Inca Kola

By Erin Helland

During your time in Peru you are sure to encounter this sweet yellow soft drink. Its flavor resembles bubble gum, and most in Peru enjoy it at room temperature from a glass bottle.

Launched in 1935, the cola has seen great success in Peru. It has consistently had higher sales then both Coca Cola and Pepsi, declaring itself the drink of Peru. During the 70s and 80s the drink often used the slogan "Made of National Flavor!"

Both Pepsi and Coke strove to catch up with Inca Kola's sales during the 90s to no avail. A major hit for Coke during this time was when McDonalds forced them to allow Inca Kola to be sold in their restaurant. In 1997 Coca Cola began to look into buying out Lindley Corporation, who produced Inca Kola.

By 1999 a deal had been worked out. Coca Cola bought 59% of the Inca Kola Corporation and 30% of the Lindley Corporation for 300 million dollars. In return Lindley Corporation was given the rights to bottle all Coca Cola products in Peru, and Coca Cola was given permission to bottle and sell Inca Kola in other countries. However, Coca Cola only bottles and sells Inca Kola in Ecuador and the Northeast part of the United States.

Today Inca Kola continues to dominate the soda market in Peru. Be sure to give it a try, and see its flavor makes you understand why it has experienced such popularity in Peru.