DR PEPPER IS THE OLDEST MAJOR SOFT DRINK IN AMERICA.
Originally made in Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, the drink's unique flavor was a hit when it was first sold in 1885. Wade Morrison, the drug store owner, named it 'Dr. Pepper' after Dr. Charles Pepper, a Virginia doctor who was a father of a girl Morrison was once in love with. (The period after Dr was dropped in the 1950s.)
Dr Pepper was introduced to millions of visitors at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where it was an instant success. Other major food products introduced at the exposition included the ice cream cone, hot dog rolls and hamburger buns.
Following this debut, Dr Pepper grew to be one of America's biggest refreshment treats.
Still one of the world's favorite soft drinks, Dr Pepper has always remained original, showing its appreciation and commitment to diversity by sponsoring multicultural programs.
For example, Dr Pepper takes pride in donating corporate patronage to the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1987. Dr Pepper supports the foundation in its mission to promote Hispanic Excellence, award educational scholarships and create community outreach programs.
In 2008, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., the parent company of Dr Pepper and Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., was established following the spinoff of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB) from Cadbury Schweppes plc. It remains one of North America's leading refreshment beverage companies, manufacturing, bottling and distributing more than 50 brands of carbonated soft drinks, juices, teas, mixers, waters and other premium beverages.
