Lilt fans were left in mourning after news emerged that parent company Coca Cola were scrapping the tropical drink in a dramatic rebrand.
Lilt will now appear on supermarket shelves as Fanta Pineapple & Grapefruit with only a nod to the former favourite appearing on the new label’s design.
The Grocer reported Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) said: “Keen Lilt fans may have spotted a gradual transition as the drink has made its way into the Fanta family over the past few months, with changes to its packaging and logo.
“Some have even hypothesised on social media that Lilt may be becoming part of the Fanta brand, and one even went as far as producing their own news broadcast-style video.”
Martin Attock, CCEP GB VP of commercial development, explained that the main priority of the announcement is to “reassure Lilt’s loyal fanbase that absolutely nothing has changed when it comes to the iconic taste of the drink they know and love”.
He said: “It’s still bursting with tangy tropical flavours. It’s just got itself a new name.”
Fans were left devastated taking to social media to mourn the death of the iconic tropical drink.
This is an absolute disgrace. pic.twitter.com/ZXFXAnuWgu
— No Context Brits (@NoContextBrits) February 13, 2023
Farewell sweet Lilt. pic.twitter.com/rWVj2DrWCd
— El Tigre (@hazeldanger) February 13, 2023
One said: “Lilt has been discontinued. I don’t think I want to live in a world without Lilt in it. What’s the point anymore.”
Others got with the times and showed off the new can designs already available in stores.
I’ve actually already got some of the rebranded Lilt. Light years ahead of my time as usual. pic.twitter.com/pVCe2CNbVx
— Philip Holroyd (@philip_holroyd) February 13, 2023
People are upset about Lilt is it pic.twitter.com/BddGGkZ41i
— :;ew (@llewcid) February 13, 2023
Lilt had been a British favourite since “The Totally Tropical Taste” arrived on our shores in 1975.
