Posted on 06/04/2024 5:26:18 AM PDT by Red Badger
Dr Pepper is now tied with Pepsi as the No. 2 soft drink brand in the U.S., new research shows.
Wall Street Journal reveals favorite soft drink
DALLAS — Move over, Pepsi. Or at least make room.
Texas' own Dr Pepper is now tied with Pepsi as the No. 2 soft drink brand in the U.S., according to new research reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Both brands are still well behind Coke, which has long held the dominant market share on soft drinks, according to Beverage Digest data cited in the report.
In 2023, Coke held 19.18% market share, while Dr. Pepper and Pepsi were around 8.30%, the data said. *Technically,* Dr. Pepper held the slight edge at 8.34% to Pepsi's 8.31%, but it was virtually a tie for second, which is a long way coming for Dr. Pepper.
The Texas-founded brand, which dates back to 1885, has gradually increased market share over the last 20 years, growing from the 5.50% range in the early 2000s -- and fifth among major soft drink brands -- to its current standing, surpassing Diet Coke and Sprite to tie with Pepsi.
The Wall Street Journal report cited the rise of Dr. Pepper's "big marketing investments, novel flavors and a quirk in Dr. Pepper's distribution," which has allowed the drink to be on more soda fountains than any other brand.
While Coke and Pepsi typically have exclusive deals with certain restaurant chains, the Journal reported, Dr. Pepper "has alliances with both sides."
Dr. Pepper is unique from Pepsi and Coke in that it doesn't have a traditional cola taste. Instead, it's a syrup blend of 23 different flavors -- as evidenced on the Dr. Pepper logo -- that was invented by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco in the 1880s.
The company ultimately relocated its headquarters to Dallas, near Mockingbird Lane and Greenville Avenue, where the old Dr. Pepper clock still stands today. Dr. Pepper eventually merged with Seven-Up, and the two brands were later acquired by Cadbury Schweppes in the 1990s when the company relocated its headquarters to Plano.
Today, Dr. Pepper is under the Keurig Dr. Pepper corporate structure.
And no, there's still no period after Dr. all these years later.
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Mr Pibb could not be reached for comment.
At least Coke tried to imitate the brand.
Pepsi didn’t even do that much...................
Later today at lunch I’ll “shoot a Waco” for tribute to Dr. Pepper’s 2nd place ranking.
For those traveling through Waco, a stop at the Dr. Pepper museum is really worth the visit, IMHO.
I really like Dr. Pepper, too. Dr. Pepper is the only one in which I can’t tell the difference between regular and diet.
Yes, I've noticed that as well. Perhaps that is one of the main reasons Dr. Pepper is so popular now. It has been MY favorite drink for well over 50 years...................
I’m a coconut freak. Dr. Pepper just came out with an outstanding coconut version.
Coke has fewer calories per fluid ounce. Dr Pepper is loaded with calories. Pepsi is in 2nd place with calorie content. I just wish the colas would lower the calorie content by 10% and not add artificial sweeteners. Course I am not a child anymore and as a grumpy old person I need a calorie reduction.
The cola of my house is RC. Obviously, it is rare to find it at a business on a fountain. (T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City sells it tho!) But my grocery store carries it in 12 packs, and that is the cola you will find in my fridge. I much prefer it over Coke and Pepsi.
I notice my 14 yr old son and his buddies drink Dr Pepper mor often than we did way back when.
It has a flavor that is quite different than any cola products. Perhaps they have a more discerning taste than previous generations...................
The calories all come from HFCS that all the industry switched to in the late 60’s, instead of cane sugar.
” I just wish the colas would lower the calorie content by 10% and not add artificial sweeteners. “
When I use the drink dispenser at a restaurant, I often get a mixture of diet and regular.
Yuck
Ambrosia of the gods..................
Look! This Pepper dude and the President’s wife have the same first name....
Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger
No Coke, Pepsi
I was serving hot dogs and cheese burgers at a community fishing derby on Sunday. Everyone wanted a cheeseburger.
When I said the above(from a skit of the first season of Saturday Night Live) only one other guy over the age of 60 got the joke.
Chip!
Chip!........................
All I wanted was a Pepsi. Just one Pepsi!
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