BRAND STRATEGY

An icon reimagined: Historic Schweppes brand gives itself a facelift

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

Brand revamp responds to evolving trends, particularly among younger consumers, while acknowledging Schweppes’ 240-year history.

Iconic soft drink brand Schweppes – it lays claim to being the world’s first sparkling drink and a symbol of sophistication since 1783 – has unveiled a brand revamp which includes a revised logo, visual identity, bottle design and new flavours. 

 

The brand, part of the Coca-Cola stable since the 1990s, says it has “refreshed its look for today’s consumer”.

Photo: The Coca-Cola Company

Among the innovations is the return of the famous curved Skittle bottle, first crafted in the 18th century to preserve bubbles. It is now available in a one-litre PET (a type of recyclable plastic) format. 

 

“Elegant enough for the table and practical enough for every day, it signals quality in every setting,” Schweppes explains. 

 

Working with Kenyon Weston, an independent design studio, the Coca-Cola Company redesigned its bottles for a new millennium. 

 

In a recent interview, James Sommerville, Vice President of Global Design at the Coca-Cola Company, and Rapha Abreu, Senior Global Visual Identity Design Director, said the bottle design was inspired by the strong symbols Schweppes created throughout its history.  

 

“The iconic skittle bottle was redesigned with cleaner lines and fine embossing of the Schweppes fountain, another recognisable element of the brand that we also modernised,” they stated. 

 

“Jacob Schweppe was one of the world’s first beverage entrepreneurs. To fully understand and design a refreshed Schweppes brand for today, we first needed to understand the journey of Schweppes, reflecting over 200 years of innovation since its launch in 1783.” 

 

Strategy includes revised logo and new flavours 

 

Discussing the revised logo, the pair said it features a non-serifed font and the yellow sash is now more geometric and simplified, maintaining its recognised angle. 

 

Three new flavours have also been introduced as part of the revamp. These are Pineapple Coconut, Pomegranate and Tangerine. 

 

According to Rana Mandour – Senior Director, Brand Management, Premium at Coca Cola Africa – this recognises that social moments have evolved.  

 

“People want great tasting, beautifully designed drinks that fit their lifestyle. Our new straight drinking range offers exactly that,” Mandour notes. 

 

Comments the Coca-Cola Company in a statement posted on its website: “Today’s consumers are more adventurous, mindful and more expressive in their choices. As IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Record) research highlights, taste, brand trust and availability are now as important as moderation, especially among Millennials and Gen-Z.” 

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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.