The Orbitz Fail!

Reflection point: Assumptions and failures

In 1997, Clearly Canadian launched its unique beverage called “Orbitz Soda”; A fruit flavored beverage with small edible balls floating in it.

This soda was designed to be the most wanted product of the 90’s, but unfortunately, it was short lived, disappearing from the shelves after just one a year.

But what caused its dramatic fail?

The taste.

The soda had revolting combinations of flavors such as Pineapple Banana Cherry Coconut. The tiny, neon balls of gelatin were tasteless and dense.

Their biggest mistake was to assume that the look of their product would save them from terrible taste.

Their assumptions were clear. Instead of just designing a product they should have conduct user testing to make sure the taste of the beverage was appreciated.

The marketing.

We are already now that the taste was awful! But now lest combine its poor taste with its poor content.

Orbitz Soda first ad campaign described the beverage as “The drink with balls”. And when that line seemed to gross their consumers out, they decided to change their headline to “Prepare to embark on a tour into the bowels of the Orbiterium”

Clearly Canadian, once again, fails to understand its consumer needs.

and so it ended …

Orbitz, which was designed to look like lava and quickly became a novelty. Consumers were making the purchase for its looks, without any desire to consume the product.

Within a year of hitting the market, Orbitz Soda was pulled off the shelves. And those who bought the product are now able to sell it on eBay for about $30 a bottle.

Orbitz Soda will be forever remembered as the product that looks good from a distance.