Who Owns Sprite: Ownership Breakdown

Sprite is one of the world’s most recognizable lemon-lime sodas, loved for its crisp and refreshing taste. Many wonder who owns Sprite and how this iconic drink became a global beverage staple. As of 2025, Sprite is owned by The Coca-Cola Company, one of the largest beverage corporations in the world.

Key Takeaways

• Sprite is fully owned by The Coca-Cola Company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It is not an independent entity and operates entirely within Coca-Cola’s global beverage portfolio.
• Sprite was developed in-house by Coca-Cola in 1959 (launched globally in 1961), making it one of the few billion-dollar brands created and grown internally rather than acquired.
• All brand and business decisions for Sprite — including innovation, marketing, and sustainability — are made by Coca-Cola’s executive leadership, led by CEO James Quincey, who oversees Sprite’s global growth and strategy.

Sprite Overview

Sprite is a clear, lemon-lime flavored soft drink. It is known for its crisp, refreshing taste and minimal caffeine. The brand stands out with its green packaging (though this is now transitioning) and bold, youth-oriented identity. As of 2025, Sprite is sold in over 190 countries, making it one of the most widely available lemon-lime sodas globally.

Founding and Origin of Sprite

The story of Sprite began in 1959 in West Germany, where it was first created under the name “Fanta Klare Zitrone,” meaning “Clear Lemon Fanta.” This product was introduced by The Coca-Cola Company as a transparent, citrus-flavored version of Fanta for the European market.

The drink’s growing popularity in Germany caught the attention of Coca-Cola executives in the United States, who decided to rebrand and introduce it globally. In 1961, the beverage was officially launched in the U.S. as Sprite, positioned as a direct competitor to 7UP, which dominated the lemon-lime soda category at the time.

The name “Sprite” was already owned by Coca-Cola from earlier advertising campaigns in the 1950s and was chosen for its energetic and modern appeal. From there, Sprite quickly became a worldwide success, known for its refreshing flavor, vibrant branding, and appeal to younger audiences.

Major Milestones

• 1959: Sprite was first created in West Germany under the name Fanta Klare Zitrone (Clear Lemon Fanta).
• 1961: The drink was officially launched in the United States under the name Sprite to compete with 7UP.
• 1963: Sprite began advertising nationally in the U.S. with the slogan “Naturally Tart.”
• 1967: Sprite expanded to dozens of international markets, including the U.K., Canada, and parts of Asia.
• 1970: The first large-scale global marketing campaign began, emphasizing Sprite’s clean, crisp flavor.
• 1974: Sprite became one of Coca-Cola’s top five-selling beverages worldwide.
• 1984: Coca-Cola launched a major rebranding effort, introducing new packaging and a sharper, cooler taste.
• 1989: Sprite was introduced in China, becoming one of the fastest-growing soft drink brands in the country.
• 1993: The famous slogan “Obey Your Thirst” debuted, marking Sprite’s deep connection with youth and hip-hop culture.
• 1996: NBA star Grant Hill became the face of Sprite’s “Obey Your Thirst” campaigns, boosting its global recognition.
• 2002: Sprite Remix, a tropical-flavored variant, was introduced, appealing to younger audiences seeking new flavors.
• 2004: Launch of Sprite Zero, a zero-sugar version catering to health-conscious consumers.
• 2006: Sprite gained a major foothold in Africa and the Middle East, where it became Coca-Cola’s best-selling citrus drink.
• 2013: Sprite Cranberry and other seasonal flavors were introduced, achieving cult popularity in North America.
• 2015: Sprite launched its global “Cut Through the Noise” campaign, reasserting its cool, honest brand identity.
• 2019: Sprite Lymonade (a blend of Sprite and lemonade) hit shelves in the U.S., quickly becoming a consumer favorite.
• 2020: Sprite introduced digital campaigns promoting social authenticity and creativity among Gen Z audiences.
• 2022: Sprite transitioned from its iconic green PET bottles to clear, recyclable plastic, aligning with Coca-Cola’s global sustainability goals.
• 2023: Sprite underwent a major global rebrand, introducing a simplified logo, sleek bottle design, and new slogan, “Heat Happens. Stay Cool.”
• 2024: Sprite Chill (a cherry-lime variant) was introduced in select markets, expanding its flavored beverage portfolio.
• 2025: Sprite celebrates over 65 years since its creation and continues leading innovation in the citrus soda category, introducing region-specific flavors and eco-friendly packaging innovations.

Who Owns Sprite?

