The New Coke Debacle

About

The New Coke debacle refers to the infamous marketing decision by The Coca-Cola Company to replace its classic formula with a new taste, dubbed New Coke, in April 1985. This move was intended to revitalize the brand and regain market share lost to Pepsi. The decision was based on extensive taste tests and research, which suggested that consumers preferred the sweeter New Coke over both Pepsi and the original Coca-Cola. However, the introduction of New Coke sparked an unprecedented backlash. Consumers felt betrayed by the removal of the original formula, leading to widespread protests and a significant increase in complaints. Despite initial positive responses in taste tests, the public's emotional attachment to the classic formula was underestimated. The company eventually relented, reintroducing the original formula as Coca-Cola Classic just 79 days later. This debacle turned into a branding opportunity, strengthening Coca-Cola's bond with its customers and highlighting the importance of understanding consumer emotions in marketing decisions.