Beyond the Bubbles: How Different Audiences Perceive Soft Drinks

| Joel Ramkhelawan

How Social Listening Reveals the Nuances of Consumer Conversations About Coca-Cola

Understanding consumer sentiment and behavior requires more than just numbers—it demands cultural intelligence. At Envisify Global Intelligence, we leverage AI-powered social listening to decode the voice of consumers across different demographics, uncovering trends that shape brand perception.

Our latest study, Comparative Analysis of a Large Soft Drink Brand Across North America, analyzes over 42,000 conversations on platforms like X (Twitter), YouTube, BlueSky, and Reddit. By examining general U.S. consumers, U.S. Hispanics, and LATAM audiences, we identified key trends that influence Coca-Cola’s brand engagement.


Key Findings: What Drives the Conversation?

πŸš€ Cultural Nostalgia & Brand Loyalty:

  • U.S. Hispanic and LATAM consumers express strong emotional ties to Coca-Cola, often linking it to family traditions and cultural identity.
  • English-language conversations lean toward brand excitement and optimism, while Spanish-language discussions show a mix of pride, nostalgia, and social concerns.

πŸ’¬ Age-Driven Sentiment Shifts:

  • 18-24: Engaged with Coca-Cola through memes, pop culture, and viral marketing.
  • 25-34: More focused on brand loyalty, specialty flavors, and advertising campaigns.
  • 45-55+: Skepticism grows—discussions focus on health effects, corporate ethics, and environmental concerns.

βš– Health vs. Taste Debates:

  • A divided conversation emerges: younger consumers celebrate flavor innovations, while older demographics criticize Coca-Cola’s sugar content and artificial sweeteners.

🎭 Gender-Based Perceptions:

  • Males: More likely to engage with Coca-Cola through advertising nostalgia and cultural references.
  • Females: More critical of health impacts and corporate decisions.

πŸ“ Regional Trends:

  • New York City: Coca-Cola discussions are politically charged, linking the brand to corporate responsibility debates.
  • Mexico City: Coca-Cola is a cultural staple, deeply tied to tradition.
  • Palo Alto, CA: Conversations center on health-conscious alternatives.

Why This Matters for Brands

These insights go beyond surface-level metrics—they inform marketing strategies, cultural personalization, and audience engagement. Brands that understand and adapt to regional, generational, and cultural preferences can craft more authentic connections with their consumers.

As Coca-Cola’s case study demonstrates, the future of marketing lies in cultural intelligence. Understanding how and why people talk about brands is essential for staying relevant in an ever-changing consumer landscape.

πŸš€ Want to learn how cultural insights can drive your brand strategy?
πŸ“© Contact us at info@envisifygi.com or visit www.envisifygi.com for a consultation.

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