This product was launched sometime in 2006.
I had the opportunity of attending the FUSE design conference in New York where a guy from Coke (sorry, I can't remember his name or title.) was discussing the innovation and research that lead to the launch of this product.
It originally was planned to launch in the aluminum bottle but there were issues with production. There was no way they could produce this bottle in all of their different manufacturing locations.
When it came down to it, Coke decided to launch Coke Blak in France. Why France? Why not!
France is actually very open to Coffee drinks/beverages (or so the market research told them) and they had local manufacturing facility that could produce the aluminum can. That's another reason why France will continually see Coke products in the Aluminum bottle from time to time for new launches or promotional packages. (also don't forget the "Magnificent Five" project, that launched the aluminum bottle on a limited basis through cool events worldwide.).
The launch in the U.S. was a different story. They moved to a shrink-wrapped bottle since the cost of the aluminum can became insane and they still have the manufacturing constraints.
Here it is in Spring of 2008 and the product is already gone. Coke has transferred its attention to the healthy market (if there is such a thing in carbonated soft drinks) with Diet Coke Plus. What an innovation.
Lets add good things (vitamins, etc.)to offset the bad things (artificial sweeteners and color) and call out the good things..... You really have to love innovation but when you have one flag ship product it becomes difficult.
Oh yeah... The aluminum bottle is back! Coke must have made major investments in production locations or solved a huge distribution nightmare to bring these to the masses. Its really a shame to see Coke brings these bottles to the public, especially in the days of being more environmentally friendly... One of the these bottles contains approx. the same amount of aluminum in an entire 6-pack of typical cans.
I guess its true.... Throw a bunch of shit on the wall and see what sticks...
When its all said and done....the bottles are pretty cool and the M5 concept was REALLY cool. Hopefully big companies keep it up and support small and unique art forms, even if they are trying to make a buck off of them.
