Coca-Cola to launch Topo Chico hard seltzer brand in Latin America
6 Aug 2020The 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.
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 news
Asian beverage brands deal with rising costs
4 Jan 2023
Decreasing bottle sizes or increasing prices? Asian beverage brands are finding “creative approaches” to manage rising costs, according to industry analysts.
Read moreValue-seeking US consumers cut back on food spending
2 Jan 2023
Cheaper items, smaller sizes, and shorter grocery lists: inflationary effects coupled with a global long-term recession are set to continue shaping food spending habits, according to a recent Rabobank report.
Read moreOpportunities grow for lower-caffeine coffee
23 Dec 2022
Many consumers want the mental focus of caffeine without the jitters, prompting a wave of product development such as “half caffeine” ground coffee or ready-to-drink (RTD) cold brew blended with relaxing botanicals.
Read moreSuperfrau upcycles liquid whey for energy drinks
22 Dec 2022
US company Superfrau turns surplus whey into sustainable, upcycled-certified dairy products for the recovery drinks market.
Read moreSwedish food agency: One in 10 coffee brands contain excess acrylamide
7 Dec 2022
New findings from the Swedish Food Agency have revealed three of 29 coffee products sampled contained acrylamide above limits, reinforcing the link between levels and degree of roasting.
Read moreEditor’s choice: Our roundup of the latest women’s health products around the world
2 Dec 2022
From botanicals to combat menopause symptoms to a hydration powder for mothers-to-be, here is our roundup of the most innovative new product launches within women’s health.
Read moreThe prize no brand wants to win: 2022’s most misleading products
28 Nov 2022
Food industry watchdog Foodwatch is asking consumers to vote for 2022’s most misleading product. A high-sugar vitamin water and “artisan” salad made with artificial additives are among the nominees.
Read moreenduracarb®: A science-backed trehalose ingredient for athletic endurance
24 Nov 2022
enduracarb® is a science-backed, slow-acting carbohydrate that can power athletes’ performance. Produced using a high-purity production process, it is suitable for a wide variety of applications.
Read moreChina bans celebrity endorsement of health and formula foods
22 Nov 2022
China is to ban celebrity endorsement or advertising of certain products, completely banning high profile figures with “lapsed morals” as the country attempts to drive society towards “core socialist values”.
Read moreMicroThermics’ Formulators Guide to Process Selection for Plant-Based Beverages
15 Nov 2022
Plant-based beverages & products are mainstream! Come to FIE booth 4D122 & read our whitepaper to see how processing in the lab at commercial HTST & UHT conditions gets you to market faster for less!
Read more