FANS have been left fearing the iconic fizzy drink brand will be axed after a major social media campaign.
Old Jamaica has taken to the internet a series of cryptic posts and videos announcing the end of its famous ginger beer drink.
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Old Jamaica to ‘retire’ its Ginger Beer in the UK Credit: Oliver Dixon – The Sun
A clip on the brand’s website shows the actor pretending to be a shelf stacker and reveals “it’s time to say goodbye to our beloved Old Jamaica Ginger Beer to its beloved drinkers.”
Multiple posts on his Instagram account also urge customers to “enjoy before it’s gone” and state “goodbye old Jamaica.”
A series of mysterious announcements has left some customers convinced that the classic fizzy drink will be discontinued.
One said on X: “Apparently they are discontinuing Old Jamaica Ginger Beer… haven’t we suffered enough as a people?!”
“Old Jamaica is discontinuing their Ginger Beer? I have nothing left to live for,” said another.
A third commented: “Old Jamaica ginger ale being discontinued??? This is a crime.”
However, others have reached out to Xu questioning whether the social media campaign is just a ruse to get some attention for the brand.
“So this Old Jamaica Ginger Beer farewell thing is just some fancy clickbait marketing campaign, right?” said one fan.
Another added: “Finishing an old Jamaican ginger ale better be some kind of marketing gimmick because I can’t go the rest of my life without the number one premium soft drink!
“The worst thing that ever happened on this date if so.”
Which chocolate bars have been discontinued in the UK?
The Sun has approached Refresco, which makes the drink in the UK, and Beliv, which owns the brand, for comment.
We have asked both companies to confirm whether the Old Jamaica brand will indeed cease to be sold in the UK or whether it is in the process of being rebranded.
However, Hernán Cerdeiro, lead coordinator and campaign manager at SAMY Alliance, the creative agency behind Old Jamaica’s social media campaign, told MediaShotz: “The opportunity to ‘pull the brand’ was something we enjoyed, simply because we can succeed, it has never been done so publicly before.
“We wanted to give Old Jamaica’s loyal customers one last chance to say goodbye, take one last sip and see the can ride off into the sunset.”
Several supermarkets still sell the classic 330ml can of Old Jamaica Ginger Beer so it seems the product has not yet been discontinued.
Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s have the tin available to buy, although Tesco says it has run out of stock.
Old Jamaica Ginger Beer was first launched in the UK in 1988 and is currently available in a range of flavors including Pineapple Soda and Grape Soda.
Old Jamaica joins the list of weakened drinks
Old Jamaica Ginger Beer is not the first drink to say goodbye to customers in recent months.
Brands and retailers often discontinue products if they are not selling well or to refresh their offerings.
Ribena fans were left distraught last month after learning it had discontinued the blackcurrant sparkling drink.
A spokesperson for Ribena said it is “always reviewing and developing our drinks to make sure our range is right for our consumers”.
In the spring, Lidl confirmed it had pulled the popular Freeway sparkling drink mixer from its shelves, much to the disappointment of customers.
One said on Xu: “Why on earth did you quit the best drink EVER?!?! I’m lost.”
And Tesco fans were left “gutted” after learning the popular alcoholic drink is to be removed from the shelves.
Fans posted on X disgruntled after discovering the Finest Salted Caramel Liqueur had been discontinued, with one saying “this really upsets me”.
In March, fans begged for the return of Pepsi Max Raspberry after it ceased production at the end of 2023 to make way for other flavors.
One said: “Why did you stop making Raspberry Pepsi Max!? That was the best taste!”
Meanwhile, another added: “After you stopped Pepsi Raspberry I stopped drinking Pepsi. I drink Aldi’s Twisted Fruits.”
Why were products omitted or recipes changed?
ANALYSIS by Chief Consumer Reporter James Flanders.
Food and beverage manufacturers have been known to change their recipes or drop products altogether.
It is often said that this is due to changing customer tastes.
There are several reasons why this might be done.
For example, government regulations, such as the “sugar tax,” force companies to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers may choose to adjust ingredients to reduce costs.
They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs rise to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from the shelves in 2018.
It recently returned after a six-year absence, but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed the sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory has changed the taste of its flagship energy drinks Lucozade Original and Orange.
While the amount of sugar in each bottle remains unchanged, the supplier has replaced the sweetener aspartame with sucralose.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education