Cheerwine Revives ‘Retro Remix’ Packaging to Drive Summer Engagement
Cheerwine, the North Carolina-based soft drink brand known for its unique cherry flavor, is bringing back its fan-favorite “Retro Remix” packaging this summer. The nostalgic campaign, first launched in 2023, was met with strong consumer interest and is poised to once again boost brand engagement and visibility across key regional markets.
The limited-edition design channels mid-century Americana, with bold neon typefaces and pastel color palettes that nod to rockabilly culture and 20th-century soda shop aesthetics. The refreshed packaging is available on Cheerwine’s 12-ounce cans starting early June throughout North and South Carolina, parts of Virginia, and online at select retailers. The brand is also rolling out retro-style merchandise, including T-shirts and stickers, to complement the promotion.
To build momentum around the launch, Cheerwine is offering consumers the chance to win exclusive branded prizes. Each promotional 12-pack contains a unique code that can be entered online for a shot at themed apparel, bar signs, and a grand prize “Ultimate Retro Summer Party Pack”. The prize bundle includes a Yeti cooler, Cheerwine pool float, and Bluetooth speaker — tools designed to further integrate the brand into consumers’ seasonal rituals and outdoor gatherings.
This campaign underscores the growing role of nostalgia as a marketing lever in the beverage category. By tapping into a sense of familiarity and generational memory, brands like Cheerwine are cultivating deeper emotional connections, especially among legions of loyal regional fans. The Retro Remix initiative also reflects a broader trend in FMCG marketing that aligns limited-edition packaging and promotional tie-ins with key seasonal consumption periods to drive incremental sales.
Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Salisbury, Cheerwine remains privately owned by the founding family and enjoys strong popularity across the Southeastern U.S. The brand’s heritage and deep community ties have allowed it to stand out against national competitors by emphasizing authenticity and local roots.
As summer consumption picks up and shoppers seek out differentiated flavor experiences, Cheerwine’s return to retro may help fortify its niche positioning in the crowded soft drink landscape.