Welcome to the Retroist New Coke Podcast. This week I talk about the soft drink debacle of the mid-1980s, New Coke. It was a strange time to be a fan of Coca-Cola. I wanted to be excited for this “bold new taste” but like many, I preferred the old flavor. So I have mixed feelings about this era in soft drink history and I am happy to get to discuss it.
After sharing some New Coke memories, I talk about the reasoning behind the switch, the chief architect behind the switch, its failure. And of course, the conspiracy theories it has spawned and a whole lot more.
Coca-Cola is one of the more successful brands in the world. Their flagship beverage carried them to heights undreamed of. To change at this scale and to fail? Its noteworthy.
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Production Notes
This is the 45th episode of the Retroist Podcast and episode 6 of the 2nd season.
This is not the original release of the show, but a re-edited version. I am considering re-doing it completely in the near future.
Music on the show is, as always, by Peachy.
Thanks for listening to the show and I hope you have a great weekend.
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