An Olympic Cola Contest

When Atlanta was chosen as the site of the 1996 Olympic Summer Games, officials in some rival cities grumbled about the inevitable triumph of "Coca-Cola capitalism." That complaint had a realistic edge: the soft- drink giant is based in Atlanta and strongly supported the hometown bid to the International Olympic Committee. Sensing a golden marketing opportunity, archrival Pepsi is suggesting to consumers in three losing cities -- Athens, Rome and Melbourne -- that they should register their displeasure at the checkout counter. In a newspaper advertisement in the Australian city, Pepsi declared, "If you don't like the I.O.C.'s choice, make your...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!