It was announced Wednesday that Coca-Cola is rolling out a “modernized Diet Coke,” as Business Insider reported. With the new flavors, there’s some new packaging and a new ad campaign for the much-adored beverage. But don’t worry. The classic Diet Coke isn’t going anywhere.
Four new flavors are joining the original though: Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange, and Twisted Mango.
literal thirst trap. #SoManyFlavors pic.twitter.com/CpdmTk3lYh
— Diet Coke (@DietCoke) January 10, 2018
Coca-Cola has reportedly been working on this release for two years now. The company tested over 30 flavors of Diet Coke. They even spoke to more than 10,000 people across the country for more input.
The company is releasing this revamp after its diet soda sales have dropped significantly (34 percent) since 2005.
“Diet CSD [carbonated soft drinks] sales were supposed to be the solution to the industry’s calorie dilemma,” said Monica Kvamme, a consultant at Zenith Global Ltd. “But, that was short-lived, as diet sales peaked in 2005 and have been falling ever since.”
But after 35 years, Coca-Cola thought they’d try something new.
“Throughout this relaunch journey, we wanted to be bold, think differently and be innovative in our approach,” said Rafael Acevedo, Coca-Cola North America’s group director for Diet Coke in a statement. “And most importantly, we wanted to stay true to the essence of Diet Coke while recasting the brand for a new generation.”
And Twitter users have mixed opinions.
Right, everyone, from left to right we have Posh Coke, Ginger Coke, Baby Coke, Sporty Coke and Scary Coke #DietCoke @DietCoke pic.twitter.com/45fpyZfkEu
— First Officer Elliot (@FOElliotM) January 10, 2018
Dear Coca-Cola, I was just getting over you not creating a can w/ my name on it…?#NoNeedToMessWithPerfection
— Dee Dee Kennedy (@deedeekennedy) January 10, 2018
Am I the only one who actually really loves the new #dietcoke look and flavours?
— SAVE HATERS BACK OFF (@joshua_donoghue) January 10, 2018
Diet Coke and the new flavors will be sold in 12-oz. cans in eight-packs. Diet Coke, though, will remain in all of its existing packaging sizes.
New flavors and packaging will be at stores this month.