Lakeland’s history is rich with stories like the royal swans, our first aviatrix, and the one-eyed gator, but have you ever considered it at the center of beverage distribution? It’s no secret that Coca-Cola has had a Lakeland Distribution Center since 2006, or that PepsiCo has had a local vending machine supplier since 2007 and a Gatorade distribution center since 2017.

However, our ties to soft drinks date way back. So let’s get down to the fizzics because there may be a pop quiz in the end.

Coca-Cola Bottling Plant | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

1926 – This Coca-Cola Bottling Plant was located at 115 S. Lincoln Ave. between 1926 and 1937.

Dr Pepper Bottling Co. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

1936 – The Dr. Pepper Bottling Company (owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group) was one of several soft drink bottling companies located in Lakeland. This building stood on Bartow Rd. and S. Crystal Lake Dr. For a little trivia, the name "Dr. Pepper" was first used commercially in 1885 and introduced nationally at the Louisiana Purchase Expo in 1904. The drink formula was invented by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, TX, which is why customers originally called the drink “Waco.”

1936 – This Coca-Cola Bottling Plant location was on the east side of Lake Mirror between Rose + Main Streets. The City of Lakeland acquired the building and renovated it in 1995 as Lakeland Fire Department’s administrative headquarters.

Royal Crown Bottling Co. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

1939 – This photo pictures employees in front of the Royal Crown Bottling Company at 906 S. Tennessee Ave. Now known as RC Cola, this soft drink is owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group. From its first product "Chero-Cola" dating even before 1912, the company grew so much that it eventually became the first to nationally distribute soft drinks in cans and later the first to use all-aluminum cans.

7up Bottling Co. | Photo via Lakeland Public Library

1950s – This 7up Bottling Company location was at 315 E. Lemon St.

This Dr Pepper Bottling Company location was on W. Lemon St. but research on its date has not yet been found.

Here are a few other beverage companies that are currently in town:

JBT Corporation – a plant that specializes in food handling, processing + labeling.
Refresco – an international beverage bottler.
Graham Packaging Company – a bottling manufacturer (specifically Arizona tea and Coca-Cola).
DS Services of America – offering water products, filtration systems + coffee beverages. Their Lakeland location is a 500-person call center.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)