The Fascinating Design Journey Of The Pepsi Logo Over The Years

Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and marketed by PepsiCo. It was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” in 1898 by Caleb Bradham in New Bern, North Carolina. The name was later changed to Pepsi-Cola in 1903 and shortened to its current name, Pepsi, in 1961.

Initially created to provide a comparable competition to Coca-Cola, which debuted in 1886, it took almost a century for Pepsi and Coca-Cola to engage in a true head-to-head rivalry. Their product line includes 23 brands and their snacks, beverages, water, and other offerings are available in more than 200 countries.

Pepsi’s Initial Logo Design Strategy

1898

Pepsi’s initial branding design strategy was simple and straightforward. The first Pepsi logo featured a script font with the word “Pepsi-Cola” surrounded by a red and blue circular badge. The logo was meant to convey a sense of class and sophistication, as well as reflect the drink’s medicinal properties.

The early 1900s

The logo was updated to include a more modern font and a simplified badge design. The badge featured a red and blue color scheme and included a series of waves, which were meant to represent the drink’s refreshing taste.

Throughout The 20th Century 

Pepsi’s logo continued to evolve with the times. In the 1940s, the logo was updated to include a new script font and a more stylized badge. The red and blue color scheme remained, but the badge was updated to include a globe and the slogan “Refreshing and Healthful.”

Towards A Younger Audience

In the 1950s and 1960s, Pepsi’s branding design strategy began to focus on a more youthful and energetic image. The logo was updated with a new sans-serif font and a stylized wave design that reflected the drink’s refreshing taste. The red and blue color scheme remained, but the logo was updated to include a more modern and dynamic look.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Pepsi continued to evolve its branding design strategy with updated logos that included a more modern and minimalist look. The red and blue color scheme remained, but the logo was updated with a new font and a simplified badge design.

The Latest Change In Logo After 14 Years

PepsiCo made an announcement on March 28 that they will be introducing a new logo and visual identity system for their flagship brand, Pepsi, which will be featured on its cans, bottles, and other products. This marks the first change to the logo in 14 years. The decision has been taken to celebrate Pepsi’s 125 years in the business. 

According to a press release by Pepsi, the new design will embody the brand’s unapologetic and enjoyable characteristics and will be featured on all physical and digital platforms, including packaging, fountain and cooler equipment, fleet, fashion, and dining. The new logo and visual identity system acknowledges the brand’s rich history while also looking toward the future. The new design will be present online and on a range of products, including their popular canned drinks and merchandise. The brand is even intending to upgrade its trucking fleet with the new visuals.

Over the past 125 years, Pepsi has undergone six logo changes. The very first logo was designed by Caleb D. Bradham, a pharmacist who invented the formula for the first Pepsi-Cola in New Bern, North Carolina in 1898. While the font and the globe motif behind the logo have evolved over time, some critics have expressed that the most recent change was not an improvement. Despite this, the brand’s new logo has already received positive feedback and well-wishes on social media.

This was the evolution story of Pepsi’s widely appreciated logo. Join World Brand Affairs for more such marketing and branding insights from across the world. Be it about brands or personalities who built amazing brands, we bring you stories that you would be amazed to know.