Assuming you'd be able to replicate Coca Cola's secret recipe close enough that no one can tell them apart, why wouldn't you be able to brand it as such? This

Assuming you'd be able to replicate Coca Cola's secret recipe close enough that no one can tell them apart, why wouldn't you be able to brand it as such? This is very much the root of the issue. The location branding is the reason why people are willing to pay an extra markup because there's an expectation of authenticity. Whether it has any impact on the product or not is irrelevant, it's purely marketing. Also a notable difference between the US and Europe (and plenty of other places elsewhere) is the legacy / history which have contributed to a location's specialties and their fame. It might sound ridiculous on your side of the pond but here folks do mind it.