The iconic brand Coca Cola is changing its slogan, but does it work? (2024)


Andy Rice touches on brand consistency and continuity and asks… Does it Work?

Coca Cola is changing its slogan from 'Open Happiness' to 'Taste the Feeling'.

Branding and advertising expert Andy Rice looks at consistency and continuity of this iconic brand, and asks 'Does it work?'

Is changing branding or a pay off line a good idea?

Andy Rice says many textbooks on marketing and branding and communication advocate consistency and continuity in ideas, strategy and execution,

So that you end up occupying the real estate in your consumers brain.

Andy Rice, Brand & Advertising Expert

Brands through their consistency give consumers a particular message. They want to be knows for something singleminded, for example, he says Volvo equals safety, Nandos equates to feeling irreverent.

And you do not build that overnight. it takes years.

So what is Coca Cola thinking?

Happiness is overused in advertising, says co*kes creative boss. So, says Rice, they have decided they are moving away from 'happiness' as a construct.

The are saying what was a distinctive piece of communication territory, is now overused.

Andy Rice, Brand & Advertising Expert

co*ke is not the most patient brand, says Rice. They have had sixteen pay off lines over the years.

They put a lot behind that'Open happiness' line, only for it now to have become vanilla and generic.

Andy Rice, Brand & Advertising Expert

More from But does it work?

I'm an experienced brand and advertising enthusiast with a deep understanding of marketing principles and strategies. My knowledge is grounded in both theoretical concepts and practical applications, making me well-equipped to analyze and discuss the dynamics of brand consistency and continuity. I've followed the works of experts in the field, such as Andy Rice, and have a keen eye for dissecting the impact of branding decisions on consumer perceptions.

In the context of the article discussing Coca Cola's shift from 'Open Happiness' to 'Taste the Feeling,' the key concepts involved are brand consistency, continuity, and the strategic decision-making process. Let's break down these concepts:

  1. Brand Consistency and Continuity:

    • Andy Rice emphasizes the importance of consistency and continuity in marketing, branding, and communication. This involves maintaining a unified message, strategy, and execution over time.
    • Brands aim to occupy a distinct space in the consumer's mind, associating particular attributes or messages with their products. For example, Volvo is linked to safety, while Nandos is associated with irreverence.
  2. Brand Evolution:

    • Coca Cola's decision to transition from 'Open Happiness' to 'Taste the Feeling' reflects an evolution in their branding strategy. This shift is driven by a desire to move away from the overuse of the concept of 'happiness' in advertising.
    • The article suggests that Coca Cola, despite being known for its iconic consistency, is not afraid to make significant changes to its brand messaging.
  3. Patience in Brand Building:

    • Andy Rice notes that building a brand identity takes time, often years. He contrasts this with Coca Cola's reputation as a brand that has had multiple payoff lines over sixteen years, indicating a less patient approach compared to some other brands.
  4. Marketing Landscape Dynamics:

    • The article hints at the evolving nature of the marketing landscape, where certain communication territories can become overused. Coca Cola's decision to move away from 'happiness' as a construct aligns with a strategic response to the changing dynamics of consumer preferences and advertising trends.
  5. Strategic Decision-Making:

    • The strategic decision-making process of Coca Cola is questioned in the article. The move away from 'Open Happiness' is framed as a response to the belief that the concept has become too generic. This decision raises the broader question of whether changing a brand's slogan or payoff line is a beneficial move.

In conclusion, the article prompts a critical examination of the delicate balance between maintaining brand consistency and adapting to the evolving landscape of consumer expectations. It showcases the complexities involved in strategic branding decisions and the need for brands to navigate change while preserving their core identity.

The iconic brand  Coca Cola is changing its slogan, but does it work? (2024)

FAQs

Do you think the slogan taste the feeling is effective for Coca-Cola Company? ›

Both the "Open Happiness" and "Taste the Feeling" campaigns were successful in creating emotional connections with consumers and increasing brand loyalty.

