By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
May 13, 2002
Coca-Cola will introduce its newest flavor nationwide Wednesday: Vanilla Coke an idea that originated at old-fashioned drug store lunch counters.
Officials with the Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Co. which provide Coke products to more than 16 counties in East Mississippi and West Alabama said thousands of 20-ounce Vanilla Cokes will be for sale early Wednesday.
Vanilla Coke Coca-Cola with a hint of vanilla is the latest version of the drink to be introduced since the early 1980s.
In 1982, Diet Coke was first sold. In 1985, Cherry Coke and Diet Cherry Coke hit the scene. In 2001, Diet Coke with lemon first debuted.
Doug Daft, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Co., said that "consumers were excited about the idea of Vanilla Coke and we are pleased to give them what they want."
Duncan said the idea of the new Coke product came from the old drug store fountain drinks.
Last week about 30 local Coca-Cola employees sampled the new product. Jimmy Culpepper, the cold drink manager, said he was pleasantly surprised by the taste.
Duncan said he believes the new drink will be "a change-over drink."