Pepsi Cola Throwbacks

Pepsi Cola was invented by Caleb Bradham and introduced to the world in 1898. Since that time, the product has faced many changes in both design and product composition. Pepsi recently released "throwbacks" of the Pepsi and Mountain Dew brands.

Pepsi and Mountain Dew throwbacks are packaged and labeled with the product labeling that was used in decades past. The throwbacks also use the old Pepsi recipe, which includes real sugar. These throwback products are a step back to a simpler time and, for those old enough to remember, they bring with them a sense of nostalgia. Anamaria Irazabal, director of marketing, said "As we revamp our brand with our "Refresh Everything" campaign, we want to give a nod to the fun things of the past. For some, it will be a trip down memory lane but for others, it will be a chance to experience a new twist on their favorite brands."

The Pepsi and Mountain Dew throwbacks originally came on to the market in April 2009 and were on the market for eight weeks. The Pepsi version of the products was packaged with the 1940's logo and the Mountain Dew version had the 1970's logo. These products were well received by the consumers and because of that they were brought back in December 2009 for another eight week period. The new throwback Pepsi version contains the 1970's version logo and the Mountain Dew product contains the 1960's logo.

The recipe for the throwback products is different than that being used in the product today. The current version of Pepsi and Mountain Dew uses high fructose corn syrup in the recipe. The throwback products were sweetened with natural sugar, a blend of cane sugar and beet sugar.

I think that the Pepsi and Mountain Dew throwbacks are a great idea. Companies are forced to keep their products "new and fresh" in today's harsh economic times. The marketing departments discussed that the old Pepsi label was introduced after the end of the great depression and bringing these labels back signifies that life goes on. Struggle is a part of life and we will persevere.The Pepsi and Mountain Dew throwback labels will be gone soon but their message carries on. The Pepsi Company has faced many changes, persevering and even becoming stronger and so too will we. Pepsi's inventor Caleb Bradham could never have guessed the effect and motivation his simple soda would have on generations.