Introduction
Pepsi has a history of making bold moves with its logo, and the year 2023 marked another chapter in its iconic brand journey. After 15 years sporting the lowercase 'slanted globe' logo, the cola giant decided to embrace nostalgia with a vibrant, 70s-inspired logo. We're diving into the nitty-gritty – where Pepsi began, the logos through the years, and what’s new for the Pepsi we know and love (unless you’re a Coke fan…)
Where it Began
Not many people know that Pepsi wasn’t always called Pepsi. Back in 1893, a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham concocted a beverage using sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and various natural additives. Initially marketed as "Brad's Drink," it quickly gained local popularity when sold at his pharmacy in New Bern, North Carolina.
Pepsi began back in 1893 when a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham created the first Pepsi drink
The Logos Through the Years
With over ten redesigns of its visual identity since its inception as Brad's Drink in 1893, Pepsi has solidified its status as a beloved and globally recognized symbol of sweet soda water.
The Hidden Meaning of 2008
In 2008, Pepsi underwent a redesign of its logo, strikingly reminiscent of the old one. The new design features a red top half, a blue bottom half, and a wavy white line traversing the center, resembling a globe with a deeper significance. Beyond its visual appeal, the logo is said to symbolize Earth's magnetic field, feng shui, Pythagorean principles, geodynamics, the Renaissance, and more. In essence, it unveils a kind of Da Vinci Code embedded within its design.
The New 2023 Logo
Let’s take a closer look at the elements of the 2023 logo rebrand
Color Palette: An updated color palette includes ‘electric blue’ and black to pring contrast and a modern edge to the classic Pepsi colors. The brand also added in the color black to highlight Pepsi’s commitment to the fan favorite, Pepsi Zero Sugar.
Silhouette: The new visual features a can silhouette, which highlights the iconic Pepsi can as a recognized brand for all.
Typeface: The addition of the modern and custom typeface aims to reflect the brands confidence and long standing track record of updating their logos.
The Signature Pulse: The distinctive Pepsi pulse captures the essence of "ripple, pop, and fizz," echoing the dynamic qualities of Pepsi-Cola in motion. Additionally, it encapsulates the rhythm and vitality of music, a pivotal and enduring element of the Pepsi legacy.
Conclusion
Pepsi's not just slapping on a new logo; it's playing chess in the world of consumer tastes. By dissecting the design moves and the why behind them, we get a front-row seat to the dynamic dance of branding. Stay tuned for more logo sagas!
