Why 7UP gave itself a lime-lemon makeover
7UP has reformulated its recipe, cranking up the lime flavoring so much it’s actually changing what it calls itself. The lemon-lime soda is now going by lime-lemon. 7UP’s U.S. owner, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), which sells beverages like Dr Pepper, A&W Root Beer, and Canada Dry, announced the reformulation and an accompanying rebrand Monday as part of a campaign they’re calling “Flip the Sip.” This…
7UP has undergone a significant makeover, shifting its identity from a lemon-lime soda to a lime-lemon beverage. This strategic change is part of a campaign called "Flip the Sip," led by Keurig Dr Pepper, the U.S. owner of 7UP. The reformulation is a result of consumer preference in blind testing, which found the lime-forward 7UP to be more crisp and refreshing.
The new cans, set to hit shelves in mid-August, feature an ultraminimalist design with a solid green color and a red dot that stands out prominently. This redesign aims to differentiate 7UP in a crowded market where 72% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z prefer citrus-forward flavors and 68% of millennials do as well. The challenge for 7UP lies in maintaining distinctiveness amidst numerous competitors and options in the lemon-lime soda category.
Despite being the first lemon-lime soda since 1929, 7UP has struggled to capture significant market share in the U.S., with PepsiCo's Sprite emerging as the category leader. PepsiCo's failed attempts at creating a meaningful market share with their own lemon-lime brands further highlight the competitive landscape.
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