Sprite is fully owned by The Coca-Cola Company, a global beverage leader headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company holds all rights to Sprite’s production, distribution, and branding worldwide. Sprite has been part of The Coca-Cola Company’s portfolio since its introduction in 1961, and it continues to be one of its most successful non-cola brands.

Parent Company: The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the parent organization behind Sprite. Established in 1892, Coca-Cola has grown from a single cola drink into a multinational powerhouse managing more than 200 beverage brands. Sprite represents the company’s flagship product in the lemon-lime soda category and is considered a vital part of its “sparkling soft drink” segment.

Through Coca-Cola’s extensive global bottling and distribution network, Sprite is produced and sold in nearly every market where the company operates. Each region often has its own local bottling partner — such as Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, or Coca-Cola Beverages Africa — responsible for manufacturing and distributing Sprite to local stores and restaurants.

The Coca-Cola Company is a publicly traded corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KO). This means Sprite, like all other Coca-Cola brands, is indirectly owned by millions of shareholders across the globe. The ownership is primarily composed of:

• Institutional Investors: Major firms like Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett’s company), Vanguard Group, and BlackRock hold large portions of Coca-Cola’s shares, giving them substantial voting power and influence.
• Public Investors: Individual shareholders and small investors collectively own a large portion of the company through direct share ownership, retirement funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
• Company Insiders: Coca-Cola’s executives, directors, and employees hold a smaller portion of shares, aligning management interests with company performance.

While no single entity owns Coca-Cola outright, Berkshire Hathaway remains the largest individual shareholder, holding around 9% of the company’s total shares.

Sprite Development

The name and concept were first tested in Germany in 1959 as Fanta Klare Zitrone. Coca-Cola’s U.S. division later recognized the potential of this lemon-lime drink and officially launched it under the Sprite name in 1961. Since then, Sprite has remained wholly owned by Coca-Cola, evolving through marketing updates, packaging redesigns, and flavor extensions.

Coca-Cola’s brand management strategy treats Sprite as one of its core global brands, alongside Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Diet Coke. It receives significant marketing investment and product innovation support, particularly focused on youth culture, music partnerships, and sustainability initiatives.

Sprite is a key player in Coca-Cola’s overall product lineup. It is part of the company’s “sparkling soft drink” division, contributing heavily to global sales volume outside the cola category. The brand competes directly with PepsiCo’s 7UP and regional lemon-lime sodas.

Over the decades, Coca-Cola has expanded the Sprite family to include multiple variations such as Sprite Zero Sugar, Sprite Lymonade, Sprite Cherry, and Sprite Chill, allowing the brand to appeal to diverse consumer tastes while staying true to its citrus roots.

Global Control and Licensing

Coca-Cola controls the intellectual property and global marketing for Sprite, while regional bottlers handle the production, packaging, and distribution. This franchise system allows Sprite to maintain consistent taste and branding worldwide, with slight regional adaptations in sweetness, carbonation, or flavor to suit local preferences.

Despite being locally bottled in many regions, Sprite’s recipe, trademark, and visual identity are centrally managed by Coca-Cola’s global headquarters in Atlanta.

Sprite’s Journey Under The Coca-Cola Company

Sprite’s journey under The Coca-Cola Company is a story of innovation, global expansion, cultural influence, and continuous reinvention. Since its debut in 1961, Sprite has transformed from a simple lemon-lime soda into a powerful global brand representing freshness, authenticity, and youth culture.

Early Days: Coca-Cola’s Answer to 7UP (1959–1965)

Before Sprite became a global phenomenon, Coca-Cola noticed the rising popularity of lemon-lime sodas, particularly 7UP, which dominated the U.S. market in the 1950s. In 1959, Coca-Cola’s German division developed Fanta Klare Zitrone, a clear lemon-flavored soda that quickly became popular in Europe.

Recognizing its potential, Coca-Cola introduced the beverage to the U.S. in 1961, renaming it Sprite. The goal was clear — to challenge 7UP directly in the lemon-lime segment. The drink’s crisp taste, clear color, and youthful branding helped it gain popularity almost immediately.

By 1965, Sprite had already become one of the fastest-growing products in Coca-Cola’s portfolio, marking the company’s first major success outside the cola category.

Global Expansion and Market Growth (1970s–1980s)

In the 1970s, The Coca-Cola Company launched an ambitious campaign to make Sprite a global brand. Sprite’s refreshing taste and simple, universal flavor profile made it appealing across cultures and age groups.

