Coca-Cola Vanilla, often called Vanilla Coke, is a vanilla-flavored version of Coca-Cola, a cola soft drink. The Coca-Cola Company has been producing it since 2002. A no-calorie version also exists, Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero Sugar, based on Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.
The Origins and Launch of Vanilla Coke
Vanilla Coke's launch was The Coca-Cola Company's biggest product launch since Diet Coke. In the United States, it was the fourth brand extension in Coca-Cola's history, following Diet Coke (1982), Cherry Coke (1985), and Lemon Diet Coke (2001). In many other countries which did not receive the latter two, Vanilla Coke became the first flavored Coca-Cola product.
Coca-Cola Vanilla has been marketed around the world since. In the United States, it was initially discontinued in cans and bottles in 2005 before relaunching two years later. Original Coca-Cola already contains small amounts of vanilla. The history of adding additional vanilla flavoring to Coca-Cola, at least in the US, dates back at least to the 1940s when local soda fountain workers (soda jerks) would upon request add a "shot" (roughly two tablespoons) of vanilla syrup to a (12-16 oz) Coca-Cola fountain soda.
The Coca-Cola Company first tested a Coca-Cola blend with extra vanilla flavoring at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, along with Cherry Coke. After the introduction of Cherry Coke and the failure of New Coke in 1985, the company was hesitant to introduce anything radically new. It was not until April 2002 that rumors began to circulate that the company was planning a new variation on their classic soft drink.
The Coca-Cola Company was tight-lipped regarding the details of the new beverage, commenting to a London based newspaper, "We've always got a number of things in development," leaving open speculation for what was to develop. It was later revealed that testing for a vanilla flavor had been completed and that the new beverage would be available in months.
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Marketing and Advertising
The marketing campaign for Vanilla Coke during its 2002 launch aimed to appeal across all generations. One of the first notable advertisements was a television ad created by The Martin Agency which was based upon the product's original campaign line of "Reward Your Curiosity". The ad featured actor Chazz Palminteri, in which he and another man pull a teenager (played by a young Aaron Paul) into an alley after catching him peering into a hole. Palminteri gives the boy a Vanilla Coke, as a reward for his curiosity. In the Philippine version of the ad, Palminteri's role was taken by actor Johnny Delgado.
Ms. Ball described the ad: "We were trying to create something new and intriguing. Half of it was about new, different and change of pace, and the rest of it was about how people love and trust Coca-Cola. But we didn't have to say New from Coca-Cola."
Global Reception and Sales
By late 2003, the company had marketed Vanilla Coke in over 30 countries around the globe. Customer and commercial reception was mixed: in markets such as Hong Kong and Thailand, Vanilla Coke had a positive impact. However, the product struggled in North America and some other regions, including India.
North American sales peaked in its inaugural year in 2002. It is estimated that the product was purchased by about 29% of all United States households that year. Doubt was cast over the future of Vanilla Coke and its diet version when the company announced the 2004 sales figures: 35 million unit cases in North America compared to 90 million in 2002; Vanilla Diet Coke dropped from 23 million unit cases in its inaugural year (2003) to 13 million in 2004.
The beverage continued to be produced and sold in many other markets where it performed better, such as Australia, France, Russia, Malaysia, and Germany, but was also grey imported to some places. The drink started being officially introduced into new markets in China and other European and Asian countries in 2007, including being re-introduced into New Zealand on February 19, 2007.
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Soon afterwards, Coca-Cola announced that the drink, now as Coca-Cola Vanilla, will be officially brought back to the United States after a year and a half hiatus. It relaunched on May 25, 2007 at the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, in a partnership with Edy's Ice Cream to co-advertise with Coke on the launch, and featured a 10-ton Vanilla Coke float, which was certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest ice cream float in the world. A Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero, based on Coca-Cola Zero, was also introduced.
Vanilla Coke (now as Coca-Cola Vanilla) was officially re-introduced to Sweden in February 2013. Soon after, the drink also returned to stores in Great Britain in April 2013 after a seven year absence. Originally released limited, it became a permanent Coca-Cola product in the country later on.
Packaging and Variants
Vanilla Coke was initially packaged in standard bottles in accordance with appropriate Coca-Cola packaging. The new packaging design for Coca-Cola Vanilla was introduced in January 2019. The new packaging follows the design principles already employed in the United States for Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Coca-Cola Life. The word "Coca-Cola" is superimposed upon a red disc with a light beige drop (representing a drop of vanilla syrup) below the text.
In addition to Coca-Cola Vanilla, the company also launched Diet Coke Vanilla as a low-calorie variant based on the Diet Coke formula. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Vanilla is a low-calorie variant of vanilla based on the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar formula.
Personal Anecdotes and Popularity
Many people have fond memories associated with Vanilla Coke. Some recall enjoying Vanilla Coke from Frischs Big Boy, a small franchise in their hometown. The vanilla cokes were considered particularly delicious.
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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Vanilla Soda
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Vanilla is a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing, zero-calorie beverage. It is available in various pack sizes, including 12-packs of 12 fl oz cans. Many enjoy it with friends, on the go, or with a meal, finding that it makes life’s special moments a little bit better.
Homemade Vanilla Coke Recipe
It's possible to recreate a version of Vanilla Coke at home. The process involves mixing all ingredients and enjoying. Once you add the cream and syrup, it almost froths like a milkshake and makes it that much more enjoyable. You can use low fat or calorie free items, so each one of these only has about 20 calories.
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