Sarsi, the venerable sarsaparilla-flavoured soda, has been rebranded in response to the SARS crisis, says Fraser & Neave. Said F&N spokesperson Mr. Boey Tee Chui, “Sales of Sarsi have plunged in the wake of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. Many people think the name ‘Sarsi’ sounds like ‘dying from SARS’ in Hokkien.”
“Yah, lor,” said soft drink consumer Lim Koh Lah, confirming F&N’s fears. “I damn scared I drink oreddy, I kena SARS, then immeelly ’si’.”
SARS has hit the drink industry very badly, as many people find it difficult to drink while their mouths are covered with a mask. People are so scared of contracting the highly contagious disease that even lifting the mask slightly to permit a straw is avoided.
“We took immediate action,” said Mr. Boey. “We immediately committed several million dollars and hired a powderful ad agency to come up with a new name for Sarsi that people will find not only positive, but extremely catchy as well.”
“Though hopefully not as catchy as SARS,” he added quickly.
The agency that won the brief, Sucky & Sucky, has just announced that the drink will now be called, “Sarsbuaysi’”.
“We think that the new name should send a clear message that the drink is safe,” smiled Mr. Boey. has just announced that the drink will now be called, “Sarsbuaysi’”.
“We think that the new name should send a clear message that the drink is safe,” smiled Mr. Boey.
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