For The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, marking the 125^th anniversary of when Coca-Cola was first served is less an opportunity to look back at the brand’s storied history, but an opportunity to highlight its momentum for the future. As the company embarks on the milestone year, Muhtar Kent, the company’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer, emphasizes the anniversary is a testament to the business’ possibilities.

“Coca-Cola, in a way, is more than just a drink: it’s an idea, it’s a vision, it’s a feeling and a great connection. It’s a shared experience. It’s one of the truly common threads that actually bond the world together, tie the world together.”