Soft drinks have become a staple in the lives of many consumers, with billions of cans sold worldwide every year. The global soft drink industry is projected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the popularity of these sweet and refreshing beverages. In this article, we will explore the top 15 soft drink brands in the world, their origins, and their impact on the market.
1. Pepsi
- Owned By: PepsiCo
- 2022 Total Company Annual Revenue: $86.39 Billion
- Website – https://www.pepsi.com/
One of the largest and most recognizable soft drink brands in the world is Pepsi. Originally introduced as “Pepsi-Cola” in 1898 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham, the brand quickly gained popularity as a competitor to Coca-Cola. Over the years, PepsiCo, the parent company of Pepsi, has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of snacks and fast-food chains. Today, Pepsi is the second-largest soda brand, with an annual revenue of $86.39 billion.
2. Coca-Cola
- Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
- 2022 Total Company Annual Revenue: $43 Billion
- Website – https://www.coca-colacompany.com/
Coca-Cola is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved soft drink brands globally. Created in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton, Coca-Cola started as a medicinal beverage but soon became a favorite among consumers worldwide. The company has a long history of successful advertising campaigns and remains the most popular soda brand based on annual revenue. With a global market share of 10%, Coca-Cola generates significant revenue of $43 billion.
3. Diet Coke
- Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
- 2022 Total Company Annual Revenue: $43 Billion
- Website – https://www.dietcoke.com/
In response to the growing demand for healthier beverage options, The Coca-Cola Company introduced Diet Coke in the 1980s. This lower-calorie alternative quickly gained traction and became one of the company’s most successful products. While it may not have the same sales volume as regular Coca-Cola, Diet Coke continues to be a popular choice among consumers concerned about their sugar intake.
4. Keurig Dr. Pepper
- Owned By: Keurig Dr. Pepper
- 2022 Total Company Annual Revenue: $14.05 Billion
- Website – https://www.keurigdrpepper.com/
Keurig Dr. Pepper is a unique soft drink brand that stands out from the competition. Established over 130 years ago by pharmacist Charles Alderton, the brand Dr. Pepper gained immense popularity and eventually formed a partnership with Snapple. In 2018, Keurig acquired Dr. Pepper for $18.7 billion, making it one of the largest soda brands in the market. Despite not being owned by the major conglomerates, Keurig Dr. Pepper holds a significant share of the soft drink industry.
5. Red Bull
- Owned By: Red Bull GbmH
- 2022 Annual Revenue: $7.81 Billion
- Website – https://www.redbull.com/
While Red Bull is not your traditional soda, it deserves a spot on this list due to its immense popularity and impact on the beverage market. Created in Thailand in the 1980s, Red Bull quickly gained recognition as an energy drink designed to boost endurance and mental performance. Marketed as an alternative to coffee or caffeine pills, Red Bull has carved out a niche for itself and continues to be a favorite among consumers who need an energy boost.
6. Monster Energy
- Owned By: Monster Energy Company
- 2022 Annual Revenue: $6.31 Billion
- Website – https://www.monsterenergy.com/
Monster Energy is another notable player in the energy drink market. Introduced in 2002 by Hansen Natural Company, Monster Energy quickly expanded its product line to include various flavors and variations. As of 2019, there were 34 different drinks under the Monster brand in North America alone. With its distinctive branding and focus on extreme sports, Monster Energy has become a prominent player in the soft drink industry.
7. Gatorade
- Owned By: PepsiCo
- 2022 Annual Revenue: $5.276 Billion
- Website – https://www.gatorade.com/
Although not a traditional soda, Gatorade deserves recognition for its impact on the beverage market. Created in 1965 at the University of Florida, Gatorade was formulated to replenish athletes’ electrolytes lost through sweat during physical activity. The drink gained popularity and was eventually acquired by Quaker Oats, which later became part of PepsiCo. Today, Gatorade is owned by one of the largest soda companies in the world and remains a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
8. Sprite
- Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
- 2022 Annual Revenue: $4.997 Billion
- Website – https://www.sprite.com/
Sprite, introduced in the early 1960s, is a lemon-lime flavored soda that offers a refreshing alternative to the cola beverages. The brand quickly gained recognition and became internationally popular by the 1970s. As part of The Coca-Cola Company’s portfolio, Sprite has enjoyed consistent success and remains one of the most profitable soft drink brands associated with the company.
