Who Created Fanta? Was It Truly the Nazis' Preferred Soda?

Fanta, the well-known orange soda, is a ubiquitous presence, almost certainly available within a short distance from your location. Yet, the origins of this beverage and the story of who created Fanta are surprisingly controversial and shrouded in intrigue.

The creation and early production of Fanta are deeply intertwined with significant global historical events, such as fascism, wartime struggles, and the complexities of international corporate strategies.

Starting With Coca-Cola

To accurately recount the history of Fanta, it’s essential to begin with its parent company, Coca-Cola.

"Coke," as it would eventually be called by countless soda enthusiasts, was created in 1886 by Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a Civil War veteran struggling with morphine addiction. A chemist and physician from antebellum Georgia, Pemberton initially sought a substitute painkiller to replace the opiates he relied on after his wartime injury.

The initial recipe featured coca leaves and kola nuts, both known for their stimulating properties. Cocaine, derived from coca leaves, is now a notorious illegal drug, but in the 1800s, it was regarded as a potent medicinal remedy, particularly for pain relief. (Kola nuts, meanwhile, are a natural source of caffeine).

The rise of Coca-Cola’s popularity was further fueled by adults turning to nonalcoholic drinks during the Prohibition era, a time when the term "soft drink" was coined to describe beverages free of alcohol.

Thus, a soft drink was born: Initially marketed as a syrup to be mixed with carbonated water at soda fountains in pharmacies, Coca-Cola offered a delightful and refreshing experience.

The Coca-Cola Company Becomes a Global Juggernaut

Although Pemberton didn’t live to witness his creation’s rise to global prominence, Coca-Cola eventually became a worldwide phenomenon. The syrup was soon replaced by a pre-carbonated version sold in bottles (and later cans), allowing the brand to expand into both domestic and international markets.

At its Georgia facility, the Coca-Cola company manufactured the flavored, sweetened concentrate, which was then shipped to various markets. There, it was combined with carbonated water, bottled, and distributed for sale.

Germany was one such market. Coca-Cola Deutschland, or Coca-Cola GmbH, operated as the German branch, managed by an executive named Max Keith during World War II.

The war took a toll on Coca-Cola Europe, and the situation worsened when the U.S. joined the conflict. With the Coca-Cola concentrate no longer importable into Nazi Germany, Keith took the initiative to create a new drink to fill the void.

Fanta Production Begins

Keith faced significant material constraints. Not only was Coca-Cola syrup unavailable, but many essential ingredients, including sugar, were heavily rationed in Nazi Germany.

To overcome this, Keith relied on what he described as "the leftovers of the leftovers" to create the new soda. This included apple pulp from cider production, beet sugar, and whey, a byproduct of cheese-making.

While the taste may not have been exceptional, its sweetness was sufficient to attract buyers. Much of the Fanta sold during WWII was likely repurposed as a sweetening or flavoring agent in soups and stews. Despite this, the bottled product saw widespread sales.

The name Fanta was derived from the German word fantasie, meaning "imagination." Keith reportedly instructed his marketing team to use this concept to name the product. Joe Knipp, a salesman, is credited with proposing this simple yet memorable name.

Soda for the Nazis: How Deep Did the Connection Go?

Reports indicate that Keith maintained close ties with the Nazi party to sustain Fanta production throughout World War II. Although he allegedly never officially joined the party, his business expansion would have been impossible without cooperation with the Nazi regime.

Even prior to the war, Coca-Cola appeared to have no reservations about engaging with a fascist government. The company sponsored the 1936 Berlin Olympics and even displayed banners featuring the Coca-Cola logo alongside the swastika.

While Keith may not have been a formal Nazi member, he reportedly collaborated with them enthusiastically. For instance, he orchestrated a mass Nazi salute during the 10th-anniversary celebration of Coca-Cola GmbH, which coincided with the führer's 50th birthday [source: For God, Country and Coca-Cola].

This collaboration persisted throughout the war, with Coca-Cola Deutschland taking over the operations of Coca-Cola businesses in all European territories occupied by the Nazis.

Modern-day Fanta

Today, Fanta is available globally in numerous markets, offering a variety of fruity flavors. However, it is most widely recognized as a vibrant orange soda, a stark contrast to its original German version, which was neither bright orange nor particularly flavorful.

Given its historical ties to one of the most infamous political regimes, how did Fanta evolve into its current form?

This question is complex. After the war, Keith was highly praised for his leadership and was promoted by Coca-Cola’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, eventually becoming the head of Coca-Cola Europe.

Fanta was relaunched in Italy as a cheerful, orange-colored drink and gradually gained worldwide popularity. While it is available in the U.S., it enjoys greater popularity in South America and Europe.

Fanta’s enduring popularity, despite its historical ties to the Nazis, highlights the strength of branding and possibly the public’s limited awareness of its origins.