By 1974, Sprite was available in over 60 countries and became a household name in markets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The brand’s advertising emphasized purity and freshness, often using slogans that highlighted its crisp, clean taste.

In the 1980s, Coca-Cola strengthened Sprite’s presence in emerging markets. The brand’s positioning shifted toward being “cool and clear,” appealing to younger, urban consumers. Coca-Cola also localized Sprite’s marketing in various countries, giving the drink unique cultural appeal while maintaining a consistent global identity.

Reinvention Through Youth Culture (1990s)

The 1990s marked a defining era for Sprite under Coca-Cola. The brand underwent a major transformation with the introduction of the slogan “Obey Your Thirst” in 1993.

This campaign connected Sprite with hip-hop, street style, and self-expression — a radical shift from the clean, family-friendly ads of earlier decades. Coca-Cola leveraged partnerships with rising NBA stars like Grant Hill and prominent hip-hop artists, positioning Sprite as a voice of youth authenticity and rebellion against mainstream advertising clichés.

The result was phenomenal. By the late 1990s, Sprite became the #1 lemon-lime soft drink in the world, overtaking 7UP in many markets. Its association with music, sports, and individuality defined its modern identity.

Innovation and Product Expansion (2000s–2010s)

Under Coca-Cola’s strategic direction, Sprite entered a new era of product diversification.

• 2002: The company launched Sprite Remix, offering tropical and berry flavors to attract younger audiences seeking variety.
• 2004: Introduction of Sprite Zero (later rebranded as Sprite Zero Sugar), targeting health-conscious consumers looking for zero-calorie options.
• 2010s: Sprite expanded into flavored spin-offs like Sprite Cranberry and Sprite Lymonade, creating strong seasonal demand.

Coca-Cola also began experimenting with limited-edition packaging, collaborations with artists, and digital-first campaigns, keeping Sprite relevant in an increasingly competitive beverage market.

Sustainability and Modern Redesign (2020–2023)

In the 2020s, Coca-Cola placed heavy emphasis on sustainability and brand modernization. Sprite became one of the first major brands in Coca-Cola’s portfolio to adopt clear, recyclable PET bottles instead of its traditional green ones. This transition, completed in 2022, made recycling easier and aligned Sprite with Coca-Cola’s global environmental goals.

In 2023, Sprite underwent a major global rebrand, introducing a minimalist logo, refreshed packaging, and a new slogan — “Heat Happens. Stay Cool.” This campaign targeted Gen Z consumers and emphasized authenticity, quick thinking, and individuality.

Sprite’s modern marketing now focuses on humor, real-life moments, and community-driven creativity — aligning perfectly with Coca-Cola’s digital transformation strategy.

Continued Innovation and Global Leadership (2024–2025)

As of 2025, Sprite remains one of Coca-Cola’s top five global brands. The company continues to innovate through new flavors, such as Sprite Chill (cherry-lime), and localized variants developed for markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Sprite’s formula and taste remain consistent worldwide, but Coca-Cola tailors its sweetness, carbonation, and packaging sizes to local consumer preferences. The brand’s marketing continues to center around youth identity, music culture, and refreshment — values that have defined its image for over six decades.

Sprite’s Role in Coca-Cola’s Global Strategy

Sprite is not just a product — it’s a strategic pillar in Coca-Cola’s non-cola beverage portfolio. It bridges the gap between classic sodas and new-age refreshment drinks. With its global appeal and simple flavor, Sprite helps Coca-Cola compete across all markets and demographics.

The brand’s versatility allows Coca-Cola to experiment with flavor innovation, digital storytelling, and sustainable packaging while maintaining a loyal consumer base.

Sprite’s journey under Coca-Cola reflects the company’s ability to adapt, innovate, and connect emotionally with consumers — keeping a 65-year-old brand young and relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Who is the CEO of Sprite?

As of 2025, Sprite does not have its own standalone CEO. The brand operates under The Coca-Cola Company, and its leadership is overseen by Coca-Cola’s global executive team. The person ultimately responsible for Sprite’s performance, strategy, and innovation is James Quincey, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.

Even though Sprite is one of Coca-Cola’s leading global brands, it does not function as a separate company with independent leadership — instead, it’s part of Coca-Cola’s “Sparkling Flavors” division, which manages all non-cola soft drinks globally.

Sprite’s Leadership Structure

The Coca-Cola Company uses a matrix leadership model for its brands. This means that each beverage category — such as colas, juices, teas, and sparkling drinks — is managed by dedicated presidents and vice presidents who report to the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team.

