Virgin Cola was a carbonated cola soft drink, conceptualized by Richard Branson, and launched in 1994 by Virgin Group and Cott Beverage Corporation. The drink was created in an attempt to rival the leading Coca-Cola and Pepsi brands.
The drink launched in 1994 in the United Kingdom, and in 1998 in the United States. Other international markets included countries in Europe, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, where Virgin Cola was either licensed to local bottling plants, or imported. Virgin Cola often engaged in unconventional marketing initiatives, such as its launch of 'The Pammy', a special edition bottle that resembled the curves of actress and model, Pamela Anderson.
In 2001, Virgin Cola left the U.S. market, and the UK bottling license then changed from Cott to Princes Group, and then eventually to Silver Spring Soft Drinks. In 2009, it was discontinued in the UK as its final major stocker, the supermarket Asda, ceased sales. In 2013, it was discontinued by its licensee in the Philippines, and then was discontinued in 2014 by its final licensee in Bangladesh and ceased existence.
Branson has since stated in retrospect that Virgin Cola was not much different to Coca-Cola or Pepsi, and learned from the experience to only go into markets where Virgin could be significantly better than the competition.