Coca-Cola’s Latest Campaign: A Cultural Icon’s Moment in the Spotlight
A Brand with Serious Cultural Clout
Not many brands can claim to have serious cultural clout, and even fewer have a history of cropping up in literary classics. So Coca-Cola’s latest campaign can’t help but bring to mind the phrase, "if you’ve got it, flaunt it."
Highlighting Classic References
The brand’s ingenious new ‘Classics’ ad sees the brand highlighting instances of its name appearing in classic books, by replacing the words ‘Coke’ or ‘Coca-Cola’ with the logo itself. Couple the famous texts with one of the best logos of all time, and this is looking like one of the most iconic campaigns we’ve seen for a while.
The Visual Approach
Visually, it’s a pretty simple campaign featuring typewritten extracts from classic novels and, occasionally, the famous bright red Coca-Cola wordmark. And so it should be – since so few brands could legitimately pull this one off, it makes sense for the execution to be as clean and clear as possible.
Behind the Scenes
The ad comes courtesy of WPP Open X and VML New York, who used AI to scan the books of hundreds of authors seeking reference to everyone’s favourite carbonated beverage.
The Campaign’s Message
“Coca-Cola’s presence in classic literature is a testament to its enduring cultural impact. This campaign is the embodiment of our Real Magic ethos, celebrating those magical moments in fiction where Coca-Cola is a familiar presence in timeless stories," Islam EIDessouky, global vice president creative strategy and content at Coca-Cola, said in a press release.
A Refreshing Departure from Trends
While there seems to be a trend of brands doing away with their logo in ads right now, from McDonald’s to Kellogg’s, it almost feels refreshing to see another brand deploying theirs so iconically. Indeed, this seems like a campaign that even a Serious Literary Author would approve of.
Conclusion
Coca-Cola’s latest campaign is a testament to the brand’s enduring impact on popular culture. By showcasing its presence in classic literature, the brand highlights its ability to transcend time and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
FAQs
Q: Who created the campaign?
A: WPP Open X and VML New York created the campaign.
Q: What was the process behind the campaign?
A: The agencies used AI to scan the books of hundreds of authors to find references to Coca-Cola.
Q: What is the message behind the campaign?
A: The campaign highlights Coca-Cola’s enduring cultural impact and celebrates its presence in timeless stories.
Q: What is the campaign called?
A: The campaign is called ‘Classics’.