Sprite falls under the Sparkling Beverages category, which includes brands like Fanta, Schweppes, and Fresca. The decisions regarding Sprite’s product innovation, marketing campaigns, and global strategy are made by Coca-Cola’s global category heads in coordination with regional teams.

At the top of this structure is James Quincey, who oversees every Coca-Cola brand worldwide, including Sprite.

James Quincey: The Man Behind Sprite’s Direction

James Quincey has been the CEO of The Coca-Cola Company since May 2017 and the Chairman of the Board since 2019. Born in London, England, and raised in Birmingham, he has been with Coca-Cola since 1996.

Before becoming CEO, Quincey led several Coca-Cola divisions, including Europe, Latin America, and Mexico, giving him a deep understanding of consumer behavior across markets. His global experience helps shape Sprite’s strategies across continents — from North America to Asia and Africa.

Under his leadership, Sprite has undergone significant modernization, sustainability transitions, and product diversification.

How the CEO Influences Sprite’s Strategy

While James Quincey leads Coca-Cola’s entire portfolio, he plays a direct role in guiding Sprite’s brand evolution, particularly in these key areas:

• Sustainability: Quincey oversaw Sprite’s switch from green to clear PET bottles in 2022 to improve recyclability.
• Product Innovation: Under his leadership, Coca-Cola launched new Sprite variants such as Sprite Zero Sugar, Sprite Lymonade, and Sprite Chill.
• Global Branding: Quincey pushed for unified branding worldwide — ensuring that Sprite’s messaging, visual identity, and packaging are consistent globally while allowing for local adaptations.
• Marketing Transformation: Sprite’s recent campaigns like “Heat Happens. Stay Cool.” were part of Coca-Cola’s broader rebranding effort focusing on authenticity and youth culture.

Compensation and Net Worth of James Quincey (as of 2025)

As the CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey’s compensation package reflects the scale of managing a global brand empire that includes Sprite.

• Base Salary: Approximately $1.65 million annually.
• Performance Bonus and Incentives: Around $6.3 million, based on company and brand performance.
• Stock Awards and Options: Roughly $18 million in stock-based compensation.
• Total Annual Compensation (2024 Fiscal Year): About $27–28 million.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $120–130 million, primarily due to Coca-Cola stock ownership and long-term equity incentives.

Quincey owns hundreds of thousands of Coca-Cola shares, giving him a significant personal stake in the company’s performance — including the success of Sprite and its related product lines.

Regional Leadership for Sprite

While James Quincey leads at the corporate level, Sprite also has regional leaders who manage brand operations in different parts of the world. For example:

• Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) in each region oversee Sprite’s local campaigns.
• Category Presidents focus on product innovation, pricing, and distribution.
• Regional CEOs (such as those in Coca-Cola’s Europe, Middle East & Africa or North America divisions) handle sales and partnerships with local bottlers.

Past CEOs Who Influenced Sprite’s Evolution

Since Sprite is part of The Coca-Cola Company, previous Coca-Cola CEOs have all contributed to the brand’s growth and positioning over the decades:

• Muhtar Kent (2008–2017): Focused on expanding Sprite’s footprint in emerging markets and developing low-sugar alternatives.
• Neville Isdell (2004–2008): Strengthened Sprite’s brand identity in international markets.
• Douglas Daft (2000–2004): Oversaw Sprite’s modernization and early flavor variants.
• Roberto Goizueta (1981–1997): Accelerated Sprite’s global expansion and introduced the “Obey Your Thirst” era.

Why Sprite Doesn’t Have Its Own CEO

Unlike independent beverage companies, Sprite operates entirely under Coca-Cola’s umbrella. This centralized model ensures that decisions about marketing, product launches, and sustainability align with Coca-Cola’s overall brand strategy.

Sprite doesn’t need a separate CEO because its operations, finances, and brand management are integrated within Coca-Cola’s global system. Instead, Coca-Cola’s brand managers, marketing heads, and innovation teams handle all aspects of Sprite’s business, reporting up to the corporate leadership.

Sprite Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of November 2025, Sprite’s annual revenue is well in excess of $4.6 billion globally, confirming its status as a major beverage brand. Its brand value — effectively its “net worth” as a consumer asset — is estimated at around $4.5 billion.

Annual Revenue of Sprite

Sprite is confirmed as one of Coca-Cola’s so-called “billion-dollar brands,” meaning the brand generates annual sales in excess of $4.6 billion globally.

