Warren Buffett, the billionnaire who owns 9.3% of Coca-Cola stock, understandably defends its products. When challenged by shareholders in his company, Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett said:
Business analysts were just as dismayed. Michael Skapinker said in the Financial Times that Buffett made five mistakes in laughing off the Coca–Cola question (my paraphrases):
- Shareholders asked a serious question that deserved a serious answer.
- Not everyone knows how many calories are in sodas.
- Poor people are at greater risk from the hazards of sugary drinks.
- Politicians know that sugary drinks are a problem.
- Coca-Cola knows sugary drinks are a problem.
In the meantime, the Berkeley Media Studies Group has produced its take on Coke’s new “Share a Coke and a Song” campaign:

When health advocates and the business community think Coca-Cola is in trouble, it is.
Can this campaign survive satire?
This company’s responses are always interesting to follow. Buffett is a big investor. But it is increasingly having to respond to health concerns.
I will be watching for the next chapter in this saga.