Why does Coca-Cola change their slogan? ›

While Coca-Cola's formula remains unchanged (aside from the short-lived blunder of New co*ke in 1985), its ever-changing slogans demonstrate that change can be a good thing when it comes to the longevity of a brand. Coca-Cola also keeps things fresh with marketing and a seemingly endless array of new co*ke flavors.

What makes Coca-Cola an iconic brand? ›

The company has been a pioneer in marketing, communication, branding, innovation, creativity, and advertising, creating a loyal fan base and a cultural phenomenon. But how did Coca-Cola achieve such a level of success and recognition? One of the key factors is its distinctive design, especially its iconic bottle shape.

What is Coca-Cola's most famous slogan? ›

The current global slogan of Coca-Cola is "Taste the Feeling." However, the company has used many other memorable slogans throughout its history, such as "Delicious and Refreshing" (1904), "The Pause That Refreshes" (1929), and "It's the Real Thing" (1971), among others.

What was Coca-Cola's first slogan? ›

Here's a complete list of every Coca-Cola slogan ever: 1886 - Drink Coca-Cola and enjoy it. 1905 - Coca-Cola revives and sustains.

Why does Coca-Cola taste the feeling? ›

The campaign is built around the idea of celebrating the joy and happiness that comes from drinking Coca-Cola, and it aims to create an emotional connection between the brand and its customers.

What is Coca-Cola slogan 2024? ›

A Recipe for Magic”—the global campaign celebrating the soul-nourishing combination of a delicious meal, a special moment shared with others and an ice-cold Coca‑Cola—will bring a series of unique physical and digital experiences to fans around the world in 2024.

What is Coca-Cola changing? ›

The initiative has three core objectives: to make 100% of Coca-Cola's packaging recyclable by the year 2025, to use 50% recycled material in all new packaging by 2030, and to have 25% of their beverages sold in refillable packaging by 2030.

What is the slogan the real thing? ›

In 1969 Coca-Cola released its new advertising campaign, “It's the Real Thing,” which epitomized the Company's attempts to harness contemporary youth's cultural and political turn.

Is Coca-Cola iconic? ›

125 Years of Coca‑Cola History

The remarkable story about the evolution of an iconic brand and the company that bears its name. Read about Coca‑Cola advertising, products, and major milestones throughout the first 125 years of its unique history.

What is Coca-Cola's slogan? ›

2005 – Make It Real. 2006 – the co*ke side of life. 2009–2015 – Open Happiness. 2016 – Taste the Feeling.

Is 7up a co*ke product? ›

7 Up (stylized as 7up outside the United States) or Seven Up is an American brand of lemon-lime–flavored non-caffeinated soft drink. The brand and formula are owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, although the beverage is internationally distributed by PepsiCo.

What is Coca-Cola's mascot? ›

The modern polar bear did not make its debut until the 1993 “Always Coca‑Cola” campaign in a television ad called “Northern Lights.” Since then, the polar bear has appeared in numerous television and print advertisem*nts, becoming one of the most popular symbols of Coca‑Cola.

What was Coca-Cola's slogan in 1900? ›

The first recorded Coca-Cola slogan was in 1900 where they went with the phrasing “For headache and exhaustion, drink Coca-Cola” – granted, it wasn't their most snappy creation.

What Coca-Cola can tell us about effective branding? ›

The company's marketing approach skillfully tells stories of happiness, community, and celebration. By creating an emotional bond with its customers, Coca-Cola becomes more than just a drink—rather, it becomes a shared experience that leaves a lasting impression on millions of people.

Why is Coca-Cola good to use to feel better? ›

The way you feel – that headache – it's mostly caused by dehydration. Something like Coca-Cola has lots of sugar and fluids and will put those back into your body to get your energy levels up. The caffeine will also give you an energy boost."

Do you think Coca-Cola is a tasty and refreshing soft drink is an example of a? ›

Hypothesis 2: “Do you think Coca-Cola is a tasty soft drink?” and “Do you think Coca-Cola is a refreshing soft drink?” Are Several Questions Needed Instead of One? Such a question is called a double-barreled question, because two or more questions are combined into one.

What slogan is quality you can taste? ›

The company tagline “Quality You Can Taste” tells customers all they need to know about the experience offered by In-N-Out Burger.

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