Time Magazine Ranks The Coca‑Cola Company 3rd Among America's Most Iconic Brands

Summary:

Time Magazine just recognized The Coca‑Cola Company as one of America's 250 most iconic companies—and we're pretty honored by that. This recognition comes as we partner with America250 to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, bringing communities together for this historic milestone.

• The list honors companies that achieved commercial success while becoming part of American identity and everyday life
• Time and Statista rank The Coca‑Cola Company 3rd among America's most iconic brands
• In celebration of America's upcoming semi-quincentennial, we've signed on as a signature partner for America250, creating nationwide celebration opportunities for all Americans

What Makes a Company Truly Iconic

Ever wonder what separates an iconic American company from just a successful one? To commemorate America's 250th anniversary, Time Magazine and Statista looked beyond profit margins to find the top 250 companies that actually shaped how Americans live, think, and connect with each other.

Their criteria focus on three things: commercial success, cultural impact, and influence on American identity. The result? We ranked third by showing up in the moments that matter—from lunch breaks to Super Bowl parties, from corner stores to outer space.

As Eric Kacker, our Vice President of Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, puts it: "Coca‑Cola is deeply woven into the fabric of America's history, heritage and culture." Our brands aren't just beverages—they've been part of the backdrop of American life for over a century.

Our Story Is America's Story

We've been there for some pretty significant moments. During WWII, we built 64 bottling plants overseas and delivered over 5 billion bottles to American troops. Those weren't just drinks—they were a taste of home when home felt impossibly far away.

In 1964, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize, our leaders helped organize an interracial dinner in Atlanta (not exactly common at the time). Five years later, we aired "Boys on the Bench"—Black and white kids sharing a Coke and laughing together. Simple? Yes. Revolutionary for 1969? Absolutely.

Then there's our advertising that somehow became part of the national conversation. The 1971 "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" campaign turned a commercial into a peace anthem. Our 2014 Super Bowl ad celebrated "America the Beautiful" in seven languages, sparking debates about what America really looks like.

These weren't calculated moves. They were us reflecting the America we saw and the America we hoped for.

America250: Celebrating What's Next

Here's where this list and our history come together: We're a signature partner for America250—the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is about reflecting on the past and imagining what the next 250 years could hold.

We're planning special edition bottles, nationwide events, and community programs that'll give all 350 million Americans a chance to participate. Whether you're in a small town or a major city, there'll be ways to connect with your neighbors and celebrate what we've built together.

As Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, said: "Coca‑Cola has been a symbol of American culture for more than a century." Now we get to help write the next chapter.

Ready to celebrate? Check back for updates on how we're celebrating or visit America250.org to see what's happening near you. Trust us—the best celebrations happen when everyone shows up.