I found all was not right with the world during a recent trip to Costco: Pepsi has replaced Coke in the food court.What other American invention is as omnipresent as ice-cold cola? In bottle, can or glass, cola is found from coast to coast, served at diners and the White House. Others have come and gone since druggist Angelo Mariani invented the cola in 1863, but two giants among soda exist today in the US: Coke and Pepsi.
The battle of the beverage behemoths continues. Both are over a century old. Both want your cash. Both have an avid following.
What's the attraction? The fizz, the flavor, the corn syrup? A few years of working in product development for the food industry put me right off corn syrup, so I only drink the diet version. Every sip of Diet Coke is a delight. I am a Coke customer for life. Pepsi in any form is just...yucky.
Coca-Cola is the most recognized brand in the world. Coke brings to mind what is best about the American way of life: first girl-boy parties, dates and shy kisses; war-weary soldiers getting letters from home; a rusted sign creaking in the wind outside the local restaurant. Plus it can be used to relieve the sting from jelly fish and remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers.
It's Coca-Cola Chicken and Coca-Cola Cake in the South for a reason...Pepsi just doesn't cut it. For many, it symbolizes the magic of childhood and kindles the memories of family gatherings, football games and school dances.
For me, Coca-Cola is still the real thing. I now drink water with my Costco hot dog, missing that red and white wave patterned cup overflowing with an abundance of taste.
No comments:
Post a Comment