dr Pepper is widespread and extensive, with the brand available in many different regions around the world.

## **Trivia**

* Since Keurig Dr Pepper doesn't have its own full distribution network, Dr Pepper has exclusive rights to some Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other bottlers in certain regions across the United States. Pepsi handles 30% and Coca-Cola handles another 30%. The remaining 40% were produced and distributed by independent bottlers (mainly consisting of Dr Pepper/Seven Up premerger regional bottlers) in certain regions.
* Dr Pepper was invented in Waco, Texas in 1885 by a pharmacist named Charles Alderton.
* It's the oldest major soft drink brand in America.
* The "Dr" in Dr Pepper does not actually refer to a person, but was added to make the name sound more medicinal.
* The original name of Dr Pepper was "Waco".
* The recipe for Dr Pepper contains 23 flavors, which are a closely guarded secret.
* The Dublin Dr Pepper, 85 miles west of Waco, still uses pure imperial cane sugar in its product.
* In the 1970s, Dr Pepper was marketed with the slogan "The most original soft drink ever in the whole wide world".
* There are various conspiracy theories about the true identity of Dr Pepper's 23 flavors , but none have been confirmed.
* Dr Pepper was originally marketed as a brain tonic and energizing pick-me-up
* Jelly Belly made a jelly bean flavor of Dr Pepper