Royal Crown Cola (RC Cola)

RC Cola, short for Royal Crown Cola, has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. It began in 1905 in Columbus, Georgia, when Claud A. Hatcher, a young pharmacist, started developing beverages in his basement following a dispute with a local Coca-Cola bottler. The brand quickly became a pioneer in the beverage industry, notably being the first to sell beverages in cans and the first to introduce a diet cola (Diet Rite) to the market.

While the brand originated in the United States, its ownership and distribution have evolved into a global network. Today, the manufacturing of RC Cola takes place in multiple countries worldwide through a system of licensed bottlers. This allows the beverage to be produced locally to meet the specific demands and tastes of different regional markets.

The brand is currently managed by Keurig Dr Pepper for its North American operations, while its international presence is overseen by Cott Corporation (now Refresco) and various independent regional franchise owners. This complex structure ensures that while the brand maintains its American roots, it operates as a global entity with diverse corporate backing.