Industry commentary from 2025 highlights that Sprite achieved this benchmark and continues to generate substantial revenue across major markets, including emerging regions.

Although Coca-Cola does not publish a separate top-line figure for Sprite alone, it is clear that Sprite’s revenue constitutes a meaningful portion of the global sparkling drinks revenue of Coca-Cola. Sprite’s strong performance in the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Latin America supports the brand’s contribution to Coca-Cola’s overall beverage revenue, which reached around $47 billion in 2024.

Net Worth of Sprite

Sprite is valued at approximately $4.5 billion as of November 2025. This brand valuation reflects consumer recognition, market reach, future earnings potential, and Coca-Cola’s global distribution and marketing infrastructure for Sprite.

Such a valuation positions Sprite among the strongest lemon-lime sodas in the world and underscores its strategic importance in Coca-Cola’s non-cola beverage portfolio.

Significance of These Figures

The fact that Sprite is a billion-dollar brand in annual sales and holds a multi-billion-dollar brand value signals several important things.

First, it demonstrates that the brand resonates with consumers across diverse geographies and demographics.

Second, it shows that Coca-Cola’s investment in innovation (new flavors, zero sugar variants) and packaging (sustainability-driven clear bottles) has translated into measurable brand equity.

Third, it provides Coca-Cola with a strong asset in its global beverage business, offering diversification beyond its core cola product and enabling growth in regions where non-cola beverages are gaining share.

Outlook and Implications for 2025

Heading into 2026, Sprite is well-positioned to maintain or grow its revenue and brand value.

With consumer trends favoring health-conscious, low-sugar options and innovative flavors, Sprite’s zero-sugar variants and regional flavor launches provide momentum.

The strong brand valuation also gives Coca-Cola flexibility to leverage Sprite in marketing campaigns, packaging upgrades and geographic expansion. From a business strategy standpoint, Sprite’s financial strength and brand role suggest it will remain a core growth driver for Coca-Cola’s sparkling beverage category.

Brands Owned by Sprite

Here’s a list of the major flavors and divisions owned by Sprite which aren’t essentially brands rather variants:

Sprite Original

Sprite Original is the foundation of the entire Sprite brand family. Launched globally in 1961, it remains the most recognized version of the beverage. Known for its crisp, clear, lemon-lime flavor and caffeine-free formula, Sprite Original continues to drive the majority of the brand’s global sales. It represents Sprite’s classic identity and is marketed as a drink that delivers ultimate refreshment, authenticity, and a “cut through the heat” experience.

Sprite Zero Sugar

Sprite Zero Sugar (originally called Sprite Zero or Diet Sprite) was introduced to meet growing demand for low-calorie beverages. It offers the same lemon-lime flavor as Sprite Original but without sugar or calories. This variant gained significant popularity in the 2000s and 2010s as consumers became more health-conscious. Sprite Zero Sugar is now one of the most widely available zero-calorie soft drinks in the world and plays a key role in Coca-Cola’s “total beverage” strategy focused on offering both regular and sugar-free options.

Sprite Lymonade

Sprite Lymonade, launched in 2019, combines Sprite’s signature lemon-lime taste with natural lemonade flavor. It quickly became a favorite in North America and select international markets. This product line has expanded into multiple versions, including Sprite Cherry Lymonade and Sprite Tropical Mix, blending regional and seasonal fruit flavors with Sprite’s classic formula. Sprite Lymonade also helped rejuvenate the brand’s image among younger consumers seeking new, tangy beverage experiences.

Sprite Chill

Sprite Chill is one of Sprite’s newest product extensions introduced in 2024. It features a unique cherry-lime flavor with a cooling sensation, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional lemon-lime base. This launch aligns with Coca-Cola’s strategy of seasonal and limited-edition releases that generate excitement among younger audiences. Sprite Chill is supported by bold digital campaigns that connect to pop culture, gaming, and sports communities.

Sprite Cranberry

Sprite Cranberry first appeared as a limited-edition holiday drink in 2013 but became so popular that it returned each year as a seasonal favorite. The beverage blends tart cranberry with Sprite’s citrus base, making it a staple during winter months. Sprite Cranberry also gained viral popularity through digital memes and online campaigns, reinforcing Sprite’s connection to youth culture and social media trends.

Sprite Tropical Mix

Sprite Tropical Mix, also known as Sprite Remix in earlier releases, features fruit-inspired flavors like pineapple, strawberry, and tropical punch combined with Sprite’s signature fizz. Originally launched in the early 2000s, it was discontinued and later reintroduced after fan demand surged online. Sprite Tropical Mix remains a limited or region-specific flavor, particularly popular in North America and parts of Asia.

