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2024-11-06 10:25:26

Gatorade

American sports beverage brand
Gatorade
Gatorade
American sports beverage brand

Gatorade, developed in 1965, is a popular sports drink brand owned by PepsiCo. Originally created for University of Florida athletes, it is now sold in over 80 countries and holds a significant market share in the sports drink category.

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1965-05-25
Invention of Gatorade by Dr. Robert Cade

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

1965-10-02
Invention of Gatorade at University of Florida

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.

1966-09-20
Creation of Gatorade

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

1967-09-20
Florida Gators Officially Drink Gatorade

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.

1968
Stokely-Van Camp acquires rights to produce and sell Gatorade in the U.S.

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

1969
Gatorade debuts in Big Leagues

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.

1970
Gatorade partners with the NFL

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

1973
Introduction of the Gatorade bolt logo

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

1975
Gatorade sponsors Johnny Rutherford at the 1975 Indianapolis 500

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

1976
Gatorade sponsors DiGard Chevrolet in NASCAR with Darrell Waltrip

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

1982
Expansion of Gatorade to international markets

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

1983-09-20
Debut of Fruit Punch Gatorade

Fruit Punch Gatorade is introduced to the market.

1984
Gatorade becomes official isotonic sports drink for the NFL

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.

1985
Formation of the Gatorade Sports and Science Institute (GSSI)

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

1986
First Gatorade Shower by New York Giants

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.

1988
Introduction of Citrus Cooler Flavor

In 1988, Gatorade introduced the Citrus Cooler flavor, which gained popularity due to Michael Jordan's endorsement during his NBA career.

1989
Development of TQ2 by Dr. Robert Cade

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.

1990
Gatorade becomes official sponsor of MLB

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

1991
Gatorade signs Michael Jordan as first athlete spokesman

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

1992
Be Like Mike ad campaign launched

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

1993
Sale of TQ2 to Quaker

After legal battles with Quaker, Cade was forced to sell TQ2 to Quaker in 1993, who never released the product to the public.

1994
AmeriCares' Use of Gatorade in Rwandan Genocide Relief

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.

1995
Gatorade introduces sports bottles

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

1996
Launch of 'Sweat it Out' Promotion

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.

1997-09-20
Gatorade Light Debut

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

1999-09-20
Frost Flavors Debut

Gatorade introduced new Frost flavors including Frost Glacier Freeze, Frost Riptide Rush, and Frost Alpine Snow.

2000
Propel Fitness Water created by Pepsi Co

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.

2001
PepsiCo Acquires Quaker Oats Company

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.

2002
Gatorade BCS Sponsorship Deal

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.

2003-08-20
Gatorade Energy Bar Launch

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

2003-09-20
Propel Introduction

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

2004
Gatorade signs Yao Ming

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

2005
Enhanced Formula with More Sodium and New Electrolytes

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

2006
Gatorade's sponsorship renewal with NFL

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.

2007
PepsiCo NHL and NHLPA Deal with Gatorade Brand

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

2008-03
Gatorade NBA Marketing Expansion to China

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.

2009-11-25
Discontinuation of Gatorade Tiger

On November 25, 2009, it was announced that Gatorade Tiger would be discontinued to make way for new products as part of a rebranding strategy.

2010-09-20
Gatorade G-Series Launch

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

2011-09-20
Gatorade Formula Change

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

2012
Study on weight gain in teens due to sports drink consumption

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

2013-01
Removal of Brominated Vegetable Oil from Gatorade Products in the USA

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.

2014-04
Gatorade becomes official supplier to Formula 1 team Sahara Force India

In April 2014, Gatorade announced its partnership as an official supplier to the Formula 1 team Sahara Force India.

2015-09-20
Gatorade Chews Release

Gatorade launches new chews product line.

2015-09-30
50th birthday of Gatorade

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.

2016
Launch of G Organic

In 2016, Gatorade introduced G Organic, an organic version of their sports drink made with natural flavors and ingredients, certified organic by the USDA.

2017
Gatorade becomes main sponsor of G-League

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

2021-03
Release of Gx Sweat

In March 2021, Gatorade launched Gx Sweat patch, a wearable product that measures user's sweat and hydration levels, marking the company's entry into the wearable technology market.

2021-11
Gatorade signs UConn basketball superstar Paige Bueckers

In November 2021, Gatorade signed UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers, marking her as the company's first college endorser after the NCAA allowed athletes to receive compensation for endorsements.

2022-09
Introduction of Gatorade Fast Twitch

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.

2023-12
Gatorade signs college athletes Shedeur Sanders, Nick Singleton, and Caitlin Clark

By December 2023, Gatorade had signed three college athletes - Shedeur Sanders, Nick Singleton, and Caitlin Clark - to endorsement deals.

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Gatorade
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