Diet Coke’s decision to launch a slate of new flavors had some critics wondering if the company was heading for another “New Coke” disaster. But one executive says Coca-Cola has learned from past mistakes. “We’ve learned that when you have a great thing, you don’t mess with it,” Rafael Acevedo, the company’s North America group director, told Cheddar, pointing out that, unlike with the 1985 marketing fiasco, the classic Diet Coke isn’t going anywhere. What is changing is the packaging -- the company introduced slimmer cans -- and the flavor options. Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange, and Twisted Mango were added to the line up. “We’re targeting spice seekers, and we want to target those people who are trying to look for bolder flavors and new experiences,” Acevedo said. “We saw that the sleek can actually connects with the new target as well, it makes the brand feel more premium and more modern. So all the research that we have is telling us that consumers absolutely love it.” And Diet Coke certainly did its research. The company spent over two years working on this project and talked to about 10,000 consumers to figure out what would work. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/diet-coke-refreshes-itself-for-2018).

Share:
More In Business
Small grocers and convenience stores feel an impact as customers go without SNAP benefits
Some small grocery stores and neighborhood convenience stores are eager for the U.S. government shutdown to end and for their customers to start receiving federal food aid again. Late last month, the Trump administration froze funding for the SNAP benefits that about 42 million Americans use to buy groceries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 74% of the assistance was spent last year at superstores like Walmart and supermarkets like Kroger. Around 14% went to smaller stores that are more accessible to SNAP beneficiaries. A former director of the United Nations World Food Program says SNAP is not only a social safety net for families but a local economic engine that supports neighborhood businesses.
Load More