Beverages

Dr Pepper Delivers on Guns N' Roses Promise

Giving out free soda via couponing promotion with Chinese Democracy release
PLANO, Texas -- The agonizing 17-year wait ended Sunday with the release Guns n' Roses' Chinese Democracy album. And Dr Pepper is making good on its promise to give out free soda if the album was actually released. "We never thought this day would come," said Tony Jacobs, vice president of marketing for Dr Pepper. "But now that it's here all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."

The beverage maker urged consumers to register yesterday at DrPepper.com to receive a coupon for one free 20-oz. Dr Pepper, redeemable wherever the brand is sold. Coupons were available for 24 hours, [image-nocss] starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Nov. 23, 2008.

Meanwhile, Dr Pepper and Major League Gaming (MLG), the professional video game league, have announced an expanded sponsorship relationship. As part of the agreement, Dr Pepper will launch a nationwide promotion, supported by an online content experience built around the No. 1 ranked team in MLG, Str8 Rippin.

Starting in January 2009, there will be approximately 175 million Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper 20-oz. bottles produced throughout the country featuring Tom "Tsquared" Taylor, one of MLG's biggest superstars. The bottle represents the first time that Dr Pepper has placed any of its sports league partners or sponsored professional stars on its label for national distribution.

Every 20-oz. bottle is a winner. In addition to chances to win great prizes including Xbox consoles, TV monitors, custom headphones and t-shirts, every code entered will earn consumers online tournament points at www.gamebattles.com.

Along with the new bottle design, Dr Pepper has developed a promotional website to include hours of team and individual player content allowing fans to see and hear every aspect of Str8 Rippin and the competitive gaming lifestyle. This material includes game play strategy tips from the team and highlights from their 2008 season.

Founded in 2002, MLG is the dominant media property exclusively targeting the approximately 40 million consumers in North America who have a passion for playing video games as a competitive social activity. The company exclusively represents the best professional gamers and gives millions of aspiring gamers around the world an opportunity to compete, improve their skills and socialize through our thriving online competitive community and live Pro Circuit competitions. MLG partners include Dr Pepper, GameStop, HP, Old Spice, Ballpark, Panasonic, Stride, Ubisoft, Bungie and Xbox 360.

Dr Pepper is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., Plano, Texas. DPS is an integrated refreshment beverage business marketing more than 50 beverage brands to consumers throughout North America. In addition to its flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, the company's portfolio includes 7UP, Mott's, A&W, Sunkist Soda, Hawaiian Punch, Canada Dry, Schweppes, Squirt, RC Cola, Diet Rite, Penafiel, Rose's, Yoo-hoo, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T and other well-known consumer favorites.

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