PURCHASE, NY, June 7, 2001 - Complementing the great taste of Pepsi with a twist of lemon, Pepsi-Cola Company is introducing a refreshing new product called "Pepsi Twist." Regular and diet versions of the crisp new cola now are entering retail outlets in selected US markets.

"Consumers have been telling us they're looking for something extra in their soft drink options," said Dave Burwick, vice president of carbonated brands for Pepsi-Cola North America. "We know that nationally more people prefer the taste of Pepsi. With Pepsi Twist, we're dialing up the refreshment possibilities while focusing on the bigger picture of expanding flavor variety among colas."

Pepsi Twist was tested as a summertime-only proposition last year in Minnesota and Texas, where it met with tremendous consumer response, boosting total Pepsi trademark volume, display inventory and awareness.

Its expanded availability this summer covers about a third of the country, predominantly the central United States. Pepsi Twist is being distributed in a wide range of packages wherever Pepsi products are sold in those markets.

Dedicated television, radio and point-of-purchase ads are supporting the rollout of Pepsi Twist where available. An introductory TV spot is set in a zoo on a scorching summer afternoon. It's so hot even the penguins take extraordinary measures to stay cool. Created by Pepsi's longtime advertising agency, BBDO New York, the humorous new commercial invites consumers to try "A New Twist on Refreshment."

Purchase, NY-based Pepsi-Cola Company (www.pepsi.com) is the global beverage division of PepsiCo, Inc. (www.pepsico.com). In addition to Pepsi Twist, its brands in the United States include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi ONE, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mug, Slice, Aquafina, FruitWorks, Dole single-serve juices and SoBe. The company also makes and markets category-leading iced teas and coffees, respectively, via joint ventures with Lipton and Starbucks.

# # #

Return to Main Page