Keeping a brand fresh while still maintaining its integrity can be challenging. While an updated look could modernize your brand or help it stand out in a crowded marketplace, it is important not to lose sight of who you are and what your brand stands for. Imagine just how challenging refreshing your brand would be it were 125 years old. As Coca-Cola celebrates this milestone anniversary, Coca-Cola and Diet Coke cans are getting a fresh new look.

Rolling out in September, revamped Diet Coke cans feature a magnified segment of the Diet Coke logo where the “D” of Diet rests on top of the “k” of Coke. This mod design does not reveal the brand’s complete name. I guess when you’re the world’s best-selling diet soda you don’t have to worry about partial name recognition.



Not to be outshone by its calorie-free counterpart, design firms around the world have been creating special anniversary packaging for Coca-Cola’s flagship beverage. Check out ADWEEK’s collection of designs from Britain, Hong Kong and Serbia.

Coca-Cola found a nice balance with this campaign. One quintessential beverage got a sleek, edgy design and the company still embraces and celebrates its history in a fun and visually-appealing way.

What other brands have you seen celebrate milestones with special packaging?

From new sizes to a new logo, the Starbucks brand has seen many changes in the last year. Following the introduction of wine and beer to its menu options, Starbucks has also extended its food offerings.

Starbucks is introducing a line of “ bistro boxes,” in snack and entree sizes, priced from $4.95 to $6.95 and all under 500 calories. The initial entrees are chipotle chicken wraps, sesame noodles, chicken lettuce wraps and salumi and cheese. The new menu items reflect a ramped-up emphasis on food at Starbucks, which has generally focused on breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

From booze to bistro boxes, Starbucks has moved far beyond the classic cup of joe. The Starbucks brand started with a focus on coffee. Baristas were trained in coffee knowledge and served high quality coffee due the strict control over the quality and processing of the beans. Aroma, atmosphere, flavor and store design stimulated all five senses and contributed to an overall “Starbucks Experience.”

Though food items are nothing new, previously served pastries acted as complements to the coffee. As the menu at Starbucks keeps growing, edible items are standing out on their own. I don’t want to wash down my chipotle chicken with a vanilla latte. Add other innovations such as books and music to the mix and it’s no surprise  Starbucks dropped the word “coffee” from its name and logo.

New ideas and expanded menus don’t appear to be a problem for Starbucks loyalists. With corporate restructuring plans in place and new stores opening in India and Vietnam, expansion of the Starbucks brand doesn’t seem to be slowing any time soon.

McDonald’s has introduced subtle changes over the past few years such as healthier menu options and new coffee drinks. Now, the fast food chain is undergoing a $1billion dollar makeover. According to USA TODAY, McDonald’s hopes to have the majority of America’s 14,000 locations revamped by 2015.

Expect to sit at wooden tables or on faux leather chairs. Bright red and yellow interiors are being traded for muted yellow, orange and green palettes. Though designs vary by location, recent makeovers of select stores have included: Flat-screen TVs, adding second drive-through windows and lounge areas for diners looking to stay a while.

Another new feature seen in some locations: the golden semi-swoosh. McDonald’s calls it the yellow “brow” — or half of a golden arch. Maintaining the familiar yellow design, the brow might be a sleeker, more modern approach to the famous arches.

It is unclear how consumers will react to the renovation. The new look and feel will certainly be familiar to Panera or Starbucks customers, but many Americans grew up with the classic look and could feel alienated by the drastic changes. For now, all eyes are on McDonald’s. America’s largest chain restaurant is redefining itself which could mean big changes in the future for other fast, casual dining competitors.

Just as we tuck away our green shirts from St. Patrick’s Day, May arrives bringing us a new celebratory holiday. And consumers aren’t the only ones celebrating.

A minor holiday in Mexico, celebrating a victory over the French at the Battle Of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo gained popularity in the 1950′s and 1960′s because of the Good Neighbor policy, an effort to build a better relationship between The United States and Mexico, according to National Geographic.

The commercialization of Cinco de Mayo began in the 1980s. American corporations were eager to appeal to the expanding Hispanic population in the U.S. and saw Cinco de Mayo as vehicle to tap into that market. Anheuser-Busch and Miller Company created Hispanic Marketing departments and began sponsoring Cinco de Mayo celebrations.  Thanks to widespread marketing efforts, the holiday has evolved into a drinking holiday for many people. Cinco de Mayo has become to beer companies what Valentine’s Day is to greeting card and candy companies.

So enjoy the discounts at your local Mexican restaurant, especially the chips and brand salsa!