Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper hits Springfield shelves

Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Co. introduced the new drink to Springfield’s market Oct. 15. The national release is expected in January 2005. Springfield is one of a few markets in the Heartland region chosen for an early release of the soft drink.

“The Springfield area is a great Dr Pepper market and we are pleased to make this exciting new flavor available in the southwest Missouri area,” said David Gibbs, Springfield area Dr Pepper representative, in a company news release.

In addition, Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Co. has partnered with Friendly Ford to create southwest Missouri’s official truck for Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper, the 2004 Ford F-150 SuperCrew.

Graphic installation was performed by Install Group Worldwide Inc., in cooperation with Springfield-based Transport Graphics Inc.

Dr Pepper’s Cherry Vanilla is the first product in the new Fountain Classics line, which is modeled after fountain drinks of the 1950s.

A sampling tour, including the wrapped 2004 Ford F-150 SuperCrew, is in Springfield and the surrounding areas at various locations and by request through the end of the year.