Culture

Topo Chico Turns 130 With a Year-Long Celebration

The anniversary includes short films, AR, and throwback packaging
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Topo Chico Turns 130 With a Year-Long Celebration

In 2025, Topo Chico is marking its 130th anniversary with a campaign that looks both backward and forward. Bottled from the same natural spring in Cerro del Topo Chico, Mexico, since 1895, the brand has remained consistent in its origin while steadily growing a loyal following across borders—especially in the United States over the past decade.

This anniversary campaign isn’t just about the number. It’s about identity. Topo Chico is leaning into the stories, the myths, and the rich culture that helped shape the brand long before it became a household name outside of Mexico.

The Power of Storytelling: Legends That Sparked a Movement

Central to the year-long celebration is a collection of short films that spotlight three of Topo Chico’s most enduring legends. These tales walk the line between folklore and fact, mixing real events with a little storytelling charm:

  • “Princess” tells of an Aztec royal cured by drinking from the spring after being given just days to live.
  • “A Good Year” recalls how a volcano in Martinique allegedly changed the temperature of the spring, igniting beliefs that the water gained mystical powers.
  • “Special Delivery” revisits a 1960s music scene on Topo Chico mountain, where echoes of mariachis and go-go bands are said to still linger on warm nights.

All three narratives are tied together in a two-minute piece titled The Source of the Legend, produced by Mexican directors Rodrigo Valdes and Rodrigo Prieto. Shot in Mexico City and Pachuca, the project used local crews and input from historians to balance authenticity with imagination.

Preserving the Brand’s Soul While Reaching New Fans

Topo Chico’s anniversary campaign spans far more than storytelling. The brand is rolling out limited-edition 12-packs featuring vintage label designs from 1895 through 1970, complete with a commemorative “130 Years” mark. Participating stores include Kroger, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons, and Whole Foods. Shoppers can also scan these labels to unlock Augmented Reality experiences that bring the legends to life on their phones.

This all comes at a major moment for Topo Chico. Backed by The Coca-Cola Company since 2017, the sparkling water brand is expanding nationwide in 2025. But even with wider distribution, the brand says it’s still focused on doing things the right way—maintaining its original appeal while introducing new innovations like Topo Chico Sabores, a fruit juice and herbal sparkling line.

Keeping It Real Through the Growth

There’s a long history here that Coca-Cola hasn’t ignored. Their connection to Topo Chico stretches back to the 1920s, when Mexico’s first Coca-Cola was bottled at a Topo Chico facility. Today, that legacy continues with Arca Continental, Coke’s second-largest bottling partner in Latin America, overseeing production and distribution.

As Topo Chico prepares for its next chapter, this milestone campaign signals one thing clearly: the brand isn’t just about the bubbles. It’s about the culture, the history, and staying true to what made it special in the first place.