The 1990s were a time of innovation for the cola industry, with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo battling it out in what became known as the "Cola Wars." Two of the most notable products to emerge from this era were Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi.
What is Pepsi AM?
Pepsi AM was introduced in 1989 as a morning drink, meant to be a replacement for coffee or tea. It was a blend of Pepsi-Cola and coffee, with a slightly higher caffeine content than regular Pepsi. The product was marketed towards adults who wanted a quick and easy way to get a caffeine boost in the morning.
While Pepsi AM was met with some initial success, it ultimately failed to catch on with consumers. The product was discontinued in 1990, after just one year on the market.
What is Crystal Pepsi?
Crystal Pepsi was introduced in 1992, as a clear cola that was meant to be a healthier alternative to traditional colas. The product was marketed towards health-conscious consumers, with advertisements featuring images of crystal-clear waterfalls and healthy, active individuals.
Despite a strong marketing campaign, Crystal Pepsi failed to capture the attention of consumers. The product was discontinued in 1993, after just one year on the market.
Why did Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi fail?
There are several reasons why both Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi failed to catch on with consumers. One of the main reasons was that they were both seen as gimmicky products, rather than genuine innovations in the cola industry.
Additionally, both products suffered from poor marketing and branding. Pepsi AM was marketed towards adults, but failed to capture the attention of that demographic. Crystal Pepsi, on the other hand, was marketed towards health-conscious consumers, but was ultimately seen as just another cola.
Legacy of Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi
Despite their failure in the marketplace, Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi have left a lasting legacy on the cola industry. They were both innovative products that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the world of cola, and paved the way for future products like Pepsi Blue and Pepsi Edge.
Additionally, both products have gained a cult following in the years since their discontinuation. Fans of Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi have created online communities dedicated to the products, with some even going so far as to petition PepsiCo to bring them back.
In Conclusion
The story of Pepsi AM and Crystal Pepsi is a cautionary tale of the cola industry. Despite their innovative nature, both products failed to capture the attention of consumers and ultimately fell by the wayside. However, their legacy lives on, as a reminder of the importance of marketing, branding, and innovation in the world of cola.