Soft drink Lilt has been pulled from shelves after 48 years and will be replaced by a new type of Fanta.
The tangy drink began in 1975 with the strapline “The Totally Tropical Taste” and was only sold in Ireland, the UK, Gibraltar and the Seychelles.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) confirmed the change in a statement, noting that the drink’s packaging and logo are being changed and it will now be known as Fanta Pineapple and Grapefruit.
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.
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“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.”
The firm’s British vice-president of commercial development insisted the drink is the same, and simply has a new name.
Martin Attock said: “Our main priority with this announcement is to reassure Lilt’s loyal fan base that absolutely nothing has changed when it comes to the iconic taste of the drink they know and love.
“It’s still bursting with tangy tropical flavours, it’s just got itself a new name.”
Lilt became a feature of popular culture with its Lilt Man parody adverts in the late 1980s, while a decade later it was promoted by two Jamaican women known as the Lilt Ladies.
The drink was also a favourite of former Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s in his satirical portrayal by Oliver Callan.
The rebranded beverage was scheduled to be available from February 14th. – PA
