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.

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 developed a fruit flavored drink made from apple fiber, left over from cider pressings, and whey, a byproduct from cheese manufacture, creating Fanta.