Pepsi says goodbye to Sierra Mist and introduces Starry, a new lemon-lime soda.
Sierra Mist has been on the market for 24 years.
According to CNN, Pepsi’s research shows that “demand for lemon-lime flavored sodas has never been higher,” the company said in a statement. This prompted Pepsi to develop a new lemon-lime his soda that “gives people a choice in areas that have been dominated by one brand for years.”
A caffeine-free beverage, Starley has the usual sugar-free options.
A Pepsi spokesperson told Fox Television Station that Starley is “more fruity, aromatic and citrusy in flavor” compared to Sierra Mist.
“With one product dominating the category, consumers deserve another choice…there is another choice. STARRY is bright, optimistic, and rooted in culture and fun,” said PepsiCo. Chief Marketing Officer Gray Lyons said in a statement.
Sierra Mist was released in 1999 to much fanfare, but it didn’t significantly affect Sprite’s dominance. GlobalData’s managing director of retail, Neil Saunders, told CNN he is a “confused brand” that looks like a “Sprite copycat.”
“When traditional soda is slowing growth and shelves are overflowing with new and innovative beverages, tired second-rate players just don’t cut it,” Sanders said. He said the brief rebranding to Mist Twist over the years was “pointless” because it would confuse consumers.
Mark Heim is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.