Why Was Simply Almond Milk Discontinued

Cynthia May

2 min read

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22-01-2025

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The disappearance of Simply Almond Milk from store shelves left many consumers puzzled. This popular dairy alternative, known for its clean ingredient list and subtle almond flavor, seemingly vanished without much explanation. So, what happened?

The short answer is product consolidation. Simply Almond Milk wasn't discontinued due to poor sales or safety concerns, but rather as part of a larger strategic move by the parent company, Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola, which acquired the Simply brand in 2001, has been streamlining its portfolio in recent years, focusing on its most profitable and high-growth products.

This often means discontinuing products that, while perhaps still selling reasonably well, don't quite fit the company's long-term strategic vision. Simply Almond Milk, while a successful product in its own right, may have been deemed less strategically important compared to other offerings within Coca-Cola's extensive beverage portfolio.

The Business Behind the Beverage

The decision to discontinue a product is rarely simple and typically involves complex market analysis. Factors to consider might include:

• Profitability: While sales volume is important, profitability matters more. Simply Almond Milk may have had a lower profit margin compared to other products, making it less appealing for the company to continue investing in.
• Market Competition: The plant-based milk market is incredibly competitive. Coca-Cola might have decided to focus its resources on other brands within their portfolio that are better positioned to compete in this crowded space.
• Supply Chain Issues: Unexpected challenges with sourcing ingredients or manufacturing could have impacted the profitability and viability of Simply Almond Milk.
• Resource Allocation: Coca-Cola likely conducted an assessment of its entire beverage portfolio to determine where resources could be best allocated for future growth and innovation. Simply Almond Milk might have been a casualty of this prioritization.

The Consumer Impact

For consumers who enjoyed Simply Almond Milk, its discontinuation is undoubtedly disappointing. Many praised its simple ingredient list and flavor profile, making it a popular choice among those seeking a healthier alternative to dairy milk. This highlights the importance of consumer feedback for companies, and showcases how even well-liked products can be discontinued due to broader business strategies.

While no official statement from Coca-Cola explicitly details the reasons behind the discontinuation, the available information strongly suggests a strategic business decision rather than a product-specific failure. The incident serves as a reminder that even established brands are subject to market forces and the ever-evolving landscape of the consumer packaged goods industry.