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From: dkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz)
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: Re: Coke, classic coke and new coke
Message-ID: <709@zaphod.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 19-Aug-86 14:04:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: zaphod.709
Posted: Tue Aug 19 14:04:37 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 22-Aug-86 04:22:49 EDT
References: <332@encore.UUCP>
Reply-To: dkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz)
Organization: Develcon Electronics, Saskatoon SK Canada
Lines: 44

An alternate theory which I heard for why the new Coke / Coke Classic
situation occurred is as follows:

1.  Coca-Cola was locked into several old contracts to provide the syrup
    for their soft drink (for lack of a contract to read from, call it
    "Coke").

    The contracts had two important features:

    i.  The syrup was to be provided to the bottlers AT A FIXED PRICE
	(possibly applies to only some contracts with bottlers but not
	all)

   ii.  Coca-Cola reserved the right to change the formula for the syrup
	at any time.

2.  Coca-Cola was losing money (profits) honoring these contracts
    because of increased materials costs for producing the syrup.

3.  Coca-Cola changed the formula for Coke within their rights according
    the contract.  This formula MAY have been chosen to be less than
    acceptable to the public.

4.  Coca-Cola releases a formula for a "new" soft drink to be known by
    the trade name "Coke Classic"  (or some variation).  The formula is
    altered from the original Coke to avoid legal problems but is LIKELY
    more acceptable to the public

5.  Coca-Cola now negotiates new variable-price contracts with the
    bottlers who are anxious to have the product because the level of
    customer disatisfaction with the new Coke formula is threatening
    their profits.

NOTE:  the above is merely speculation on the events which MAY have
       occurred and does not represent any specific knowledge of the
       events or intentions of any of the involved parties.  Any
       resemblance to persons, places or companies that may in fact
       exist is purely coincidental!!!




But would you want your sister to drink one?
D. Katz