My Blog! My Blog!

The Coca-Cola company has produced yet another product that should not exist: Coke Blak! Because the website uses annoying quantities of Flash, I will not add a link to the actual product page, but you can read the press release here:

http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20051207_corporate_blak.html

The beverage is, we're told, a combination of Coke and coffee--but let's allow the Coke marketroids to say it in their own words:

"Coca-Cola Blāk is not just a flavor extension. It is a blend of unique Coke refreshment with the true essence of coffee and has a rich smooth texture and has a coffee-like froth when poured. We believe we have created a new category of soft drink – an adult product in a carbonated beverage – and a whole new drinking experience."

The first thing I thought when I learned about this product from a nearby billboard was, "God, what a disgusting idea." But the second thing I thought was, "Why?"

If you think for a second, the answer's pretty obvious. The clue is "adult product in a carbonated beverage."

The Coca-Cola Company used to sell lots of beverages to both adults and kids. Then, the coffee craze descended upon us, courtesy of Seattle and Starbucks. When Starbucks took off, coffee-flavored beverages were everywhere! Now you can even purchase frappamochacinos and the like from Dunkin Donuts franchises and grocery stores.

The Coca-Cola people surely must have thought, "How can we capitalize on this massive thirst for coffee?" And Blak is their answer.

Or maybe it will be their biggest failure since New Coke. Time will tell--and those of us who follow the follies of the multinationals will be watching.