#Marketing

A new cane sugar version of Coca-Cola is now on shelves, replacing high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar. Some wellness voices applaud the change, but experts say the health impact is modest and driven more by branding than a major nutritional upgrade. For Thai readers, the shift raises questions about sugar sources, total intake, and everyday choices.

A strong opening point: both cane sugar and HFCS supply calories but offer little in the way of essential nutrients. In Thailand, the health risk rises with overall sugar consumption, not the sugar type. Public health campaigns continue to urge moderation and reduced added sugar across all foods and drinks.

Coca-Cola’s latest announcement to introduce a new version of its classic soda, sweetened with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), is making waves in the beverage world. While this move is being celebrated by some wellness influencers and health-conscious consumers, research and expert opinions reveal that the change is more of a marketing tactic than a substantive health initiative. The nutritional difference between cane sugar and HFCS, in reality, is minute—raising critical questions about the motives driving such product innovation and what it truly means for consumers, including those in Thailand.

The approach of Mother’s Day brings a wave of emotion for many, but for those who have lost their mothers, struggled with strained family ties, or faced fertility challenges, the holiday can feel inescapably painful—made worse by relentless marketing campaigns that flood inboxes and stores with reminders of maternal bonds. Recent personal accounts, such as the widely shared story in Business Insider by a grieving daughter, have sparked renewed calls for brands to make it easier for individuals to opt out of emotionally triggering promotional materials ahead of Mother’s Day. Advocates argue that such compassion is not only a matter of kindness but of inclusivity—a lesson with broad resonance in Thailand’s own evolving commercial and cultural landscape.

A growing chorus of voices argues that brands should let consumers opt out of emotionally triggering Mother’s Day promotions. Spurred by personal stories of grief and strained family ties, the conversation emphasizes inclusivity and respect for diverse lived experiences. In Thailand, where August 12 marks a Queen Mother birthday celebration, such sensitivity intersects with national customs and family-centered values.

Mother’s Day is a culturally significant occasion in Thailand. Jasmine garlands are prepared in schools, families gather to pay tribute, and retailers promote gifts for mothers. Yet for people coping with bereavement, infertility, or difficult family dynamics, the marketing tide can feel painful or isolating. International examples show that brands like Etsy and other publishers have started offering opt-out options for Mother’s Day communications, a move that has drawn praise for reducing unnecessary distress. Data from industry reporting highlights the growing demand for gentler, more inclusive outreach.