Summer’s here… or at least in some parts of the country. It’s time to hit the beach, grab your longboard, suntan lotion, towel and flip flops. I don’t know about the rest of you, but as someone who drinks maybe two or three sodas a month, it’s also time for more soda consumption.
Well this year you can pack your cooler with your usual suspects: Orange Crush, Fresca, Dr. Pepper, Cheerwine (O.K., maybe that last one’s just me and other enthusiasts from the Tar Heel State), or you can pack a few Cokes and really get into the summer spirit.
But how’s Coke any more summery than the next soda?
Coming on the heels of Tropicana’s recent packaging redesign fiasco, Coca-Cola decided to try its own (brief) repackaging effort just in time for the sunny season. The brand has unveiled five limited edition beachy designs: sunglasses, surfboards, grill, American flag and beach ball. Here’s the collection:
Picture source: The Dieline
And a closeup of my favorite can:
Source: The Dieline
So how does Coke’s redesign fare compared to the infamous Tropicana one? Pretty well in my opinion. The iconic Coca-Cola script font and signature red color are intact, so there should be no brand confusion. The new Coke (no pun intended) cans should be easily recognized on store shelves. Simple and visually stimulating, the designs are clean, with uncomplicated lines and forms. I feel transported to summer just looking at the sunglasses and beach ball. And despite being a nice change of pace, the cans aren’t an unrealistic departure from Coke’s default design.
The cans should be on shelves by Memorial Day weekend. They will have a staggered release with a new design hitting shelves every few weeks, continuing through Labor Day.
What do you think of the cans? Which is your favorite?
Other uses of the Keystone symbol:
