How Coca-Cola superfan's record collection landed her in the middle of the 'Cola Wars'

A Coca-Cola superfan has reclaimed her world record after losing it to another collector.

Debbie Indicott (USA) once again officially has the world’s largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia after counting up 5,623 unique items at her home in Lenoir, North Carolina.

Debbie first claimed the record in 2020 with 2,028 items and again in 2023 with 5,070 things, before losing the record to another collector.

Jeffery S. Fouke Jr. (USA) took it later that year with 5,237 items.

But now, she has it back.

Who knew the world of Coca-Cola collecting was so competitive?

Well, probably everyone in the National Coca-Cola Club, of which Debbie is President of the North Carolina state club.

 “Everyone I know would probably say I’m obsessed with [Coca-Cola], a lot more since I retired,” she told WBTV News – Charlotte in 2021.

The former school principal added: “The red is, I think, what pulls me in, there’s something about that bright red. Whenever I’m looking in antique stores, anything red draws my attention.

“[My collection] brings me joy. A lot of times I’ll just come down here and sit and look at all the things because over the years you forget what you have, and it brings back good memories of a place you might have been, a place you’ve travelled, so a lot of that brings emotion into it and a lot of sentimentality.”

Debbie started collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia after becoming captivated by a diner she visited in Las Vegas in 1990.

Everything inside was red and white and the walls were adorned with Coca-Cola stuff.

Debbie had her kitchen done out in the same colours at the time and was inspired to start her own collection.

During that trip she bought her very first Coca-Cola item – a rotating sparkling light – and she flew home with it on her lap over fears it could break.

Since then, she’s collected everything from posters and pins to vintage bottles and anything and everything you can imagine with a Coca-Cola logo on it.

Her favourite items are a set of 188 ads that were printed in National Geographic magazines from 1933-1979.

“I also focus on Santa pieces from the early 1900s and they are among my prized items,” she said.

Her collection is so big it occupies the basement of her home, as well as two bedrooms.

And it’s even more impressive when you realize she became embroiled in the ‘Cola Wars’ just by bringing Coca-Cola things into her home.

She confessed to WBTV News: “My husband’s father worked for Pepsi for many, many years. So, in the beginning it was kind of a no-no to have Coke and definitely to have it in his household.

“But as my collection grew and grew he finally came to accept it and appreciate it, and he enjoys looking at everything too.

“But yes, we drink Coke in this family.”

Debbie is still collecting items and hopes to one day buy a vintage Coke machine. She also likes collecting old Coca-Cola storage crates, particularly wooden ones with history behind them.

And in case you’re wondering, she likes Diet Coke the best, but also enjoys cherry.