The History of Coke Vending Machine

Coke is a trademark of The Coca-Cola Company in the United States. Coke or Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink, a non-alcoholic beverage that typically contains water, sweeteners, and flavoring agents. Originally, the soft drink was famous for the name “Coca-Cola” before it became “Coke” in 1944. In March 12, 1894, Coca-Cola was first released in bottles in Cartersville, Georgia, the location of the first headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company.

The First Coke Vending Machines

Coca-Cola or Coke is now one of the most famous products in coke vending machines. The first Coca-Cola vending machine was invented in 1929 by the Glascock Brothers Manufacturing Co. of Muncie, Indiana. It was a 151-lb. ice box that held 72 6-ounce bottles sold for a 5 cents, payable to the clerk.

In the 1930s, Glascock continually improved the original coke vending machines, which are just merely ice boxes at first. The next ice boxes were called the Coca-Cola “Junior” and “Standard” coolers designed to fit on countertops as a wall mounts or in shops with minimal floor space, as well as, coffee shops and gas stations. It held 36 bottles in ice water and still it has to be attended by a clerk.

Coke Vending Machines during WWII

In 1937, outbreak of World War II, Vendo Company and Vendorlator Manufacturing Company in partnership with The Coca-Cola Co pledged to provide all U.S. military men free Cokes. So, the two companies came up with 5,000 machines for military bases and civilian factories. This product was called the Vendorlator 33. It did not need a coin to get Coke because they were for free so military men will just dispense Coke from the machine.

Postwar Coke vending machines were the first coin-operated machines. It was called the Vendo 83 Coke machine. Its operates by depositing a nickel, opening the door, and retrieving a Coke. It cannot dispense change, at first. But later on, the coke vending machines evolved to dispense nickel change for a dime.

In the 1960s, it was discovered that cans easily cooled and that it wouldn’t break when dispensed, manufacturers came up with the first Coke Vending Machines that dispensed canned Coke. This started the popularity of Coke Vending Machines, giving way to the rise of other soda and beverage vending machines.

The Perfect Choice for Soda Vending Machines

A 355 ml can of Coke contains 39 grams of carbohydrates, 50 mg of sodium, 0 grams fat, 0 grams potassium, and 140 calories. It has been criticized for its contents causing alleged adverse health effects. Though nutritionists advised that Coke can be harmful if consumed excessively, alleged toxic acidity levels has been found to be baseless. Therefore, we can safely say that this is one beverage that can be recommended for soda vending machines.

Despite the criticism, Coca-Cola or Coke has been the dominant brand of soft drink since its introduction. In the latest quest for best global brand 2011 by Interbrand, Coke is the world’s most valuable brand, making it the more popular brand for soda in vending machines, eventually, making the Coke Vending Machines very popular almost everywhere in the world.