Earlier this year, the giant of all soft drink makers Coca-Cola introduced Coke BlaK in France. With cool black bottles and just 45 calories for an 8 oz serving, BlacK is a coke-coffee mix with a tempting low-dose of caffeine.
Marc Mathieu, vice president, Global Core Brands of the Coca-Cola Company explains:
“Coca-Cola BlaK is not just a flavor extension. It is a blend of unique Coke refreshment with the true essence of coffee and has a rich smooth texture and has a coffee-like froth when poured. We believe we have created a new category of soft drink – an adult product in a carbonated beverage – and a whole new drinking experience. This brand is ideal for any part of the day when people are looking for renewed energy or simply to take a break”
In Japan, the company already sells “Georgia”, a canned coffee product which is doing quite well. However, when Pepsi launched its cola-pepsi beverage, it was a certified flop.
Why? Because in increasingly health-conscious America, fizzy, sugary empty-caloried sodas are losing popularity. In fact, in 2005 US sales for soft drinks dipped drastically for the first time in 20 years.
Tea and “energy” drinks, on the other hand is gaining popularity, and companies like Snapple are doing better than ever.
And so, this week, Coca-Cola is trying out some new coffee and tea-based beverages in Canada, with the aim to hopefully hit the US market later on.
[tags]coca cola,coke,canada,snapple,tea,energy drinks[/tags]