History of 7 Up in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2024

7 Up, or Seven Up, is a non-caffeinated soft drink from America known for its lemon-lime flavor. Keurig Dr Pepper owns the brand and formula, but PepsiCo handles its international distribution.

1920: The Howdy Corporation is Founded

In 1920, Charles Leiper Grigg established his company, The Howdy Corporation, in St. Louis.

1929: 7 Up is Launched

7 Up was first launched in 1929.

1929: "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda" is Launched

Charles Leiper Grigg created the formula for a lemon-lime soda, initially called "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda", which launched two weeks before the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

1936: 7 Up Gets its Name

After being shortened to "7 Up Lithiated Lemon Soda", the name was further simplified to just "7 Up" in 1936.

1948: Lithium Citrate Removed from 7 Up

Originally containing lithium citrate, 7 Up's formula was changed in 1948 to remove the mood-stabilizing drug.

1957: "Fresh-Up Freddie" Appears in Zorro TV Series

"Fresh-Up Freddie", the rooster mascot for 7 Up, appeared during commercial intermissions on the 1957 Zorro TV series, engaging in comical fights with Pete the Cat.

1974: 7 Up Becomes First Corporate Sponsor of Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon

In 1974, 7 Up made history by becoming the first corporate sponsor of The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, at a time when sponsorships were primarily limited to trade unions and civic organizations.

1978: 7 Up is Sold to Philip Morris

After being privately owned by its founding families, the 7 Up company was sold to Philip Morris in 1978.

1986: Philip Morris Divests 7 Up

Philip Morris sold the international division of 7 Up to PepsiCo and the US business to a group led by Hicks & Haas in 1986.

1987: Spot Introduced as 7 Up Mascot

7 Up introduced "Spot", the anthropomorphized red-orange dot from its logo, as its mascot in 1987.

1988: 7 Up Merges with Dr Pepper

In the United States, 7 Up merged with Dr Pepper in 1988.

1991: 7 Up Sponsors Jordan Grand Prix

7 Up became a sponsor for Jordan Grand Prix's Jordan 191 in 1991, the car driven by Michael Schumacher in his first Formula One race.

1993: "Cool Spot" Video Game Released

The 7 Up mascot, Spot, was featured in the 1993 platform video game "Cool Spot".

1995: Cadbury Schweppes Acquires 7 Up and Dr Pepper

Cadbury Schweppes bought the combined company of 7 Up and Dr Pepper in 1995.

2002: The 7 Up Christmas on Ice Begins

The 7 Up Christmas on Ice, an annual ice rink event in Ireland, was first held in 2002.

2006: 7 Up Reformulated for "100% Natural" Claim

The US version of 7 Up was reformulated in 2006, removing calcium disodium EDTA and replacing sodium citrate with potassium citrate, to market the product as "100% natural".

2007: 7 Up Drops "100% Natural" Marketing

Facing potential legal action from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, 7 Up stopped being marketed as "100% natural" in 2007 and instead promoted its "100% Natural Flavors".

2007: Cadbury Schweppes Partners with Vita Food Products

In 2007, Cadbury Schweppes partnered with Vita Food Products to create a line of barbecue sauces and marinades using Dr Pepper, 7 Up, and A&W Root Beer flavors.

2008: Dr Pepper Snapple Group is Formed

The Dr Pepper Snapple Group, including 7 Up, was spun off from Cadbury Schweppes in 2008.

January 2009: Cherry 7 Up Antioxidant Introduced

In January 2009, Cherry 7 Up Antioxidant was introduced, featuring a reformulated recipe.

2009: Diet Cherry 7 Up Antioxidant Introduced

Diet Cherry 7 Up was reformulated and introduced as Diet Cherry 7 Up Antioxidant in 2009.

2009: The 7 Up Christmas on Ice Ends

The 7 Up Christmas on Ice, held in various towns and cities across Ireland, came to an end in 2009.

2011: 7 Up Retro Test Marketed

In 2011, 7 Up tested a formula called "7 Up Retro", using sugar instead of HFCS, with labels stating "Made With Real Sugar".

2012: Antioxidant Line Discontinued

The antioxidant line of 7 Up, including Cherry 7 Up Antioxidant, was pulled from shelves in 2012 due to controversy surrounding the potential health effects of antioxidant drinks. The original formula returned.