Kevin Readdean – Voice Talent

Want some New Coke with your Crystal Gravy?

It’s the 25th anniversary of the launch of “New Coke.” The risk that the Coca-Cola Company took on this date in 1985 is often called one of the largest marketing debacles of the 20th century because of the tremendous criticism and outcry from Coca-Cola drinkers that ultimately led to the return to the original formula 77 days later.

However, being a Coca-Cola fan, I tend to interpret it as a marketing event that successfully stirred up the beverage industry, mobilized the base constituency, and ultimately put Coke on top. Indeed, by the end of 1985 Coca-Cola Classic was outselling its new-fangled sibling and Pepsi. There were winners and losers in the promotion of these beverages. Bill Cosby lost credibility as the primary spokesperson for New Coke, while Matt Frewer as Max Headroom burst onto the scene to keep New c-c-c-Coke alive (unfortunately it was discontinued in 2002).

You can read more about the New Coke anniversary at Coca-Cola Conversions. I’d rather spend this silver anniversary of New Coke laughing at Pepsi’s debacle with the roll out of a clear cola: Crystal Pepsi. VanHalen may have sold a lot of “Right Now” singles, but Pepsi didn’t sell much of the cola. Here’s a video of a Saturday Night Life parody of the drink: a commercial for Crystal Gravy. Enjoy! It’s the Real Thing! Have a Coke and a Smile!…

Tags: anniversary, beverage, commercial, history, voice actor