Classic Coke was the top-selling soft drink in ’86.

Coca-Cola Classic captured 18.9% of the $38-billion soft drink market last year, moving up from a 5.9% share and fourth-place finish in 1985, according to estimates in the current issue of Beverage Digest. Pepsi-Cola captured 18.5% of the market in 1986, down a shade from its 18.6% share the previous year and putting it in second place. In third place was Diet Coke at 7.1%, up from 6.0% in 1985; Diet Pepsi was fourth at 4.3%, up from 3.6%, and Dr Pepper was fifth at 4.1%, up from 4.0%. Sprite moved ahead of 7-Up, capturing sixth with 3.6% to 7-Up’s 3.5%.