Is a Postum Resurrection Possible?
Excerpts from "Can Postum fans revive their beloved beverage?" at The Christian Science Monitor:
Products abandoned by their makers, or "orphan brands," aren't uncommon. Even as companies work hard to establish emotional bonds between consumers and their goods, thousands of items quietly slip away each year if they don't turn a profit. But with the advent of online communication, consumers not quite ready to let go are showing their discontent by writing blogs, selling hoarded supplies at marked-up prices, and sharing recipes and tips. In some cases, if the consumer response is broad enough, a product can earn a second life.
Susan Fournier, a marketing professor at Boston University says a similar uproar happened in the late 1980s when Coca-Cola took the original Coke off the market and replaced it with New Coke. As soon as word hit the street, an organization called the Old Coke Drinkers of America popped up and fought back. Enthusiasts started driving across state lines to find stores still selling the original Coke. Some hoarded cans in their basements, while others turned a profit off their own stockpiles. The Old Coke Drinkers of America logged some 60,000 calls to the company's national headquarters, and eventually New Coke was pulled and the original Coke reinstated.
The Yahoo group aimed at saving Postum that was established early in 2008, as well as The Christian Science Monitor reference above, seems to suggest a miracle may still be possible. The objective is to get a smaller company to acquire the rights to Postum. As the excerpt above reflects, it happened with Coca-Cola. It also happened with the candy called "Good & Plenty". Other orphaned products resurrected or in the process of being resurrected include "Comet" (cleanser), "Ovaltine", "Gold Bond Foot Powder", "Pepsodent" (toothpaste) and "Prell" (shampoo).
A number of small companies are being approached as potential buyers, by consumers seeking to revive Postum.
2 Responses to “Is a Postum Resurrection Possible?”
I'm also interested in reviving Postum. I'm already in the process of collecting some cash to donate to this cause.
My last blog post… Mona Vie Scam
By Mike from Cash4Gold on Oct 8, 2008
I really hope that Postum is revived! I would love for it to come back!
By Kevin from Eiffel Tower on Oct 8, 2008