Ep.535 Coca-Cola Won the Taste Test—and Lost the Customer

Perfect data can still lead to a disastrous decision when it ignores why customers emotionally choose your brand. In 1985, Coca-Cola replaced its century-old formula after extensive blind taste tests showed consumers preferred the sweeter taste of New Coke. But the company measured flavor without measuring identity, nostalgia, and loyalty. The backlash was so intense that the original formula returned just 79 days later. In today’s episode, we break down why technical superiority does not guarantee customer acceptance, and why the emotional value surrounding your product may matter more than the features inside it.Send us Fan Mail