Sprite has announced it’s making a fan-favorite limited-time flavor a permanent addition.
The soda brand recently confirmed its Sprite Chill was becoming a permanent flavor after it was named last year’s top-selling Coca-Cola innovation in North America.
‘We decided to make it part of Sprite’s sustaining portfolio after seeing overwhelming demand in-stores and all-over social media,’ Kate Schaufelberger, brand director for Sprite at The Coca-Cola Company, told DailyMail.com.
‘Sprite Chill launched as a limited-edition product, but once people tried the new flavor and cooling sensation, it clearly became an instant favorite.’
Launched in April 2024, Sprite Chill earned $50 million in retail sales 21 weeks after its debut, according to its 2024 third quarter earnings report.
It also boosted Sprite purchases by 4.4 percent within the first 13 weeks and received over one billion media impressions.
‘We not only achieved business results, but put something out in the market that consumers really, really responded to,’ Schaufelberger told Marketing Dive.
Around 98 percent of the media impressions were positive, and fans are still praising the beverage one year after its launch.
Sprite announced that it’s making Sprite Chill a permanent flavor following an overwhelming amount of sales
Sprite Chill debuted in April 2024 and earned $50 million in retail sales 21 weeks after it was launched
‘I drink at least 6-10 sprite chills a day no follow back is unreal,’ a fan commented on an Instagram post.
‘Best sprite flavor since winter spice cranberry,’ another fan wrote.
‘BEST FLAVOR IN THE WORLD PLEASE KEEP IT FOREVER,’ a commenter added.
These social media comments came after fans couldn’t stop ‘begging’ the soda brand not to discontinue the beverage and make it permanent.
Sprite called the cherry lime-flavored drink its ‘coldest-est’ offering yet last year before the launch.
‘When people think about Sprite, they think about cut-through refreshment,’ Schaufelberger said in the press release.
‘With Sprite Chill, we’re doubling down on these signature intrinsics while continuing our legacy of strategic flavor innovation and quenching fans’ thirst for variety and the exclusive badge value associated with trying and sharing limited-time-only beverages and experiences.’
‘Consumers today are looking for multisensorial beverage experiences, so we saw a unique opportunity to elevate the crisp, refreshing taste Sprite fans expect with a first-of-its-kind cooling sensation,’ said Felicity Boucetla, Senior Director, Product Development for Sparkling Flavors.
Social media users praised the drink online before and after The Coca-Cola Company confirmed Sprite Chill would be permanent
The brand recruited NBA star Trae ‘Ice Trae’ Young to promote the beverage.
He participated in multiple ads, including one that debuted on March 4.
Young is expected to continue being part of the Sprite Chill campaign.
According to Marketing Dive, the ‘synergy’ was intentional since it embraces fans acting their ‘coldest’ aligning with Sprite’s spirit.
‘They fit together very nicely and ultimately speak to us showing up in passion points with various tactics and various ways into the trademark,’ Schaufelberger said.
Due to its popularity, Sprite will expand its marketing outreach this year, and is currently in a partnership with Black House Radio while considering going global.
‘That’s going to be a great next chapter in international markets where Sprite is ripe for growth,’ Schaufelberger said.
‘There’s ample opportunity to bring this experience and product there.’
Sprite’s parent company The Coca-Cola Company earned $47.1 billion in revenue last year
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverage company.
The company earned $47.1 billion in revenue last year, which was a 3 percent increase from the amount in 2023.
‘Our all-weather strategy is working, and we continue to demonstrate our ability to lead through dynamic external environments,’ James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said in an earnings report.
‘Our global scale, coupled with local-market expertise and the unwavering dedication of our people and our system, uniquely position us to capture the vast opportunities ahead.’
