Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Group : A Legacy of Refreshment and Community
Established in 1907, the Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Group has been a cornerstone of the Corinth, Mississippi community for over a century.
The company’s origins trace back to 1905 when Avon Kenneth Weaver acquired an interest in the Corinth Bottling Works, a modest soda water plant owned by C.C. Clark. At that time, Coca-Cola was produced in Jackson, Tennessee, and transported to Corinth by rail. Weaver and Clark were determined to secure a Coca-Cola franchise for Northeast Mississippi. While awaiting developments in Corinth, they obtained a license for Coca-Cola in New Albany, Mississippi, in 1906. On April 30, 1907, their efforts culminated in the awarding of a Coca-Cola franchise by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company (Thomas), Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, leading to the formation of the Coca-Cola Bottling Group of Corinth.
In its early days, the bottling process was labor-intensive, with bottles washed and filled by hand and sealed using a foot-powered machine. The initial team comprised just four individuals, including a young man named Luke Caldwell, who made local deliveries using a wheelbarrow.
Today, Corinth Coca-Cola has evolved into a significant operation, encompassing six facilities and employing nearly 500 associates. The company serves all or parts of 40 counties across four states: Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri. From an initial offering of three items, their product line has expanded to over 600 different products, with annual sales exceeding 10 million cases. This growth reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, investment, and hard work.
The company has also embraced community engagement and historical preservation. The Corinth Coca-Cola Museum, located across from the company’s headquarters at 601 Washington Street, showcases an extensive collection of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia, vintage drink machines, and artifacts from the Soda Fountain Era. This museum offers free admission and serves as a testament to the company’s rich history and enduring connection to the community
Throughout its history, Corinth Coca-Cola has remained under the ownership and operation of the descendants of Avon Kenneth Weaver. Not only have four generations of the Weaver family contributed to the business, but the company has also become a multi-generational workplace for many local families, underscoring its deep-rooted ties to the community.
With a legacy built on faith, vision, and dedication, Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Group continues to look toward the future with optimism, poised to serve and refresh the Mid-South region for generations to come.