Everybody remembers Panda Pops! Well guess what guys, they’re back!

 In 2011 James Nichols, Panda Pops Brand Manager, scrapped the 35year old range after concerns surrounding the negative perception of fizzy drinks. This was a big move considering that their sales were up 13% in 2010. But, as you know if you’ve read some of my previous posts, mums don’t like sugar, let alone fizzy sugar. Nichols knew this unhealthy perception could kill the brand.

So, here we are in 2014 and on June 1^st Panda will be back in action, relaunching with a fresh new look following extensive research among mums in the UK. The launch sees a new child friendly packaging and Panda design, with the intention of driving reappraisal and trial, whilst simultaneously perpetuating connotations of fun and playfulness.

The hope is that ‘Pragmatic mums’ of 4-8 year old children believe the brand’s healthier positioning by promoting its squashes (available in TESCO) and flavoured waters with their new packaging. With Y-O-Y growth of 6.1% this new launch looks to make Panda a serious contender in the soft drinks market.

Panda’s new Brand Manager, Nina Uttley, has said that in the UK there’s a huge affection for Panda but that mums weren’t aware that “the range contains No Added Sugar and only natural colours and flavours”.

The Panda juice drinks range will be available in Raspberry and Blackcurrant and the Panda Splash range will be available in Blackcurrant and Orange & Pineapple. The Squash range is available in 1ltr Panda Tropical and Summer Fruits.