Gatorade

Dr. Robert Cade and his team created Gatorade at the University of Florida in 1965.

In 1965, a team of scientists at the University of Florida invented Gatorade, a sports drink aimed at replenishing bodily fluids lost during physical exertion. The drink, derived from salts and sugars, became a phenomenon and brought immense wealth to its creators.

Dr. Robert Cade and Dr. Dana Shires invent Gatorade at the University of Florida for the university's football team, the Gators.

The Florida Gators start officially drinking Gatorade and win their first Orange Bowl title against Georgia Tech. The Tech coach attributes the loss to not having Gatorade.

In 1968, Stokely-Van Camp obtained the rights to manufacture and distribute Gatorade in the United States.

In 1969, Gatorade made its first professional debut with the 1969 Kansas City Chiefs, who used it throughout the season and ended up winning the Super Bowl.

In 1970, Gatorade established a partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to become the official sports drink of the league.

The iconic Gatorade bolt logo was unveiled in 1973, becoming a recognizable symbol of the sports drink brand.

In 1975, Gatorade sponsored Johnny Rutherford's entry in the Indianapolis 500, where he finished second in the race.

In 1976, Gatorade transferred its automotive sponsorship to NASCAR's DiGard Chevrolet driven by Darrell Waltrip, maintaining the sponsorship until the 1983 season.

In 1982, Gatorade expanded its reach to international markets, solidifying its presence as a globally recognized sports drink.

Fruit Punch Gatorade is introduced to the market.

In 1984, Gatorade made history by becoming the official isotonic sports drink for the NFL, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership that continues to this day.

In 1985, the Gatorade Sports and Science Institute (GSSI) was established to conduct research and further develop the effectiveness of Gatorade through scientific studies.

In 1986, the New York Giants popularized the tradition of dumping Gatorade on their head coach after every win during their remarkable 17-2 season, including their Super Bowl victory.

In 1989, Dr. Robert Cade, the inventor of Gatorade, created a new sports drink called TQ2, claiming it offered 30% longer exercise endurance compared to Gatorade. However, the product was never released to the public due to a legal dispute with Gatorade's owner, Quaker Oats.

In 1990, Gatorade became an official league sponsor of Major League Baseball.

In 1991, Gatorade offered Michael Jordan a 10-year deal to be their first athlete spokesman, starting the iconic 'Be Like Mike' ad campaign.

The 'Be Like Mike' ad campaign was launched in 1992 following Michael Jordan's endorsement, becoming a cultural phenomenon and boosting Gatorade's popularity.

After the 1994 Rwandan genocide, AmeriCares faced criticism for providing Gatorade to cholera-stricken refugees instead of essential potable water. The decision raised questions about the appropriateness of using sports drinks in humanitarian emergencies.

In 1995, Gatorade expanded its product line by introducing sports bottles, catering to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

In 1996, Gatorade introduced its first consumer promotion called 'Sweat it Out'. The promotion was linked to the NBA playoffs and featured basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Gatorade Light was introduced to the market, but it was unsuccessful as both athletes and non-athletes preferred the original Gatorade formula.

In 2000, Pepsi Co introduced Propel Fitness Water as a new product. It was later rebranded under the Gatorade name to focus more on athletics.

In 2001, PepsiCo acquired the Quaker Oats Company for $13 billion, adding Gatorade to its portfolio of brands and further expanding its presence in the beverage market.

In 2002, Gatorade entered into a sponsorship agreement with the BCS, allowing the brand to be featured on cups, coolers, and towels on the sidelines of BCS games.

The Gatorade Energy Bar was launched with flavors like Berry, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip.

Gatorade introduced Propel, a fitness water, to its product line.

Gatorade signs Chinese-born NBA player Yao Ming to a multiyear endorsement deal.

In 2005, Gatorade improved their formula by adding more sodium and introducing 4 new electrolytes.

Gatorade agrees to an eight-year, $384 million sponsorship renewal with the NFL, making it the second-largest sponsorship deal in U.S. sports at that time.

In 2007, PepsiCo signed a multiyear agreement with the NHL and NHLPA, involving its Gatorade brand.

Gatorade expanded its NBA marketing partnership to include China for the first time in March 2008, along with initiatives in Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and Australia.

Gatorade introduces the G-Series consisting of Prime, Perform, and Recover products.

Gatorade transitions from using high fructose corn syrup to a sucrose-dextrose mixture, reverting to their pre-1990s formula.

In 2012, a study on nearly 11,000 teens reported that teens gained weight if they drank a bottle of sports drink each day.

In January 2013, PepsiCo, the manufacturer of Gatorade, agreed to remove brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from its Gatorade products in the USA due to health concerns.

Gatorade launches new chews product line.

The University of Florida is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Gatorade with a week-long event, leading up to a special presentation at the upcoming football game.

In 2017, Gatorade secured the main sponsorship of the NBA's D-league, leading to its renaming as the G-League.

In September 2022, Gatorade introduced Fast Twitch, its first caffeinated energy drink with 200 milligrams of caffeine, electrolytes, and vitamins B6 and B12, aimed at enhancing performance before regular hydration beverages.