OUR HISTORY

70 YEARS OF COCIO BEING COCIO

1951

It all began in 1951 when Anker Pallesen had a vision of creating the best chocolate milk in the world! He started experimenting in his kitchen together with his wife, Ella. One fine day, they found the wonderful recipe for Cocio by mixing just three ingredients: milk, cocoa and sugar. Nothing else.

1964

In 1964, there are so many thirsty Cocio fans that the factory is no longer large enough. A new location is found nearby and soon there is Cocio for all.

1974

The first Cocio in a can hits the market. It looks different on the outside, but the Cocio inside is still just milk, cocoa and a little sugar. Don't mess with my Cocio.

1976

Cocio is sold to the American Borden Group. But don’t worry - it will get back in Danish hands by 1999.

1983

People want more, so a new 40 cl Cocio is launched. Needless to say, it's a success.

1985

Sweden has heard the rumours and in 1985 our popular chocolate milk is launched in Sweden. Cocio wants to conquer the world. Starting with our neighbours!

1986

People love two things. TV and Cocio. So we decide to go on TV to launch our 1 litre bottle. The message is delivered by a singing cow - who doesn’t love a singing cow?

1987

Norwegians become jealous of the Swedes and now you can also find ‘Cocio Sjokolademelk’ on the shelves in Norway. Still trying to conquer the world!

1989

We have never been fond of competition. So, we decide to buy our rival Congo (known then as Congo beer).

1992

Cocio launches a new and daring variant: Chokolet! A few years later the name is changed to Cocio Light. The new Light variant lives a quiet life until 1999, when singer Flemming Bamse Jørgensen announces that he lost 50 kilos on a Cocio Light diet. Sales explode!

1995

The founder, Mr Anker Pallesen, dies a few weeks before his 80th birthday. A sad day for Cocio.

1999

Cocio returns to Danish ownership. No place like home!

2001

Cocio is on its way out to conquer the whole world. Exports are rising and a brand-new, state-of-the-art factory is built in a field nearby. Up to 800,000 cans and bottles can be produced a day… 800,000!

2008

Cocio is sold to Arla and big plans are made for the company.

2009

The artist Kristian Hornsleth paints a magnificent painting as a part of the campaign "Show us your inner Cocio". Consumers follow with their own videos and pictures. The same year, we launch three new mouthwatering products: A Dark with 67% more cocoa, an Organic variant and a Chocolate Coffee.

2011

We begin to use Rainforest Alliance Certified (RA) cocoa in our production.

Using RA cocoa is a very big and important step for Cocio. We need to look out for our chocolate milk, but also, and not least, we need to look out for nature and the people who help us make the Cocio.

2012

Cocio One replaces Cocio Light as the lighter alternative to the classic chocolate milk. It has the same great taste as Cocio Classic, but with only 1% fat and 1% sugar.

2013

Cocio gives the classic milkshake a twist with the launch of Cocio Milkshake Chocolate - and a Cappuccino version for all the coffee lovers out there.

2014

A new family member is born “Cocio Energy” – our good ol’ Cocio taste but now filled with great-tasting energy. Even the milkshakes get a new friend with a taste of raspberry and white chocolate.

This year Cocio lands in UK. We are ready to conquer British taste buds with the great-tasting Cocio.

2021

We celebrate 70 years of Cocio being Cocio!

2023

Cocio Delight joins the party! Great taste with no added sugar – only the sugar already in the milk.

2025

New look, same iconic taste. We gave Cocio a fresh makeover – but only on the outside. The taste? Still absolutely legendary, because you don't change what's already perfect.

This year we also expand to the US! Cocio officially lands stateside, bringing our legendary taste to American shelves.