9. Mountain Dew
- Owned By: PepsiCo
- 2022 Brand Annual Revenue: $2.7 Billion
- Website – https://www.mountaindew.com/
Mountain Dew has a unique history that sets it apart from other soda brands. Created by two brothers in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the 1940s, Mountain Dew initially served as a mixer for whiskey. However, it soon became available to the public and gained popularity. PepsiCo acquired Mountain Dew in 1964 and propelled the brand to new heights of success. Today, Mountain Dew is marketed as the soft drink of extreme sports, resonating with its target audience.
10. Fanta
- Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
- 2022 Total Company Annual Revenue: N/A
- Website – https://www.fanta.com/
Fanta is a brightly colored soft drink that stands out on store shelves. Its history dates back to World War II when it was invented in Germany as an alternative to Coca-Cola due to supply shortages. The brand gained international recognition after the war when it was rebranded and introduced with the famous orange flavor. Fanta has continued to grow and innovate, releasing several new flavors throughout the years.
11. Tropicana
- Owned By: PepsiCo
- 2019 Annual Revenue: $6 Billion
- Website – https://www.tropicana.com/
Tropicana, known for its juice products, competes with major soda brands in the market. The brand was founded in 1947 by Italian-immigrant Anthony Rossi, who introduced flash pasteurization to extend the freshness of orange juice. Tropicana expanded beyond the United States borders and eventually caught the attention of PepsiCo, which acquired the brand in 1998. Today, Tropicana continues to be a significant player in the beverage industry.
12. Sunkist
- Owned By: Keurig Dr. Pepper
- 2019 Brand Annual Revenue: $1.15 Billion
- Website – https://www.sunkist.com/
Sunkist is a brand associated with fruit juices, particularly orange juice. However, it gained recognition as an orange soda brand when licensed to Pepsi in the late 1970s. Over the years, Sunkist has changed hands and is currently under the control of Keurig Dr. Pepper. Despite its focus on fruit juices, Sunkist remains a strong competitor to other soda brands.
13. Minute Maid
- Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
- 2019 Annual Revenue: $1 Billion
- Website – https://www.minutemaid.com/
Minute Maid, owned by The Coca-Cola Company, may primarily be known for its juices, but it competes with carbonated beverages in the soda market. Minute Maid was acquired by Coca-Cola in 1960 and gained recognition with its ready-to-drink orange juice. The brand has expanded its product line to include various juices and continues to be a significant player in the beverage industry.
14. Sierra Mist
- Owned By: PepsiCo
- 2019 Brand Annual Revenue: About $1 Billion
- Website – https://www.starrylemonlime.com/
Sierra Mist, introduced in 1999 by PepsiCo, was designed to rival other lemon-lime soda brands, such as Sprite. Throughout the years, Sierra Mist has undergone several changes in branding and product options, including a zero-sugar option and a name change to Mist Twist. However, it has since reverted to its original name and continues to be a popular choice among consumers.
15. 7Up
- Owned By: Keurig Dr. Pepper
- 2019 Brand Annual Revenue: $15.7 Million
- Website – https://www.7up.com/
7Up, with its lemon-lime flavor, has a long-standing history in the soft drink industry. Created in the 1930s by Charles Leiper Grigg, 7Up initially contained ingredients such as lithium citrate, marketed as a mood booster. However, the recipe was later modified to remove these ingredients. 7Up has changed hands multiple times and is currently under the control of Keurig Dr. Pepper.
