Coca-Cola is preparing to roll out the first flavor innovation since 2007. Get ready for Orange Vanilla Coke and Orange Vanilla Coke Zero Sugar, hitting stores across the U.S. on February 25.
A Brief Look Back
This innovation follows Diet Coke’s January 2018 rebranding and introduction of a suite of unique flavors like Ginger Lime and Twisted Mango. Coca-Cola North America’s group director for Diet Coke, Rafael Acevedo, noted at the beginning of 2018 that “Millennials are now thirstier than ever for adventures and new experiences, and we want to be right by their side.” And in January of 2019, Diet Coke introduced two additional flavors: Blueberry Acai and Strawberry Guava.
Acevedo was surely onto something back in 2018 because Coca-Cola’s brand director Kate Carpenter noticed the same phenomenon. “The growth of Cherry Coke and Vanilla Coke – and their zero-calorie variants – has been really strong in recent years even with very limited marketing support,” Carpenter said in early 2019.
But Why Orange Vanilla?
Carpenter explained that, after considering several other flavors including raspberry, lemon, and ginger, the team found the orange-vanilla combination the most promising. “We wanted to bring back positive memories of carefree summer days,” said Carpenter. “That’s why we leaned into the orange-vanilla flavor combination – which is reminiscent of the creamy orange popsicles we grew up loving, but in a classically Coke way.”
Coke Orange No Sugar previously launched in Australia and Orange Vanilla Coke rolled out in Canada, and the flavors were a success in both countries. Launching Orange Vanilla Coke and Orange Vanilla Coke Zero Sugar here at home in the United States only made sense!
Where Can I Find this New Flavor?
The new flavors will be available in 12 oz cans and 20 oz bottles made of recyclable PET plastic in stores nationwide. Also, you can find Orange Vanilla Coke and Orange Vanilla Coke Zero Sugar in Wendy’s Freestyle soda machines during March Madness before they become available in Freestyle soda machines across the country.
Coca-Cola evolves to accommodate diverse lifestyles, and we hope to satisfy new and existing customers with Orange Vanilla.
