"Rest in Peach": Lipton stirs up rage with 'discontinued' Peach Ice Tea prank

The prank backfired with customers fuming over the early April Fools' stunt.

Lipton’s recent marketing stunt has left fans of their Peach Iced Tea fuming.

On Tuesday night, the beverage brand shocked iced tea lovers by announcing on social media that they were discontinuing the fan-favourite Peach flavour.

The post, titled “Rest In Peach,” left many devoted drinkers devastated.

“You may have heard that our iconic Peach Lipton Ice Tea flavour is getting discontinued,” the brand’s initial post read. “We know – it hurts (sorry if we’ve ruined your go-to afternoon chill bev). But don’t worry, the rest of your faves are still here to keep you refreshed.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lipton Ice Tea (@liptonicetea)

The message continued, “And who knows? Maybe one day, Peach will make a legendary comeback.” They even used the hashtag “#RIPeach,” which sent shockwaves through the iced tea community.

Naturally, regular drinkers and fan of the popular beverage were left confused as the company provided little to no explanation for the discontinuation.

"How tf does a company discontinue arguably it's best seller," a puzzled user commented.

Rival beverage brand, Red Bull chimed in on the fun and commented, "If anyone needs a Peach fix, we've got you."

However, less than 24 hours later, Lipton revealed the shocking news was nothing but an early April Fools’ Day prank.

On Wednesday morning, the brand posted an update saying, “Oops, is it still March? Got my dates mixed up… thought it was April Fools already! I’d never take away your favourite flavour, pookies.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lipton Ice Tea (@liptonicetea)

Lipton added, “Your love of peach has not gone unnoticed. But I’ve got your back, I will be sending a surprise to the biggest fans with the best reactions,” complete with a winky face emoji.

Despite the lighthearted tone, the prank didn’t go over well with fans. Many flooded the comments section of the second post to express their frustration and disappointment.

One user even wrote, “Can we not with this new marketing strategy, it’s annoying.” While Lipton intended to be playful, the early April Fools’ joke left many feeling more tricked than entertained.

"Don't call me pookie after this stunt."

It remains unclear why Lipton decided to pull the prank ahead of April Fools' Day, but what’s certain is that the stunt hasn’t left a sweet taste in the mouths of many Peach Iced Tea fans.