--- title: Coca-Cola Gets Innovative -- Here's What Other Brands Can Learn description: Coca-Cola has given its packaging a makeover, with new mini bottles and taller, slimmer Diet Coke cans. Here’s why they’re doing it. image: https://www.mediashower.com/img/92EC6A36-3E3E-11E9-B771-F3216EA6C6E4/glass%20of%20cola_600x.jpg --- [![PKG Packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/PKG%20Jan20%20-%20assets/pkg-logo.png) ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/) [![Hangar12](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/Hanger%20Image/Hanger-12.webp) ](https://www.hangar-12.com/) [312.870.9101](tel:+1.312.870.9101) # Consumer First Insights ## Coca-Cola Gets Innovative -- Here's What Other Brands Can Learn Written by Kevin Keating at PKG Though it may be the world’s most famous brand, Coca-Cola has a reputation of being a “[boring](https://investorplace.com/2019/02/coca-cola-stock-primed-for-a-quiet-comeback-as-soda-gets-its-fizz-back/)” investment because of its stability across the decades. ![Coca-cola in a clear glass cup.](https://www.mediashower.com/img/92EC6A36-3E3E-11E9-B771-F3216EA6C6E4/glass%20of%20cola_600x.jpg) In 2018, Coca-Cola shares began performing better than expected, and the conventional wisdom was that it had to do with the company’s rebranding efforts. Millennials and their younger cohorts, Generation Z, are more health-centric than older generations and are likelier to avoid sugary carbonated drinks. Coca-Cola responded by developing its own healthier alternatives and giving its packaging a makeover. It appears to have made a positive difference too. Here’s what’s going on with Coca-Cola’s latest packaging designs. **Mini Bottle Makes Canadian Debut** Consumers of a certain age will remember the glass 6.5-ounce Coca-Cola bottles of the mid-20th century. The [last one rolled off the production line](http://www.startribune.com/in-winona-it-s-the-end-of-the-line-for-coca-cola-s-returnable-bottles/173977391/) in Minnesota in 2012 since hardly anyone bothered returning the bottles for a deposit anymore. But tiny bottles of soda are making a comeback, as consumers seek to limit their consumption of sugary beverages. In March, Coca-Cola rolled out its [new 250 ml (roughly 8.4 fluid ounce) mini bottle](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190325005060/en/) in Canada. It’s resealable and recyclable, and the company is showcasing it as an easy way for consumers to avoid drinking large quantities of soda at one time. Not only will classic Coca-Cola be available in the mini bottle, so will Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, and Sprite.  **New Diet Coke Cans Chime with Today’s Tastes** In recent years, energy drinks, which typically come in tall, slim cans, have [outperformed](http://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/sports-energy/energy-drink-sales-still-rise-despite-slowdown-innovation) the overall soft drink market. But product innovation in the energy drink market has slacked off a bit, and Coca-Cola is making changes that may make the most of that lull.  ![Energy drink cans in an ice bucket.](https://www.mediashower.com/img/92EC6A36-3E3E-11E9-B771-F3216EA6C6E4/energy%20drink%20cans_600x.jpg) Launched in 2018 and expanded in 2019, Diet Coke’s tall, slender, energy drink-like cans are more colorful, and the product within comes in a range of new flavors. The new flavors, which include strawberry guava and blueberry acai, are also designed to connect with younger consumers who may be partial to energy drinks and new, exciting flavors.  Group director for Diet Coke, Coca-Cola North America Rafael Acevedo [told Packaging Digest](https://www.packagingdigest.com/packaging-design/diet-coke-stands-tall-with-sleek-new-packaging-2019-03-19), “We’re contemporizing the brand and portfolio with sleek packaging and new flavors that are appealing to new audiences.” It’s a visual as well as a flavor evolution that recalls the classic vertical red band, making the product instantly recognizable, but with a more contemporary look.  **Packaging, Flavor Changes “Move the Needle” on Demographics** Both Coca-Cola and its rival Pepsi appeal to an older crowd, and some of their past branding and packaging designs may have unintentionally solidified that impression among younger consumers. But these new packaging designs along with new Diet Coke flavors appear to be moving the needle on demographics.  In fact, soda as a category appears to be gaining ground, with nineties’ sodas Slice and Jolt getting their own relaunches. With [high sugar and caffeine content of energy drinks](https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/to_energy_drink_or_not) making more headlines, ordinary sodas may be perceived as tame by comparison. Whatever the reasons, consumers appear to be transitioning back toward sodas. Coca-Cola is ready to take advantage with their new flavors and packaging designs.  