The Sierra Mist lawsuit has recently taken the internet by storm, raising questions about the true reason behind PepsiCo’s rebranding of its soda. This intriguing case involves an online celebrity, Cierra Mistt, who claimed that her name similarity was the cause of the lawsuit and subsequent rebranding.
As we dive into the details, we will uncover whether this was a mere coincidence or if Cierra Mistt indeed forced the hand of a massive corporation.
Sierra Mist Lawsuit Details
Sierra Mist Lawsuit: It all started when an online celebrity named Cierra Mistt posted a video on social media stating that PepsiCo tried to sue her for trademark infringement due to her name’s similarity with the soda. This video came out when PepsiCo rebranded its soda from “Sierra Mist” to “Starry.”
Cierra Mistt, the online influencer known for her flight attendant videos, posted another video in July 2023 saying that this rebranding was due to her. She stated that PepsiCo tried to sue her for name similarity and that their trademark was expiring. However, she couldn’t give much detail due to legal reasons.
The video exploded on the internet, garnering 6 million views on YouTube alone, not to mention other social media platforms like TikTok. To date, PepsiCo has not issued any official statement about the matter.
We also don’t have many details from Cierra Mistt, as she said she couldn’t reveal too much due to legal reasons. So, was it really Cierra Mistt who forced PepsiCo to rebrand their soda, or was it just a coincidence? Let’s delve deeper.
PepsiCo Rebranded the Drink: Is it a Coincidence?
First, let’s take a brief look at both parties. PepsiCo is a well-known beverage company that doesn’t need much introduction. On the other hand, Cierra Mistt is an online influencer and celebrity known for her flight attendant videos, boasting 3.3 million followers on TikTok and more than 500k subscribers on YouTube. So, did Cierra Mistt force Pepsi to rebrand their drink? We don’t think so.
Although PepsiCo rebranded their soda drink from Sierra Mist to “Starry,” it also changed its formula, which is a significant step that takes a long time for a corporate company to accomplish.
Rebranding a product, creating a new formula, and testing it would take at least 1 to 2 years for a large company like PepsiCo. They stated that they knew the soda demand was increasing, but Sierra Mist’s market share was too low. Thus, they rebranded it to “Starry” to appeal more to the Gen Z generation, their target market for this drink.
However, we can’t simply ignore Cierra Mistt’s claims because if it were just a publicity stunt, she would have likely been sued for defamation long ago.
So, who is right? We think both. Cierra Mistt’s claim could be true, but the decision to rebrand the drink can’t be solely due to her. Unfortunately, there is not much official information available, so we can’t say anything for sure.
PepsiCo Statement: The Birth of “Starry”
In January 2023, PepsiCo decided to pull the plug on its lemon soda Sierra Mist, a move that was met with mixed reactions from the market. The beverage giant announced the launch of a new competitor to Sprite named “Starry”.
The decision to kill off Sierra Mist was attributed to its miniscule market share, a mere 0.1% of the overall soda market. The introduction of Starry, according to PepsiCo, was designed to attract the GenZ demographic.
PepsiCo’s market researchers stated, “The design of Starry is much more aligned with the Gen-Z aesthetic, which is bright, fun, whimsical, Instagramable than many of Pepsi’s other offerings.” Starry has been launched in two versions – a regular and a sugar-free variant, aiming to cater to a broader audience.
Sierra Mist Soda History
Sierra Mist was a popular name among lemon soda enthusiasts. It was loved for its refreshing taste and light, bubbly texture. Over the years, it developed a dedicated fan base that continued to patronize the brand despite the fierce competition in the soda market.
In its heyday, Sierra Mist was a formidable player in the soda industry, but as market trends shifted, the brand’s popularity waned. Its market share began to shrink, and PepsiCo eventually had to make the difficult decision to discontinue the product.
The introduction of Starry is a clear signal that PepsiCo is keen on capturing the attention of the younger generation. With its vibrant design and sugar-free option, it’s a strategic move aimed at revamping PepsiCo’s image and offerings in a market dominated by health-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
The Sierra Mist lawsuit and the rebranding of the soda to “Starry” leave us with many unanswered questions. While Cierra Mistt’s claims could be true, it’s unlikely that she alone forced PepsiCo to change their product.
Nevertheless, the intrigue surrounding this case has undoubtedly captured the internet’s attention, and we will be waiting to see if any further information comes to light.
