Sydney’s iconic ‘Coke’ sign in Kings Cross will be flipped upside-down to mark 80 years in Australia
SYDNEY’S iconic “Coke” sign that lights up Kings Cross will be flipped upside-down for the first time. The sign, synonymous with Sydney’s storeyed “Golden Mile”, first lit up the streets of Kings Cross in 1974.
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KING Cross’s iconic “Coke” sign will be flipped upside-down for the first time to celebrate Coca-Cola’s 80th birthday in Australia.
The sign, synonymous with Sydney’s storeyed “Golden Mile”, first lit up the streets of Kings Cross in 1974.
In 2016, the original eight letters of the sign were sold for over $100,000. The proceeds were donated to local charity The Wayside Chapel.
Coca-Cola started its Australian operations in 1938 when small factory opened in Waterloo.
The origins of the soft drink that has dominated the globe, officially available in all nations except North Korea and Cuba, date back to after the US Civil War when a wounded Confederate Colonel John Pemberton was looking for an alternative painkiller to morphine.
The flipping of a Coke sign, the first time it has been done in the company’s 132 history, coincides with a new ad campaign at the AFL and NRL grand finals.
Coca-Cola Public Affairs and Communications Director Christine Black said that company want to express their gratitude to the Australian people.
“We will be showcasing local Aussie actors and scenery,” she said. “We want it to be a commemoration of our connection to the community.”
Coca-Cola last week bought husband-and-wife enterprise MOJO Kombucha as part of its push towards drinks with less sugar than traditional beverages.
Most recently, the company was heavily involved in the ‘Yes’ campaign for same-sex marriage in Australia.
The explosive success of the company has even generated a whole culture of fans that religiously collect Coke-themed memorabilia.
‘Special Executive’ yoyos exclusively gifted to Australian Coca-Cola employees in the late 1960s can fetch up to $1000 and are the “holy grail” of avid collectors.
Ms Black said that Coca-Cola is looking forward to celebrating their historic relationship with Aussie fans for many years to come.
“We’re really proud to be able to celebrate Australia’s successes and continue to support this great community,” she said.
“Cheers to the next 80 years!”
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