Akron soft drink Norka featured in Peacock series “The Paper”

can’t buy advertising like this. Fans of the Akron-based soft drink maker Norka Beverage Co. are buzzing with excitement after seeing their favorite soda pop featured in the pilot episode and official trailer of the new Peacock series “The Paper.” This mockumentary spinoff, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, follows the documentary crew from “The Office” as they capture the ups and downs of a struggling newspaper in Ohio.

In a standout scene, Editor Ned Sampson (played by Domhnall Gleeson) and reporter Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei) enjoy some local flavor during a lunch break, sipping on 12-ounce bottles of Norka’s orange soda. It’s a fun and heartwarming moment that has caught the attention of viewers everywhere.

For Norka President Michael Considine, the exposure has been a game-changer. Online sales have skyrocketed since the show aired, thanks to the increased visibility on the popular streaming platform. The unique opportunity to showcase Norka products on a national stage has brought a wave of new customers and fans to the brand.

The connection between Norka and “The Paper” began when NBCUniversal producers approached Considine in 2024. They were looking for authentic Ohio-made products to feature on the set, and Norka fit the bill perfectly. After shipping cases of their beverages to the Universal studio in California, Considine eagerly awaited the premiere of the series.

Seeing Norka on screen was a proud moment for Considine and the entire Norka team. The resurgence of this iconic Akron brand, originally founded in 1924, has been a labor of love for Considine since he revived it in 2015. Norka’s lineup of cane sugar-based drinks includes flavors like cherry-strawberry, root beer, ginger ale, and lemon-lime, in addition to their popular orange soda.

Local fans can find Norka beverages at various locations, including Acme, DeVitis Italian Market, and the Peanut Shoppe, as well as online. Considine’s positive experience working with the show’s producers has him looking forward to the second season of “The Paper,” with hopes of more Norka cameos in future episodes. When filming resumes, you can bet that more cases of Norka soda will be making their way to California.

For fans of Norka and lovers of great TV, the collaboration between this Akron staple and the creators of “The Paper” is a match made in streaming heaven. Cheers to Norka for making a splash in the world of entertainment!