Big corporations rarely face defeats, but when they do, these stories become legendary. Just as Bolivia saw McDonald’s close its doors, a similar phenomenon occurred in Peru with the battle between Inca Kola and Coca-Cola.
An Unbreakable National Icon
Upon landing in Lima, the gray sky welcomes travelers. Among conversations with Peruvians, one topic resonates with pride: Inca Kola, the drink that even the world’s most powerful multinational could not defeat.
Decades ago, it was common to read in the Peruvian press about the dominance of this local soda, which held a significant lead over Coca-Cola in market share. In a world where Coca-Cola prevailed in nearly every country, Peru was the exception.
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Coca-Cola’s Strategy: Join Instead of Compete
Coca-Cola tried unsuccessfully to displace Inca Kola from the taste of Peruvians. Its bright yellow color and sweet flavor, described by the Chicago Tribune as “radioactive yellow with a bubblegum aroma,” were unmistakable. Even the renowned Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges called it an “unlikely beverage.”
After years of commercial battle, Coca-Cola decided to change its strategy. In 1999, the multinational acquired 49% of Inca Kola’s shares and reached an agreement for it to become the exclusive bottler of Coca-Cola in Peru. In what many interpreted as a surrender, the American company acknowledged that Inca Kola could not be removed from the Peruvian market.
The Legacy of Inca Kola
Inca Kola was born in 1935, during the 400th anniversary of Lima’s founding. Its creators emphasized its secret recipe based on Andean fruits, and its original name and logo evoked Incan heritage, a strong national symbol.
Since the 1960s, its advertising campaigns promoted the soda as a patriotic act, inviting Peruvians to support their national drink against foreign brands. This deep cultural connection is precisely what prevented Coca-Cola from defeating it.
Although the goal was to internationalize the brand after Coca-Cola’s partial acquisition, its success remained within Peruvian borders. Inca Kola was—and still is—a drink for Peruvians, holding a privileged place in their history and culinary culture.
“The flavor of a culture is found in every sip of its traditions. Inca Kola is not just a drink; it is the essence of Peru in a bottle.“
Nothing represents the spirit of Peru better than a refreshing, ice-cold glass of Inca Kola. Visit “Se Llama Perú” and enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine accompanied by the country’s most iconic drink.
Immerse yourself in the unique flavors of our cuisine and refresh your palate with the unmistakable taste of Inca Kola. Whether paired with a delicious lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or any other traditional dish, Inca Kola is the perfect complement for a true Peruvian experience.
Location: 368 Center St, Provo, UT, United States, Utah
Phone: +1 801-375-0275
Don’t wait any longer—come and discover why Inca Kola is the pride of Peru! We look forward to welcoming you with open arms!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Inca Kola has been promoted for decades as a symbol of national identity, creating a deep-rooted connection within Peruvian culture.
Thanks to its unique flavor, cultural ties, and a marketing strategy focused on national pride, Inca Kola remained Peru’s most consumed beverage.
Although efforts have been made to expand internationally, its greatest success remains within Peruvian borders, where it continues to be the preferred drink.
Its secret recipe, made from Andean herbs and fruits, gives it a distinctive flavor that cannot be found in any other soda worldwide.
You can find us at 368 Center St, Provo, UT, United States. Come enjoy authentic Peruvian food in the heart of Utah.
