The carbonated drink Lilt is being axed after almost 50 years.
The "tropical" tasting drink will be rebranded by the Coca-Cola company and become Fanta Pineapple and Grapefruit
The drink was first launched in the U.K. in 1975, and was marketed for decades as a summer drink with an exotic taste.
A 1980s advert showed a "Lilt Man" delivering the drink to beach bathers on a tropical island. In the 1990s the drink used two Jamaican women , "the Lilt Ladies" to market the brand.
Fans of the fizzy drink shared their disappointment over the decision on Twitter
*wears black armband*
Goodbye old friend. Rest well. They did you durty. We won’t forgive or forget. 😭#Lilt #RIPLilt pic.twitter.com/MftUDkDbUW
— Niecy O'Keeffe (@NiecyOKeeffe) February 14, 2023
To whoever cancelled lilt. pic.twitter.com/7w3SKcRuVP
— Vicky🧘🏻♀️ (@mouldyscone) February 13, 2023
An executive at the Coca-Cola Company has assured Lilt fans that, although the brand name will change, the drink will still taste the same. Martin Attock told the Grocer "absolutely nothing has changed when it comes to the iconic taste."
When Lilt gets rebranded as Fanta Pineapple & Grapefruit. pic.twitter.com/0hK3PjH0dQ
— Russty_Russ #Retro (@russty_russ) February 13, 2023
New cans of Fanta Pineapple and Grapefruit are expected to appear in retail outlets by the end of the month.
