Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- nostalgic / nɒˈstæl dʒɪk / (adj.) – having a feeling of happiness and sadness when thinking about the past
Example:Maria played the song because she loved its relaxing, nostalgic sound that reminded her of her childhood.
- reintroduce / ˌriːɪn trəˈdus / (v.) – to bring something back after it was gone or stopped for a time
Example:The company reintroduced its old logo because customers liked it more than the new one.
- signature / ˈsɪg nə tʃər, / (adj.) – describing something that is a special or unique feature that a person, place, or thing is known for
Example:The restaurant is known for its signature dish, a delicious seafood pasta.
- hint / hɪnt / (n.) – a very small amount of something
Example:The soup had hints of garlic and herbs, making it very flavorful.
- abruptly / əˈbrʌpt li / (adv.) – in a way that is sudden or unexpected, often causing surprise
Example:The company abruptly changed its return policy, leaving customers confused.
Article
Read the text below.
A year after the launch of the short-lived Coca-Cola Spiced, Coke added another new flavor to its lineup. Coca-Cola Orange Cream went on sale on February 10 in the U.S. and Canada. It is sold in regular and zero-sugar varieties.
Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. said that it developed the soda, which mixes cola with orange and vanilla flavors, in response to growing consumer demand for the comforting, nostalgic flavor.
Orange cream—first introduced with the Creamsicle ice cream bar in 1937—has enjoyed a recent renaissance. Olipop, a prebiotic soda, introduced an orange cream flavor in 2021. Carvel reintroduced its Orange Dreamy Creamy ice cream last year for the first time since 1972. Wendy’s also debuted an Orange Dreamsicle Frosty last spring.
Coca-Cola has been experimenting with new flavors to help keep customers engaged with its signature product. In 2022, it launched Coca-Cola Creations, a series of limited-edition Coke flavors in colorful cans and bottles. Coke added hints of coconut, strawberry, and even Oreos to the drinks.
The company introduced raspberry-flavored Coca-Cola Spiced last February 2024, saying the offering would be a permanent addition to its lineup. But the company abruptly pulled Coca-Cola Spiced off the market in September, saying it would be replaced with a new flavor this year.
Coke said Coca-Cola Orange Cream won’t be a permanent flavor but would remain on sale at least through the first quarter of 2026.
In an interview last year, Coca-Cola’s North American marketing chief, Shakir Moin, said it used to take the company at least a year to develop a new product. But it’s trying to move more quickly.
“Consumers are moving faster. The market is moving forward faster. We’ve got to be faster than the speed of the market,” he said.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- There is a growing demand for comforting and nostalgic flavors like orange cream. Why do you think people are drawn to them? What favorite food or drink from your childhood do you still love today? Discuss.
- Coca-Cola has experimented with flavors, like coconut, strawberry, and Oreo. Which of these sounds most appealing to you? Why? Do you think companies should take risks with unusual flavors, or stick to traditional ones? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Coca-Cola says it needs to move “faster than the speed of the market.” Do you think companies should change products often to keep up with trends? Why do you say so? What food or drink trends have you noticed recently? Do you think they will last? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Coca-Cola Orange Cream won’t be a permanent flavor but will remain on sale at least through the first quarter of 2026. Do limited-edition products make you more or less likely to buy them? Why? What limited-edition or seasonal products have you really enjoyed? Discuss.
