RC Cola

RC Cola, also known as Royal Crown Cola, is a cola soft drink brand that originated in Columbus, Georgia, in 1905.

RC Cola, also known as Royal Crown Cola, is a cola soft drink brand that originated in Columbus, Georgia, in 1905. In the United States, the brand is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, while international rights are handled by RC Global Beverages. The brand has been sold under several corporate owners and remains available in multiple markets.

History

RC Cola began in Columbus, Georgia, where pharmacist Claud A. Hatcher developed early products in 1905. The cola was later branded Royal Crown Cola, and the abbreviated RC name became common over time.

Ownership

The brand is currently owned in the United States by Keurig Dr Pepper. Internationally, RC Cola is associated with RC Global Beverages, reflecting a split ownership and distribution structure.

Products and variants

RC Cola is sold as a cola soft drink and has also appeared in variants such as RC Zero Sugar, RC Diet Cola, and flavour extensions including cherry, orange, and lemon-lime. The brand has been marketed in several flavours beyond the original cola.

Market presence

RC Cola has historically been positioned as an alternative to larger cola brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. It is still sold in multiple markets through regional bottlers and international distribution networks. Canadian readers may encounter RC Cola through imported beverages, specialty retailers, or cross-border distribution, but it is not among the most prominent mass-market cola brands in Canada.