The Coke Machine: The Dirty Truth Behind the Worlds Favorite Soft Drink

The Coke Machine takes readers deep inside the Coca-Cola Company and its international franchisees to reveal how they became the number one brand in the world, and just how far theyll go to stay there. Ever since its Id like to teach the world to sing commercials from the 1970s, Coca-Cola has billed itself as the worlds beverage, uniting all colors and cultures in a mutual love of its caramel-sweet sugar water. The formula has worked incredibly well-making it one of the most profitable companies on the planet and Coca-Cola the worlds second- most recognized word after hello. However, as the company expands its reach into both domestic and foreign markets, an increasing number of the worlds citizens are finding the taste of Coke more bitter than sweet. Journalist Michael Blandings The Coke Machine probes shocking accusations about the companys global impact, including: • Coca-Colas history of winning at any cost, even if it meant that its franchisees were making deals with the Nazis and Guatemalan paramilitary squads • How Coke has harmed childrens health and contributed to an obesity epidemic through exclusive soda contracts in schools • The horrific environmental impact of Coke bottling plants in India and Mexico, where water supplies have been decimated while toxic pollution has escalated • That Coke bottlers stand accused of conspiring with paramilitaries to threaten, kidnap, and murder union leaders in their bottling plants in Colombia A disturbing portrait drawn from an award-winning journalists daring, in-depth research, The Coke Machine is the first comprehensive probe of the company and its secret formula for greed. COKE is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.This book is not authorized by or endorsed by The Coca-Cola Company.