Coca-Cola’s Iconic Campaign Is Back (And More Personal Than Ever)

What’s in a name? For Coca-Cola, it’s a whole lot of connection. The brand’s beloved Share a Coke campaign has officially returned to Canada—and it’s bringing a fresh wave of personalized magic with it. With over 800 names on bottles and cans (including 400 unique to Quebec), Coca-Cola is helping Canadians spark real-life moments of appreciation in an increasingly digital world. From IRL pop-up experiences to a new “Memory Maker” digital hub, this year’s campaign goes beyond nostalgia to celebrate togetherness in new, creative ways.

We caught up with Solange Grimard, Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Coca-Cola Canada, to chat about how the campaign is evolving, why Gen Z is all in on authenticity, and how a simple bottle of Coke can still make someone’s day. —Noa Nichol

What’s the most memorable or heartwarming story you’ve heard from someone sharing a personalized Coke?

For me, the most heartwarming story is one I’ve heard several times. It’s the joy-sparking moment someone spots a name or nickname on a Coke bottle or can that resonates with a relationship in their life – a friend, colleague or family member. It’s when they offer a Coke to someone meaningful in their life, with the comment “this made me think of you”, followed by a chance to enjoy a moment and a sip together, to catch up and connect, that otherwise wouldn’t have taken place,

With over 800 names featured (including 400 in Quebec!), how did you decide which ones made the cut?

We used data from Stats Canada to identify the most popular names across Canada, ensuring that we represented the uniqueness of our country. By including more names, we’re making it easier for more people to find and share a Coke with their name or a nickname that feels personal to them.

Can you tell us how scanning a Coke can turns into a full-blown digital experience with the new Memory Maker?

This is a new element we’re introducing and one we’re excited about because it allows Canadians to creatively engage with the campaign both in real life and in a digital space. All Canadians need to do is scan the QR code on the label. They are then directed to our “Share a Coke” digital hub where they can create unique memes and videos that bring together the memories or moments they cherish in a fun and engaging way.

What’s the wildest or most unexpected personalization you’ve seen on a Coke bottle so far?

I’ve really enjoyed some of the new neutral terms we’ve put on bottles and cans like “Bestie” and “Roomie”. While we can’t print everyone’s name, we’re still finding ways to bring Canadians together in ways that feel authentic to them and the relationships they have with family and friends.

What can fans expect from the local Share a Coke pop-ups happening across Canada?

The pop-up experiences are designed with personalization and connection in mind. Canadians can create their own custom cans, engage with interactive activities and capture memorable moments. These pop-ups bring the “Share a Coke” campaign to life, offering a unique opportunity to make each Coca-Cola experience even more special while celebrating the joy of shared moments.

This campaign taps into Gen Z’s craving for authenticity—how did that shape your approach this time around?

We know that Gen Z crave authenticity and that 72% are seeking to connect with real people in everything they do. That insight was key for us because today’s connections can happen in real life and digitally, so we focused on creating genuine, tangible experiences that foster real connections, integrating both physical and digital elements.

What does the “Real Magic” of connection mean to you—and how does a simple Coke help create that?

At Coca-Cola, we believe Real Magic is about celebrating human connection and shared moments of joy. The “Share a Coke” campaign embodies this philosophy by highlighting joy and connection when people come together. It’s an invitation to move beyond the digital ether and create enduring shareable moments with those who matter most online and in real life.

Share a Coke first launched years ago and became iconic. Why do you think it continues to resonate so deeply?

It’s personal on a whole new level. When the campaign first launched, it was groundbreaking and sparked a global phenomenon. People loved seeing their own names and the names of their loved ones on our products, and it quickly became a way to express connection and share a special moment.

Since then, ‘Share a Coke’ has travelled the world, adapting and evolving to resonate with different cultures and generations. Each iteration has built on the original idea of celebrating human connection but for 2025, we’re taking it to a whole new level with even more personalization options and exciting experiences for a new generation.

Can you walk us through how Canadians can create their own custom Coke can if their name isn’t on shelves?

If you are located in one of the cities where our Share a Coke Pop-Ups are happening, you can create a customized can with your name on it. If you live remotely or can’t join in person, you can use the “Share a Coke Memory Maker” which is a fun and interactive digital experience that allows Canadians to create personalized digital cans along with special memories and memes with their friends.

What was your personal favourite part of working on the campaign—and whose name did you put on your Coke?

The best part of this campaign is that even though it’s a global launch, it’s very much a local initiative. There are 800 unique names for Canada, and half of those are tailored for Quebec. Adding to this, bottles and cans are prepared, merchandised, distributed, and sold in Canada in partnership with family owned and independent Coke Canada Bottling,  which brings that Canadian connection closer to home.

As for which name I’ll put on a can, it will be my name! Solange is not part of Canada’s top names, but of course I’m a fan so that will be the Coke I’ll be personalizing so I can ‘Share a Coke’ with someone I love.