Dr Pepper Snapple Group

Dr Pepper

DR PEPPER* - THE WORLD’S UNIQUE SOFT DRINK

Dr Pepper* is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. It is a “native Texan” originating at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in the town of Waco in 1885. Like its flavour, the origin of Dr Pepper* is out-of-the-ordinary.

Charles Alderton, a young pharmacist educated in England, worked at Wade Morrison’s store, where he also served carbonated soft drinks at the soda fountain. He had noted that customers soon tired of drinking the same old fruit flavours. The inventive Alderton decided to make something new by blending several fruit-based flavours. After numerous experiments, he finally created one he liked.

To test his new drink, Alderton first offered it to store owner Morrison, who also found it to his liking. After repeated sample testing by the two, Alderton was ready to offer his new drink to fountain customers. They liked it as well. Other patrons at Morrison’s soda fountain soon learned of Alderton’s new drink and began ordering it. Dr Pepper* was born.

Dr Pepper* gained such widespread consumer favour that other soda fountain operators in Waco began buying the syrup from Morrison. This soon presented a problem for Alderton and Morrison, as they could no longer produce enough syrup at their fountain to supply the demand.

Robert S. Lazenby, young beverage chemist and proprietor of The Circle “A” Ginger Ale Company in Waco, had also tasted the new drink and was impressed. Morrison spoke to Lazenby about producing the syrup in his bottling plant. Lazenby liked the idea and agreed to produce the syrup. Alderton, the originator, was primarily interested in the pharmacy and had no designs on the drink. He suggested that Morrison and Lazenby develop it further.

In 1904, Lazenby and his son-in-law, J. B. O’Hara, introduced Dr Pepper* to almost 20 million people attending the World’s Fair Exposition in St. Louis. The exposition was the setting for more than one major product debut. Hamburgers and hot dogs were first served on buns at the exposition, and the ice cream cone was introduced.

In subsequent years, Morrison and Lazenby remained impressed with the growth of Dr Pepper*. They formed a new firm, the Artesian Mfg. & Bottling Company, which later became Dr Pepper Company. Lazenby and O’Hara moved the company from Waco to Dallas in 1922 and opened their new operation in 1923.

Today, the Dr Pepper* brand continues as part of Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., an integrated refreshment beverage business marketing more than 50 beverage brands throughout North America.