Cheeky supermarket Lidl has unleashed the ‘festive feud of the fizzies’ after launching its own rip-off version of the famous Coca-Cola Christmas truck.
The store will drive its 20-tonne huge cylindrical lorry emblazoned with Freeway Cola to nine UK cities to try and win over fans with its far cheaper alternative.
Sources at the bargain supermarket even coined the catchphrase “Holidays are coming, holidays are coming (in under budget)” for their vehicle which will dish out presents, free food and drink.
It comes just one day after the “Holidays Are Coming!” annual Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour was announced, with similar visits to towns and cities across the nation.
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lidl is hoping to convert Coca-Cola fans to its budget drink at one the busiest times of the year. Freeway Cola costs 55p for a two litre bottle while the real deal’s equivalent is almost four times that at £1.85.
It is not the first time a budget supermarket has gone to war with a more established firm.
Aldi was sued by M&S over its Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake which the high street store claimed was too similar to its Colin the Caterpillar sponge.
(Image: ALDI)
In February 2022, the two companies reached a confidential settlement over the row.
Lidl’s truck will lure people in by doling out more than 2,000 present boxes “filled to the brim” with its famed middle aisle items in cities including Hull, Wolverhampton and Southampton.
One in 10 will also include a golden ticket to win a free festive food shop.
The supermarket’s Joanna Gromer said: “With a Freeway label wrapped cylindrical body and life-like pull-ring back hatch, the instantly recognisable and show-stopping truck has been created to spread the magic of Christmas across Great Britain.”
(Image: LIDL)
Coca-Cola is teaming up with the charity FareShare and will donate the equivalent of a free meal for every person that attends its truck tour.
The organisation works with the food industry to redistribute surplus food which might otherwise go to waste to 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK.
Coca-Cola’s Christmas truck ad will appear on telly later this month. The iconic lorry first appeared on our screens in 1995.