Warren Buffett reportedly hasn’t had water in 48 years. The billionaire investor made the surprising claim during a dinner conversation with fellow billionaire Bill Ackman, who had offered him a choice of still or sparkling water. Buffett, known for his love of Coca-Cola, apparently had a different drink in mind.
Ackman did not share further details about Buffett’s drinking habits, so the 48-year claim remains his recollection of a private conversation and has not been independently verified.
He said he had invited Buffett over for dinner several years ago and stocked up on Cherry Coke, knowing it was his guest’s favourite drink. The exchange was also reported by Business Insider. Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, recalled the exchange on the Equity Mates Investing podcast.
Berkshire Hathaway built a roughly 9% stake in the beverage company during the late 1980s and 1990s. The investment cost about $1.3 billion and was valued at around $28 billion at the end of December, according to Business Insider.
The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life , the Gateses asked the tour company to arrange for hotel chefs to prepare hamburgers and fries for Buffett during the trip, according to Alice Schroeder’s biography. Coca-Cola has been significant to Buffett beyond his personal preferences. They also made sure he had his favourite drink when the group visited the Great Wall of China. Buffett had a Cherry Coke waiting for him While champagne was arranged for the others.
