Coming Soon: Sierra Mist Free
Nov 3rd, 2004 by Steve
Apparently, Pepsi didn't want to be left out in the cold while Coke was renaming Diet Sprite to Diet Sprite Zero. How lame.
Diet Sierra Mist achieves freedom; becomes Sierra Mist Free
New Graphics To Hit Shelves This WeekPURCHASE, N.Y., November 1, 2004 – The "shockingly refreshing" lemon-lime taste and formula are the same, only the name has changed. In an effort to help consumers identify it as a soft drink free of sugar, calories, carbs and caffeine, the beverage formerly known as Diet Sierra Mist becomes Sierra Mist Free on packaging in stores this week.
Launched nationally in 2003, the brand has quickly become the fastest-growing zero-calorie lemon lime in the country and Diet Sierra Mist has helped drive growth in the diet category as people watch their consumption of sugar, calories, carbs and caffeine more closely.
"The new name highlights what has always been true – Sierra Mist Free is free of the things you don't need," said Steve Sears, VP of marketing for flavors, Pepsi-Cola North America. "We're giving people a better understanding of the benefits of Sierra Mist Free while also reengaging current diet consumers and attracting new people to the brand."
Sierra Mist Free will be supported with a comprehensive marketing campaign that will include TV, radio and print advertising beginning this month. Sierra Mist Free is now available in 2-liter, 20-ounce and ½ liter 6-pack bottles as well as 12 and 24-pack 12-ounce cans. Additional packaging will follow shortly.
[...] in November 2004, Pepsi announced that they were following Coke's footsteps in renaming their diet lemon lime product. Whereas Coke changed Diet Sprite to Diet Sprite Zero, Pepsi morphed Diet Sierra Mist into Sierra [...]