Evans on Marketing

The answer to the question raised in the title above is probably no — especially with the most severe critics of the company and its soft drinks.

Here’s what Coke is planning to do, as reported by Mike Esterl and Paul Ziobro for the Wall Street Journal: “Coca-Cola Co. is broadening distribution of its low-calorie drinks and said it will put calorie counts on the front of its packaging around the world as it ramps up global efforts to counter criticism its sugary drinks are fueling obesity. The beverage giant also promised to sponsor physical activity programs and reiterated its commitment to not market its drinks to children under 12 years old in each of the more than 200 countries and territories that it operates. The moves come as Coke and other soda makers such as PepsiCo Inc. find their products under rising scrutiny in a growing number of countries amid climbing obesity rates. Coke, the world’s biggest drink company, is the main target despite diversifying beyond its namesake cola into dozens of other categories including fruit juices, bottled water, and sports drinks.”

Click the image of Coca-Cola’s CEO Muhtar Kent to read more.

Photo by the Associated Press

Tags: Coca-Cola, critic, customer expectations, ethics, global, low calorie, Muhtar Kent, PepsiCo, planning, promotion, soda, trends, trust, unhealthy