Package Design Magazine--Packaging, Branding and Design News for the flexible, plastic, and corrugated packaging industry

When the "You're in the Pepsi Generation" advertising campaign launched in 1963, it may have been the first time a brand was marketed primarily with an association to its consumers' aspirational attitudes. A decidedly youth-oriented strategy, the campaign hoped to hook young Baby Boomers while they were still young. In 1984 Pepsi launched another long-running campaign, "The Choice of a New Generation," and in 1997 they debuted the "GeneratioNext" concept.

The newest campaign slogan, introduced this year, is "More Happy," which definitely coincides with one concrete example of "more" in the packaging of Pepsi products today—more designs. Many more. At least 35 distinct design ideas will grace the packaging of Pepsi's cans and bottles this year alone, and this design strategy may continue indefinitely.

Though not "generational" in word, the campaign certainly has a youth-oriented feel with package designs, advertising, and websites that are fun and playful. PepsiCo worked closely with Peter Arnell and Arnell Group, based in New York City, to devise a comprehensive new strategy that would connect with Pepsi's core consumers. Arnell reinvented the Pepsi package as a meaningful and appealing communications tool for the latest generation of youth that are not overwhelmed by media, music, or digital distractions.