6. The carbonated drink “Fanta” originated as a Coca-Cola substitute in Nazi Germany to circumvent an embargo on the ingredients of the popular American beverage
As a result of a trade embargo imposed by the United States against Nazi Germany during World War II, the ingredients for Coca-Cola, in particular Coca-Cola syrup, were no longer available in German markets. In response to this adverse commercial position, Max Keith, then-Head of Coca-Cola Deutschland, circumvented this restriction by developing an alternative cola product with available ingredients to replace the popular American classic: Fanta.
A fruit-flavored drink made from apple fiber left over from cider pressings and whey, Fanta was the product of “the leftovers of leftovers” in Keith’s own words; the name itself derives from the German word “Fantasie”, meaning imagination after salesman Joe Knipp was told to “use his imagination” by Keith to produce a marketable name. Due to similar issues as Germany the Netherlands division of Coca-Cola was also provided access to Fanta for their respective markets, albeit electing to use elderberries as one of the leading ingredients.