Pepsi is reigniting its rivalry with Coca-Cola through a bold blind taste test campaign. The soda brand aims to prove its Zero Sugar variant outperforms Coke’s equivalent.
The campaign marks the 50th anniversary of The Pepsi Challenge. It pits Pepsi Zero Sugar against Coke Zero in a head-to-head taste showdown.
The challenge kicked off during the Super Bowl in February. Since then, Pepsi has taken its taste tests on a nationwide tour.
In a daring move, Pepsi is invading Coca-Cola’s hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Pop-up tasting events are planned across the city.
The Atlanta activation began on May 8, coinciding with National Have a Coke Day. Pepsi’s weeklong presence adds a cheeky twist to the rivalry.
Taste test participants receive a free 20-oz bottle of Pepsi Zero Sugar, regardless of their preference. The gesture underscores Pepsi’s confidence in its product.
According to VICE, Pepsi’s campaign follows a dip in its market ranking. The brand’s signature soda dropped to fourth place among U.S. soft drinks.
Coca-Cola dominates the market with over double the share of its competitors. Dr. Pepper and Sprite secured second and third spots, respectively.
Pepsi holds a 7.97 percent market share, per Beverage Digest’s latest report. Despite the slip, the brand remains undeterred.
The spokesperson noted that Pepsi’s overall brand, including diet and low-sugar variants, ranks second behind Coca-Cola. This broader ranking fuels their ongoing challenge.
Pepsi’s Atlanta taste tests aim to sway public opinion. The campaign blends nostalgia with bold marketing to reclaim its edge.
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