News

Coca-Cola to launch Topo Chico hard seltzer brand in Latin America

6 Aug 2020

The hard seltzer market has seen phenomenal growth and now Coca-Cola is getting into the space with the launch of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Coke announced the alcoholic beverage will be released in select cities in Latin America later this year. In 2021, the beverage will make its way to the United States, according to CNBC.

Launching an alcoholic beverage will mark the first time that the Atlanta-based company creates and sells a libation in the Western Hemisphere. In 2018, the company debuted Lemon-Do in Japan, which is a canned drink made with carbonated water and the Japanese liquor shochu. Last year, the initial launch geography was expanded due to the popularity of the brand in Japan.

Coca-Cola to launch Topo Chico hard seltzer brand in Latin America

Coke has made no secret of its mission to pare down its portfolio and focus on brands that are surefire wins and revenue starters. In a second quarter earnings call, company CEO James Quincey announced that the business will focus on “prioritizing fewer but bigger and stronger brands.” While this means that certain names may be cut entirely from supermarket shelves, it also means that rising stars like Topo Chico will receive extra attention. Quincey called out the Mexico-based sparling water as a focus for the company’s portfolio.

Both sparkling water and hard seltzer have been booming segments in the beverage category. UBS analysts expect hard seltzer to grow 66% annually to reach $2.5 billion by 2021. Sparkling water isn’t far behind. Nielsen data showed that canned sparkling water sales rose 43% between 2017 and 2018.

With such demand for these categories, a beverage that combines these two megatrends is likely to grab significant attention from consumers that are already familiar with the brand that Coke purchased in 2017.

Coke said in a press release that it will provide more detailed information on the new product closer to launch.

Related categories

Related tags

Beverage

Related news

PepsiCo feels the heat as drinks giant cools its climate targets

PepsiCo feels the heat as drinks giant cools its climate targets

3 Jul 2025

PepsiCo has become the latest global food and beverage manufacturer to attract criticism for changing a number of its environmental goals.

Read more 
Coca-Cola accused of ‘sportswashing’ amid FIFA sponsorship storm

Coca-Cola accused of ‘sportswashing’ amid FIFA sponsorship storm

30 Jun 2025

Doctors and health campaigners are calling for football's governing body, FIFA, to drop Coca-Cola as a 2025 Club World Cup sponsor, accusing the soda giant of “sportswashing”.

Read more 
World Food Safety Day shines a spotlight on science

World Food Safety Day shines a spotlight on science

19 Jun 2025

On 7 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) held its annual World Food Safety Day, highlighting the role scientific research and innovation play in supporting consumers’ health.

Read more 
Compostable packaging claims rubbished by regulator

Compostable packaging claims rubbished by regulator

9 Jun 2025

Compostable coffee capsule ads from brands including Dualit and Lavazza Coffee have been banned after the UK’s advertising watchdog deemed them to be "misleading".

Read more 
How will US ban on artificial dyes impact global F&B brands?

How will US ban on artificial dyes impact global F&B brands?

20 May 2025

As the US prepares to ban synthetic colourings from the food and beverage (F&B) industry, what will the impact be for brands in Europe and beyond?

Read more 
Grocery retail shows cautious optimism and stabilisation

Grocery retail shows cautious optimism and stabilisation

15 May 2025

Health and functionality, personalisation, convenience, advancing technologies, and sustainability dominate the grocery retail landscape and the shoppers of the future.

Read more 
Bisphenol A packaging ban brings challenges and concerns

Bisphenol A packaging ban brings challenges and concerns

14 May 2025

A ban on bisphenol A (BPA), as well as other bisphenols used in so-called “food contact materials” (FCMs), came into force across the EU in January. What happens now?

Read more 
US snack purchases fall as tariffs and inflation drive indulgence cutbacks

US snack purchases fall as tariffs and inflation drive indulgence cutbacks

9 May 2025

US consumers are reducing their snack purchases as (fears of) tariffs and sustained inflation drive up food costs and force households to prioritise spending.

Read more 
How can brands navigate US tariffs on sugar alternatives?

How can brands navigate US tariffs on sugar alternatives?

7 May 2025

US tariffs on monk fruit and stevia may push food and beverage brands to rethink their sugar reduction strategies.

Read more 
UK cools trade heat as it suspends tariffs on chilli peppers

UK cools trade heat as it suspends tariffs on chilli peppers

6 May 2025

The UK Government has promised food businesses cheaper ingredients in time for the summer by suspending the UK global tariff (UKGT).

Read more