Coca Cola Europe Welcomes Stevia Approval

Nearly 30 years ago, Coca Cola Europe introduced its first no-calorie, great-tasting drink, Coca Cola Light. Today, two-thirds of its brands have low- or no-calorie options and 30% of the total volume of its 140 brands sold in Europe is low- and no-calorie.

Nov 15 2011 --- Coca Cola Europe has welcomed the decision by the European Commission to authorise the use of steviol glycosides (stevia) as a sweetener in foods and beverages. This decision paves the way for the Company to deliver more great-tasting beverages with fewer calories.

Dominique Reiniche, President Coca Cola Europe said, “Coca Cola Europe welcomes the European Commission’s approval of stevia as a sweetener in foods and beverages across Europe.

The addition of stevia to the range of sweeteners we already use in our drinks gives us even more options to innovate and develop the best-tasting drinks for our consumers. This is another important milestone as we grow our portfolio to offer even more choice for every occasion and lifestyle.”

The introduction of stevia continues the success story of the growth of the zero-calorie category for Coca Cola. Nearly 30 years ago, Coca Cola Europe introduced its first no-calorie, great-tasting drink, Coca Cola Light. Today, two-thirds of its brands have low- or no-calorie options and 30% of the total volume of its 140 brands sold in Europe is low- and no-calorie.

Through the broadening of the portfolio, the average calorie content of a serving of Coca Cola Europe’s sparkling drinks has been reduced by 10% over the past 10 years. The Company will continue to innovate using a variety of sweeteners across its beverage portfolio to deliver great products with lower calories that meet consumers’ tastes.

Stevia is another example of innovation and commitment from The Coca Cola Company to offer consumers what they want and need. As stevia has been approved as a sweetener for use in foods and beverages in France since 2009, The Coca Cola Company was one of the first in Europe to launch a beverage sweetened with stevia, in combination with other natural sweeteners. Since March 2010, a great-tasting, stevia-sweetened Fanta Still has been available to French consumers, with 30% less sugar.

The Coca Cola Company has been working on innovations in sweetness for nearly 50 years to help deliver product variety and options to meet consumers’ needs for refreshment, enjoyment, nutrition and hydration.

The stevia used in its drinks is the result of pioneering work done by The Coca Cola Company and Cargill to develop a zero-calorie sweetener from natural origins.