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Ahhhhhh ... Coca-Cola!
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In 2003, "the company was selling over 19 billion cases of soft drink in more than 200 countries, generating $22 billion a year in sales." Hagstrom, p 69
Coke started in the 1880s and is still selling the same beverage product, (albeit with some changes) 120 year later. The company has a world-class distribution system and an unbeatable "moat" in its brand which includes the names of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Mello Yello, Dasani, Minute Maid and Powerade.
According to Hagstrom, the business is "relatively simple" and involves using commodity inputs to manufacture a concentrate which is sold to bottlers, combined with other ingredients and sold to "mini-marts, supermarkets and vending machines." Coke also produces a syrup which is sold to fountain retailers.
What books about Coca-Cola have you found worthwhile and interesting? Do you think Coke is a good investment, brand and/or company? Any other related investment tidbits you would like to share on Coca-Cola?