Max Keith

Max Keith (pronounced "Kite") was the head of Coca-Cola GmbH, the major bottler of Coca-Cola during the Nazi period of German history. He took over from the previous American born director, who died in 1938.^[1]

Coca-Cola GmbH was unable to obtain Coca-Cola syrup during World War II, because of the Allied blockade. To keep the plant in operation, Keith came up with a fruit flavored drink made from apple fiber, left over from cider pressings, and whey, a byproduct from cheese manufacture, creating Fanta.^[2]

Keith was investigated after the war, and it was discovered that he had refused to join the Nazi Party, despite pressure to do so. Finally Keith turned the Fanta profits and formula over to Coca-Cola Company after the war.

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