Today is the anniversary of the biggest marketing disaster in American history.
Yep, New Coke was introduced on April 23, 1985, some 27 years ago!
Oh, crap, that long ago…I was there.
It came on the heels of the break UP of AT&T, another shafting of the American public.
The reaction to New Coke was so bad, the ‘old formula’ was back on the market within three months. Actually, production of the New Coke product stopped the week it was introduced to the public.
I’m not so sure now, the taste was all that bad. I think it was just folks didn’t want anyone screwing UP an American Icon. And, it was over-hyped. Better, bolder, blah, blah, blah.
In reality, Coca Cola has changed several times over the years. The most significant change was in 1935, when an Atlanta Rabbi dubbed Coca Cola Kosher after two changes were made to the formula. Those two changes also made Coca Cola halal and vegetarian.
But, alas, Old Coke was back on the market, New Coke was re-branded Coke II, you know, like the Chevy II, and every one was happy again.
Well, not every one. Frankly, it’s never tasted right to me. And I still think Mexican Coke is better!
7 comments
Comment by Tony P on April 23, 2012 at 9:53 am
It has never tasted right because they switched from sweetening with sugar to using high fructose corn syrup. Big difference there.
Comment by Peggy Dawson on April 23, 2012 at 10:02 am
As a gourmet Coke drinker, I agree. Mexican Coke is the best. Regular Coke is the best but only in a red can. The winter “polar bear” white can changed the flavor! Excuse me while I reach for my daily can…
Comment by Pam on April 23, 2012 at 12:20 pm
I thought I heard when Coke & Pepsi did this “change” it was only to beat out RC Cola which was starting to make a dent in their sales. It was a marketing technique to get people back on the Coke and Pepsi train. Who knows?! i don’t drink any soft drinks!!!
Comment by Lori on April 23, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Prior to my addiction to Cherry Coke Zero, I was a Dr. Pepper addcit. But Coke still kicks Pepsi’s tail!
Comment by Nancy T on April 23, 2012 at 4:32 pm
The reason Mexican Coke is better is that they use real sugar and not high fructose corn syrup, so it taste like the Coke of our childhood (well, at least some of ours).
Comment by Jenny (your lovely niece) on April 23, 2012 at 4:44 pm
I love Coke but only from a fountain! I’ll drink it from a can but it tastes different. And even though I was a little kid, I TOTALLY remember the New Coke fiasco!
Comment by Millionaire Mike on April 23, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Read “The Other Guy Blinked” for a great account, from Pepsi’s point of view.