“New Coke” Returns along with Popular Netflix Series

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Category: Business

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. comeback / ˈkʌmˌbæk / (n) – the act of getting back to a former state or condition
    Example:

    A mobile phone model from the ’90s made a comeback recently.


  2. flop / flɒp / (n) – a failure
    Example:

    The movie was a flop; it was taken out of the theaters only three days after its release.


  3. reception / rɪˈsɛp ʃən / (n) – the way something was received or welcomed
    Example:

    The old show’s remake was met with warm reception from the fans of the original series.


  4. conception / kənˈsɛp ʃən / (n) – the act of creating something such as an idea or a plan
    Example:

    Several details have been changed from the time of the show’s conception to its release.


  5. controversial / ˌkɒn trəˈvɜr ʃəl / (adj) – causing public discussion
    Example:

    The controversial celebrity is trending on social media due to her latest scandal.


Article

Read the text below.

“New Coke” is making a comeback along with the ’80s-themed Netflix series, Stranger Things.


“New Coke” was the sweeter version of the popular drink first released in 1985. The Coca-Cola Company decided to change the formula of its iconic beverage in hopes of maintaining the lead against competitors. However, the new formulation became a flop as loyal Coke consumers reacted negatively to the drink and even staged protests against it. Due to the bad reception, the company was forced to bring back the original coke just 79 days after “New Coke’s” launch.


Now, Coca-Cola is releasing 500,000 cans of “New Coke” just before the new season of Stranger Things. The show’s directors had planned to feature the product in the show right from the third season’s conception. Because of this, Netflix approached the beverage company for a partnership to promote the TV series’ return.


Those interested can get “New Coke” as a giveaway when they order limited-edition Stranger Things Coke merchandise online, or when they purchase items at the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta. They can also get the beverage from selected vending machines around the United States.


A representative from Coca-Cola said that the company does not expect to make a profit out of the controversial beverage’s return. However, Coca-Cola wants to see the public’s reaction. Officials from the company said they want to see whether the negative reaction to “New Coke” was really because the drink tasted bad or just because people did not want the original Coke taste they had always known to be changed.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think reviving “New Coke” is a good idea? Explain.
• In your opinion, will both the Coca-Cola Company and Netflix benefit from the promotion of the TV series? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• What are some products (e.g. food/beverages, toys, gadgets) that you wish would have a comeback? Discuss.
• In your opinion, who would be more likely to purchase products that were discontinued but were returned to the shelves: older consumers or newer buyers? Why?