ATLANTA -- Coca-Cola is bringing back one of its most successful U.S. programs of all time. “Share a Coke” swept the nation last summer and, beginning this week, Coca-Cola bottles across the country will once again feature the names of millions of Americans.
Back by popular demand, Coca-Cola will swap out its iconic logo on 20-oz. bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coke Zero for 1,000 of the most popular names in the country, quadrupling the number of names featured in 2014.
For those who aren’t able to find their names--or enough of a particular name--on store shelves, the company will deliver Share a Coke to doorsteps across the country. This year, Coca-Cola will offer an e-commerce site on which fans can personalize and purchase iconic 8-oz. glass Share a Coke bottles. From prom to graduation, Mother’s Day to weddings, it has never been easier to share a Coke with family, friends, party guests, colleagues and more.
“The return of Share a Coke brings four times as many names, twice as many packaging options and countless more opportunities for people to connect over a Coke,” said Evan Holod, Coca-Cola brand director, Coca-Cola North America, Atlanta. “We took inspiration from our most loyal fans and created more opportunities for people to get involved, make Share a Coke their own and create new memories with an ice-cold, delicious Coca-Cola. Whether it’s celebrating a proposal, creating baby announcements or just enjoying time with a friend, Share a Coke can make those moments even more special.”
In addition to 20-oz. bottles and the ability to buy Share a Coke bottles online, store shelves and coolers will offer more ways for people to enjoy special moments and a Coke with friends and family. Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coke Zero logos will give way to group names like “Class of 2015,” “Team” and “Family” on 1.25- and 2-liter bottles, and 12-oz. cans will feature colloquial nicknames like “Sis,” “Bro,” “Better Half,” “Sidekick” and “Favorite.”
Share a Coke packaging also will extend to 8-oz. glass bottles and aluminum bottles, which will feature more nicknames like “Grad,” “Hero” and “Bestie,” as well as mini cans, which will feature nicknames and emoticons. Sharing will also come to life through Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain dispensers, which will offer three limited-time Share a Coke mixes called “BFF,” “VIP” and “Legend.” All three flavors are available on the dispenser home screen, and those who use the Coca-Cola Freestyle app will be able to unlock a “secret” fourth mix.
“We can’t wait to see how fans share their amazing stories again this year in real life and through social media. People invited Coca-Cola into their lives and took ownership of the campaign as a way of self-expression,” said Jennifer Healan, group director, Integrated Marketing Content, Coca-Cola North America.
The company is supporting the Share a Coke campaign through a nationwide advertising and marketing campaign, including an 11-week flight featuring TV commercials, cinema ads, social and digital engagement and experiential engagements from coast to coast. People who use the campaign hashtag, #ShareaCoke, to celebrate stories and share photos will have the chance to be featured on Coca-Cola billboards in their geographic area.
The Share a Coke program was first introduced in Australia the summer of 2011-12. Since then, the company has helped people Share a Coke--and a little happiness--in more than 80 countries around the world, including New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Great Britain, Turkey, Germany, Spain and Chile.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.