Marketing and all things related

Every few years or so, our friends at Coca-Cola introduce a new coffee-flavored or caffeinated soft drink targeting coffee drinkers. The most recent attempt is called Coke Blak. We have explained countless times to our marketing students that there are two kinds of people in the world—those who drink coffee and those who drink Coke. Yes, it is possible for a person to be in both camps—but—the beverages are NOT interchangeable. A serious coffee drinker will gag on these ridiculous coffee wannabe beverages. But, according to Advertising Age (paid subscription required,) Coca-Cola is introducing honest-to-God coffee in a concept store in Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville district. The coffee is called Far Coast, and is also intended for use in upscale hotels and fine-dining restaurants. A print campaign introducing Far Coast deems the brew “Adventures by the cup.” Coke is also preparing to unveil Chaqwa, a quick-serve restaurant brew. Marketing Blurb believe this is a better approach than some weenie coffee-flavored beverage in a bottle or can. We urge Coca-Cola to send us to Toronto, or at least send us a pound of two of beans, for a taste-testing.