The Mysterious Disappearance of Diet 7Up
In recent years, many soda companies have discontinued some of their products. One of the most popular diet sodas- Diet 7Up- is no exception. Though it had a loyal fan following, the brand was discontinued in the year 2018. So, what happened to Diet 7Up? Why was it discontinued? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind its mysterious disappearance.
The Evolution of Diet 7Up
Diet 7Up has a long and interesting history. Introduced in the year 1963, it was the first-ever sugar-free soda in the market. It quickly gained popularity and became a hot favorite among those who loved the taste of soda but also wanted to watch their sugar intake. Over the years, the brand had undergone many changes and revisions to stay relevant in the market.
In 2006, the formula of Diet 7Up was revamped. The company replaced high fructose corn syrup with Splenda as the main sweetener. This change in the formula was done to appeal to the health-conscious segment of the market. However, the change was not well received by the consumers, and the sales of the product started to decline.
The Sales Slump
In 2018, Diet 7Up sales declined by 7.2%. The parent company, Keurig Dr. Pepper, announced that Diet 7Up was being discontinued. One of the main reasons cited for this was the declining sales of the product. The company tried to revamp the formula multiple times, but none of them was successful in restoring the product’s lost popularity.
Another reason for the sales slump was the changing consumer preferences. More and more people are opting for healthier drinks and cutting down on sugary beverages. The carbonated soft drink industry has been declining over the years, and this is not unique to Diet 7Up.
Marketing Efforts
Marketing plays a vital role in any product’s success. Keurig Dr. Pepper failed to market Diet 7Up effectively. The company was unable to convey the unique selling proposition of the product to the target audience. The company did not capitalize on its unique features such as the lemon-lime flavor and zero sugar formula.
Marketing also failed to address the ever-changing preferences of the consumers. It was not able to convince the consumers about the health benefits and the need to switch to Diet 7Up.
The Final Verdict
To sum it up, the discontinuation of Diet 7Up was a culmination of various factors such as declining sales, changes in consumer preferences, and inadequate marketing efforts. Despite being the first-ever sugar-free soda in the market, the brand could not sustain itself amidst the ever-changing market trends. Though the brand is discontinued, it will always have a place in the hearts of millions of consumers who enjoyed the refreshing taste of Diet 7Up for decades.