Sprite Ice

Sprite Ice (also known as Sprite Blue in some markets) was introduced in select regions including Canada, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. It features a minty-cool twist on the traditional Sprite flavor, designed to deliver a chilling effect. This variant has been reintroduced multiple times since its first launch in 2003, reflecting Coca-Cola’s experimental approach with regional taste preferences. Sprite Ice remains one of the most distinctive innovations under the Sprite brand.

Sprite Ginger

Introduced in 2020, Sprite Ginger combines the lemon-lime flavor with a light ginger taste. It was developed as part of Coca-Cola’s flavor experimentation initiative, giving consumers a refreshing twist that blended two popular beverage profiles — citrus and ginger ale. Although it began as a limited edition in the U.S., Sprite Ginger found success in select markets and helped reinforce the brand’s modern, adaptable image.

Sprite Fiber+

Sprite Fiber+ is a functional beverage variant available in select Asian markets, particularly in China. It includes dietary fiber and lower sugar content, designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking better-for-you soft drinks. This product reflects Coca-Cola’s focus on functional beverages that combine traditional refreshment with added nutritional benefits, aligning with regional health trends.

Sprite Cucumber

Sprite Cucumber was introduced in Eastern Europe and parts of Central Asia. It offers a refreshing cucumber flavor paired with the traditional lemon-lime base, tailored to local flavor preferences. While not a global product, it showcases Coca-Cola’s strategy of using Sprite as a flexible brand platform for market-specific innovation.

Sprite Remix Series

The Sprite Remix label has been used multiple times to describe special-edition flavor lines, including tropical, berry, and citrus blends. These were first introduced in 2002 and gained a strong following among younger audiences for their bold taste and colorful branding. Remix variations continue to appear periodically, often as short-term releases designed to reignite excitement in established markets.

Conclusion

Sprite, owned by The Coca-Cola Company, remains one of the world’s most popular lemon-lime sodas. Over the decades, it has evolved into a global brand recognized for its crisp flavor, vibrant marketing, and youth-driven identity. The question of who owns Sprite has a clear answer — it is fully managed, produced, and distributed by The Coca-Cola Company, which continues to expand the brand through innovative flavors and sustainable packaging. As of 2025, Sprite’s legacy as Coca-Cola’s leading non-cola beverage continues to grow, reinforcing its place as a refreshing icon in the global soft drink industry.

FAQs

Does Coca-Cola still own Sprite?

Yes, The Coca-Cola Company still owns Sprite as of 2025. Sprite remains one of Coca-Cola’s flagship non-cola brands and continues to be managed, produced, and marketed globally by the company.

When did Sprite come out?

Sprite was launched in 1961 in the United States by The Coca-Cola Company. It was originally introduced to compete with 7UP, which dominated the lemon-lime soda market at the time.

Who makes Sprite?

The Coca-Cola Company makes Sprite, while licensed Coca-Cola bottling partners around the world handle its production and distribution. These include major bottlers such as Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

What company owns Sprite?

Sprite is owned by The Coca-Cola Company, an American multinational beverage corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company also owns other major brands such as Fanta, Powerade, Dasani, and Minute Maid.

How was Sprite made?

Sprite was first created in 1959 in West Germany under the name Fanta Klare Zitrone (“Clear Lemon Fanta”). It was developed as a lemon-lime flavored soda to expand Coca-Cola’s product line. After its success in Europe, Coca-Cola launched it globally in 1961 under the name Sprite.

Who is the founder of Sprite?

Sprite was created by The Coca-Cola Company’s product development team in West Germany in 1959. There is no single individual founder credited; it was a corporate innovation within Coca-Cola’s European division.

Who owns Sprite — Coke or Pepsi?

Coke (The Coca-Cola Company) owns Sprite. PepsiCo owns 7UP, which is Sprite’s main competitor in the lemon-lime soda category. The two drinks are often compared for their similar flavor profiles.

Is 7UP basically Sprite?

No, 7UP and Sprite are different brands. While both are lemon-lime flavored, they have distinct taste profiles and are owned by different companies — Sprite by The Coca-Cola Company and 7UP by PepsiCo in most markets.

What was Sprite originally called?

Sprite was originally called “Fanta Klare Zitrone” when it was first introduced in West Germany in 1959. The name was later changed to Sprite when it was officially launched worldwide by The Coca-Cola Company in 1961.