As the overall Gross National Income of the United States increases over the last decade, people begin to focus more on the healthiness of the products they consume other than just satisfying the basic needs. The three big soda companies, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, have officially announced during the 10th annual Clinton Global Initiative on September 23rd that they will reduce the production of high sugary drinks and release more low- and no-calorie drinks. Although there were voices stating that the change is going to occur whether or not did the three companies publish the announcement, the overall effect is praiseworthy.
By reducing the high sugary beverages available in the market not only debase the North American obesity rate, but also prevents the population suffering with decayed teeth. However, there will be a foreseeable short term sales drop in each company once the announcement is taken into action. Why? There is an existing customer segment that purchases these high sugar drinks on a daily bases. If the acquired flavor and taste is changed in order to meet the calorie requirements, these “old customers” are highly likely to find a substitute brand that still produces drinks with the flavor they like. It is not to be denied that in the long term perspective, the society will eventually get used to the new taste and the new understanding of healthy diet. Thus the companies will regain the “old customers” they once missed.