PKG Brand Design is always on the forefront of new CPG branding and packaging initiatives; please [subscribe to our blog](https://www.pkgbranding.com/subscribe-to-the-pkg-blog) for the latest package design industry news! - [Facebook Share ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fcoca-cola-gets-innovative-heres-what-other-brands-can-learn) - [Twitter Share ](https://twitter.com/home?status=Coca-Cola+Gets+Innovative+--+Here%27s+What+Other+Brands+Can+Learn%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fcoca-cola-gets-innovative-heres-what-other-brands-can-learn) - [LinkedIn Share ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fcoca-cola-gets-innovative-heres-what-other-brands-can-learn&title=Coca-Cola%20Gets%20Innovative%20--%20Here%27s%20What%20Other%20Brands%20Can%20Learn&summary=Coca-Cola+has+given+its+packaging+a+makeover%2C+with+new+mini+bottles+and+taller%2C+slimmer+Diet+Coke+cans.+Here%E2%80%99s+why+they%E2%80%99re+doing+it.&source=) - [Email Share ](mailto:?subject=Coca-Cola%20Gets%20Innovative%20--%20Here%27s%20What%20Other%20Brands%20Can%20Learn&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pkgbranding.com%2Fblog%2Fcoca-cola-gets-innovative-heres-what-other-brands-can-learn) ### Topics - [food packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/topic/food-packaging) ### Related Posts [![Portion Perfection: How Packaging Can Aid in Portion Control](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/1-min-Sep-20-2023-07-11-07-0665-AM.png) Portion Perfection: How Packaging Can Aid in Portion Control Kevin Keating at PKG ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/portion-controlled-packaging) [![A Fresh Perspective: The Role of Sustainable Packaging in the Health Food Market](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/1%20(1)-min-2.png) A Fresh Perspective: The Role of Sustainable Packaging in the Health Food Market Kevin Keating at PKG ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/sustainable-packaging-health-food) [![How Simplified Packaging Design Appeals to Health Conscious Consumers](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/1-min-2.png) How Simplified Packaging Design Appeals to Health Conscious Consumers Kevin Keating at PKG ](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/simplified-packaging-design) ### Subscribe Now! ### Subscribe Now!     **Awarded Top 50** **Package Design ****Blog**   [![Packaging-Design-transparent_216px](https://blog-cdn.feedspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Packaging-Design-transparent_216px.png)](http://blog.feedspot.com/packaging_design_blogs/) - [How Multisensory Packaging Impacts Brand Loyalty](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/multisensory-packaging-impacts-brand-loyalty) - [7 Emotional Triggers That Drive Packaging Success](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/emotional-triggers-packaging-success) - [How Social Media Listening Improves Packaging Design](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/social-media-listening-improves-packaging-design) - [11 Examples of Functional Packaging Features](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/functional-packaging-features-examples) - [Competitor Analysis for Shelf Differentiation](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/competitor-analysis-for-shelf-differentiation) - [Typography Checklist for Packaging](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/typography-checklist-packaging) - [Top Biodegradable Packaging Myths Consumers Believe](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/biodegradable-packaging-myths-consumers-believe) - [Macro Photography for Food Packaging Design](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/macro-photography-food-packaging-design) - [Glass Packaging Benefits for CPG Brands](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/glass-packaging-benefits-cpg-brands) - [Pet Food Packaging: FDA Rules to Know](https://www.pkgbranding.com/blog/pet-food-packaging-fda-rules) ![Best package design agencies](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/badge-package-design-agencies.svg)   Recognized as a Top Package Design Agency on [DesignRush](https://www.designrush.com/agency/package-design) PKG BRAND DESIGN 2045 W Grand Ave, STE B-27332 Chicago, IL 60612-1576 [312.870.9101](tel:+1.312.870.9101) ![PKG Best Packaging Design Agency in Chicago](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-09-22%20at%2010.33.31%20PM.png?width=722&height=284&name=Screenshot%202025-09-22%20at%2010.33.31%20PM.png) [Request a Free Consultation](https://www.pkgbranding.com/request-a-consultation) [![A Hangar 12 Agency](https://www.pkgbranding.com/hubfs/assets/dev/img/a-hangar12-agency-logo-transparent.png)](https://www.hangar-12.com/) © 2026 PKG Brand Design. All Rights Reserved ![linkedin](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=315946&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kevin Keating at PKG" }, "dateModified" : "December 31, 2024, 11:55:58 AM", "datePublished" : "2019-04-04 23:17:48", "description" : "Coca-Cola has given its packaging a makeover, with new mini bottles and taller, slimmer Diet Coke cans. Here’s why they’re doing it.", "headline" : "Coca-Cola Gets Innovative -- Here's What Other Brands Can Learn", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.mediashower.com/img/92EC6A36-3E3E-11E9-B771-F3216EA6C6E4/glass%20of%20cola_600x.jpg" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/537000/PKG-1.png" }, "name" : "PKG Brand Design" } } ```