Case Study
Sport MarHeting Quarterly, 2006, 15, 114-123, © 2006 West Virginia University
Coca-Cola vs. PepsiCo — A "Super'' Battleground for the Cola Wars?
Steve M. McKelvey
Overview of the Soft Drink Industry
Coca-Cola: The Defending Champion Since its inception in the late 1800s, Coca-Cola has experienced meteoric growth, progressing from nine glasses per day to nearly 4.5 billion cases on an annual basis ("Top 10," 2004). Today, Coca-Cola offers nearly 400 brands in over 200 countries and controls the highest market share (44%) in the soft drink market ("Top 10," 2004). In addition to its leading global market-share, Coca-Cola also retains the title of having the most popular individual beverage in the world in Coca-Cola Classic, with an 18.6% market share ("Top 10," 2004). Additionally, in 2003 it placed four beverages in the top 10 for individual product sales: Coke Classic (#1), Diet Coke (3), Sprite (5), and Caffeine Free Diet Coke (8) ("Top 10," 2004). Through Research & Development (R&D) and acquisitions, Coca-Cola has also expanded its product line to include non-carbonated beverage products, including: Dasani, Fanta, Fruitopia, Hi-C, Minute Maid, and Mr. Pibb. In 2003, Coca-Cola spent approximately $1.9 billion on marketing and advertising. In November 2004, Coca-Cola CEO Neville Isdell stated that "[Marketing expenditures] would rise by $350-$400 million a year ... forever" (Marketplace Roundup, 2004). Pepsi-Cola: The Challenger With the exception of brief bankruptcy stints in 1923 and 1932, Pepsi-Cola assumed its place at the heels of Coca-Cola through its creation of an extensive franchise bottling network and distribution outlets (Yoffie, 2004). Over the years, the Pepsi-Cola company has expanded its product offerings, through R&D and acquisitions, to include: Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer, Slice, Sierra Mist, Lipton, Aquafina, and Starbucks Frappachino, among others. PepsiCola's acquisition of Gatorade from the Ouaker Oats company in December
Coca-Cola vs. PepsiCo — A "Super'' Battleground for the Cola Wars?
Steve M. McKelvey
Overview of the Soft Drink Industry
Coca-Cola: The Defending Champion Since its inception in the late 1800s, Coca-Cola has experienced meteoric growth, progressing from nine glasses per day to nearly 4.5 billion cases on an annual basis ("Top 10," 2004). Today, Coca-Cola offers nearly 400 brands in over 200 countries and controls the highest market share (44%) in the soft drink market ("Top 10," 2004). In addition to its leading global market-share, Coca-Cola also retains the title of having the most popular individual beverage in the world in Coca-Cola Classic, with an 18.6% market share ("Top 10," 2004). Additionally, in 2003 it placed four beverages in the top 10 for individual product sales: Coke Classic (#1), Diet Coke (3), Sprite (5), and Caffeine Free Diet Coke (8) ("Top 10," 2004). Through Research & Development (R&D) and acquisitions, Coca-Cola has also expanded its product line to include non-carbonated beverage products, including: Dasani, Fanta, Fruitopia, Hi-C, Minute Maid, and Mr. Pibb. In 2003, Coca-Cola spent approximately $1.9 billion on marketing and advertising. In November 2004, Coca-Cola CEO Neville Isdell stated that "[Marketing expenditures] would rise by $350-$400 million a year ... forever" (Marketplace Roundup, 2004). Pepsi-Cola: The Challenger With the exception of brief bankruptcy stints in 1923 and 1932, Pepsi-Cola assumed its place at the heels of Coca-Cola through its creation of an extensive franchise bottling network and distribution outlets (Yoffie, 2004). Over the years, the Pepsi-Cola company has expanded its product offerings, through R&D and acquisitions, to include: Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer, Slice, Sierra Mist, Lipton, Aquafina, and Starbucks Frappachino, among others. PepsiCola's acquisition of Gatorade from the Ouaker Oats company in December