Campaign getting the word out about Coke’s recipe

ATLANTA Ever since it was first stumbled upon in 1886 by a druggist in Atlanta trying to invent a new health drink, Coca-Cola’s formulation has been kept secret. More recently, the company has begun to beef up the mystery surrounding the recipe, to help spur interest.

But in a bold new move that began in the United Kingdom last month, Coke has begun to reveal some of the key factors that make Coke what it is, such as that fact there are no added preservatives or artificial flavors. The company has also said that it is made with only the best spices from around the world,” and the recipe hasn’t changed since its original inception.

Cathryn Sleight, marketing director of Coca-Cola Great Britain, told the media, “When we talked to consumers about Coke, we realized they didn’t know that it has no added preservatives or artificial flavors. We felt it was important to reassure Coke drinkers of this fact.”

Millions of cans and bottles of Coke bottled in the U.K. will now come with the label “no added preservatives or artificial flavors.” The Coca-Cola company has also taken its message to the Web, launching the site www.letsgettogether.co.uk, a hosting spot where questions about Coke can be answered, within limits to protect the company’s trade secrets.