Cresta (soft drink)

Cresta is a brand of soft drink that was popular in the United Kingdom during the 1970s and early 1980s. Known for its distinctive creamy texture and frothy head, similar to that of a milkshake, Cresta was marketed with the slogan "It's frothy, man!" The drink was notable for its range of fruit flavors, including strawberry, lemon, and lime, among others. Unlike many carbonated drinks, Cresta was non-carbonated, setting it apart in the soft drink market.

History

Cresta was introduced by Schweppes in the early 1970s as a non-carbonated soft drink alternative. Its creation was part of a broader trend during that period, where beverage companies were expanding their product lines to include more diverse and innovative options. The drink's unique selling point was its frothy texture, which was achieved through a special blending process. The advertising campaigns for Cresta heavily featured a polar bear mascot, which became synonymous with the brand. This mascot was depicted enjoying Cresta in various commercials, reinforcing the drink's cool and refreshing image.

Marketing and Popularity

The marketing of Cresta focused on its unique frothy characteristic and the fun, laid-back lifestyle that the brand represented. The slogan "It's frothy, man!" became widely recognized and associated with the drink. The use of a cartoon polar bear mascot in its advertising also helped to target the drink towards a younger audience, making it a popular choice among children and teenagers.

Despite its initial popularity, Cresta's presence in the market began to decline by the mid-1980s. Changes in consumer preferences, with a shift towards diet and low-sugar drinks, as well as increased competition from other soft drink brands, contributed to its reduced visibility and sales.

Flavors

Cresta was available in several fruit flavors, with strawberry being one of the most popular. Other flavors included lemon, lime, and orange. The variety of flavors offered allowed Cresta to appeal to a wide range of tastes, further enhancing its popularity during its peak years.

Legacy

Although Cresta is no longer widely available, it remains a nostalgic item for those who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s. Its unique taste and memorable marketing campaigns have left a lasting impression on many. Discussions about Cresta often evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of soft drink production, where innovation and fun were key components of brand identity.

See Also

• Soft drink
• Schweppes
• Milkshake
• Carbonation