The plaque, unveiled by mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and councilwoman Paula Gómez-Angulo, recalls that Félix Duffo founded the emblematic brand in 1949 at this site, becoming a symbol for several generations of Spaniards.
The exhibition, titled ‘Historia de La Casera’ (History of La Casera), has opened at the Juana Francés Exhibition Hall, within the Municipal Board of Tetuán. Gómez-Angulo described the tribute as a "small, but very important and symbolic" act for the district, the city, and Spain.
The councilwoman highlighted the "personal and family memories" associated with the brand, calling it an "emblem that generates unanimity and unites all Spaniards." The factory's location was discovered thanks to research by a local resident, leading to the initiative unanimously approved in the district's plenary session.
Isabel Duffo, the founder's daughter, expressed her emotion at the recognition, recalling her father's effort to create a drink that was "special and accessible" to all economic backgrounds. She also thanked the brand's current management for their care.
Carmen Guembe, Director of Sustainability at Suntory Beverage & Food Iberia, recalled La Casera's presence at "every celebration, every family event."
Martínez-Almeida stated that Madrid owed "enormous gratitude" to Félix Duffo, creator of an "icon" that is part of the "daily life of Spain's most diverse tables." He praised the company's "advertising ingenuity," responsible for slogans like «If there's no La Casera, we're leaving».
The exhibition features a customized SEAT 600, original packaging, historical posters, promotional material, and advertisements that are part of the collective memory. It also screens commercials and recalls collaborations with the Telerín Family and sports sponsorships.
Félix Duffo founded the company in May 1949 with a loan of 300,000 pesetas. The first bottle was produced in May 1950, with 1,417 units made in returnable glass. By the end of that year, over 380,000 units had been sold.
The brand launched orange and lemon varieties in 1967, introduced cola in 1971, and caffeine-free cola in 1981. In the 80s, it introduced new formats like cans and PET plastic bottles, pioneering the manufacture of its own bottles. That decade also saw the popularization of the slogan «If there's no La Casera, we're leaving».
In 2001, La Casera integrated into Schweppes and later became part of the Suntory group. In 2007, it launched its first ready-to-drink summer wine, expanding its catalog since then.
