When the hot, smoldering weather drains your energy, only one elixir popped in all American mids. Sierra Mist was that b*tch! The queen of zesty drinks that provided instant refreshment with a burst of energy. But that was until Sierra Mist faced fierce competition in the market.
Imagine a high school of soft drinks– then Sierra Mist would be the popular queen bee, purely based on taste and quality. However, her reign couldn’t suffice in the long run since Sprite was the unprecedented king of the lime flavor.
And now, after years of fighting to make a name in the market, Sierra Mist breathes her last.
In January 2023, PepsiCo announced that they would be discontinuing the lemon-lime flavored Sierra Mist. Reportedly, Sierra Mist was unable to generate considerable market share in the refreshments category.
However, Sierra Mist fans can rejoice again since Pepsi launched a replacement drink, ‘Starry,’ that is marketed for Gen-Z, contains no caffeine, and is available in Regular and Zero-Sugar versions.
What Happened to Sierra Mist?
Every past generation fad becomes a present generation’s nostalgic souvenir. Sometimes, this time capsule product resurfaces in the current era, like the Y2K fashion trends. But most stuff becomes a mystical memory that should best be left in the past.
And then, some brands lie in the middle of the spectrum where people’s opinions are split over whether they need it back or throw it back in the past.
Per the market research, Sierra Mist has only managed to capture 0.1% of the soda market share. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola aggressively monopolized the soda market with Sprite, which accounted for over 7% of the market.
Moreover, Sprite dominates the cooling refreshments sentiments as endorsed by media-influencing giants like Lebron James. And who would defy the Lakers’ goat?
In conclusion, Sierra Mist failed to mystify and create the fascination behind it. Over the years, it slowly faded into obscurity, and Pepsi decided to discontinue the drink this year.
Why Did Pepsi Change Sierra Mist to Starry?
“We are gathered here to pay our last respects to the one, who never failed to refresh us with her lemony nature and zesty character….” but wait… hold your horses…what is that coming out of the grave?
And PepsiCo throws another ace up its sleeve– the company has replaced Sierra Mist with a new version of the drink.
STARRY:
This is the Gen-Z version of the boomer Sierra Mist. Starry is marketed toward the current consumer demographic. The brand is catered to the audience of “a consumer who is simultaneously optimistic about the future and brings a sense of irreverence to their everyday.”
The drink is promoted as–
“Starry is bright, optimistic, and rooted in culture and fun.”
Coming out of the shadows of OK, Boomer!, Starry promises to shatter the market with “a game-changing recipe with the perfect balance of lemon lime flavor and sweetness compared to the competition.”
Netizens React to the Sierra Mist’s Demise and Resurgence With Starry
What are your thoughts on this case? Did you prefer Sierra Mist over Sprite? What is your review of the new version, Starry?
Let us know in the comments section below.
