Classic Coke Best-Selling Soft Drink of ‘89:...

Classic Coke Best-Selling Soft Drink of ‘89: Coca-Cola Classic was the best-selling soft drink in 1989, but the drink known as New Coke that was introduced to replace it in 1985 fell out of the top 10 for the first time, according to rankings released by an industry newsletter. Beverage Digest said New Coke, which tied with RC Cola and Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi for 10th place in 1988, failed to make the 10 top rankings in 1989. Publisher Jesse Meyers said Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi broke the tie this year, capturing 10th place with a 1.5% market share and leaving RC Cola and New Coke in a close fight for 11th at 1.4% each.

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co.’s Coca-Cola Classic retained the top ranking for the fourth consecutive year.