Coca-Cola unveils the most iconic packaging powered by some of the brand’s most creative, consumer-centric marketing yet
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is rolling out an even more delicious and refreshing recipe—and bold new packaging—to deliver an even more iconic Coke taste.
The new recipe—which optimises the brand’s existing flavours and existing ingredients—starts hitting shelves this month in the United States, with full nationwide distribution in the US and Canada starting in August with full distribution in September. All listed ingredients and nutritional information remain the same.
“Recognising that tastes and preferences are always evolving, we’re focused on continuous improvement to give fans the best-tasting Coca-Cola they want—with zero sugar or calories—offered in the most iconic packaging and powered by some of our most creative, consumer-centric marketing yet,” said Rafael Prandini, Coca-Cola TM Category Lead, North America Operating Unit, who added that reaction from consumers in taste tests has been positive.
A simplified packaging design is anchored by the iconic Coca‑Cola logo and red cues, with black Spencerian script signalling the Zero Sugar variety and “Now More Delicious” messaging highlighting the new formula in the US.
All Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar packaging—including 7.5-oz. and 12-oz. cans, fridge packs, and 13.2-oz., 16.9-oz., 20-oz., 1.25-liter and 20-litre bottles—will feature the streamlined graphics, as well as in Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar packaging in Canada – including 222 mL & 355 mL cans and 250mL, 300mL, 500mL, 710 mL, 1L and 2L bottles.
To celebrate and debut the launch of the new Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar, the brand will show up at “Manhattanhenge” on 13 July at 7:30 pm as New Yorkers gear up to check out the spectacular sunset. A banner plane will fly across to debut the new and improved taste and look, towing a sign that says, “Best Coke Ever?” followed by the unveiling of the new Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar can at sunset.
“Manhattanhenge” occurs this year from 12-13 July in New York City, when the sunset perfectly aligns with east-west-oriented streets, framing the sun between skyscrapers as it dips below the horizon. The event draws thousands of New Yorkers and tourists annually.
Onlookers at key intersections on 12 July were handed a “first sip” of the product before the official launch, and billboards throughout the city — will spread the Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar news. And the excitement isn’t limited to the Big Apple; fans across the country can download special Coke Zero Sugar Snapchat Lenses to take sunset selfies at home.
“As the country reopens, we want to be a part of this beautiful, culturally relevant moment that’s naturally happening in New York City,” said Natalia Suarez, senior brand manager, Coca-Cola TM, North America Operating Unit. “The activation is grounded in the idea that the best moments are even better with a Coke. And we believe this is the best Coke ever.”
An integrated marketing and sampling campaign will invite consumers to try the product and find out if it’s the “Best Coke Ever?” Creative will break next month across outdoor, retail, streaming audio/local radio, online video, digital and social media channels. Additional content in the fall will leverage the brand’s longstanding ties with professional and collegiate football teams.
The reformulation, which is currently on shelves across Europe and Latin America, support The Coca‑Cola Company’s strategy to offer a broad portfolio of beverages that fit a variety of tastes and lifestyles—and moving quickly and experimenting in an intelligent and disciplined manner.
Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar, which launched in 2005, was reformulated in 2017 to bring its taste even closer to Coca‑Cola. Since then, the brand has consistently delivered double-digit growth.
“In order to continue to drive the growth of our diets and lights category, we must keep challenging ourselves to innovate and differentiate just as other iconic brands have done,” Suarez said. “The consumer landscape is always changing, which means we must evolve to stay ahead.”
