Coca-Cola to launch new flavors in Canada

19/04/06 Canadians will soon be able to enjoy the delicious, complex fusion of cola, black cherry and vanilla as the newest addition to the family of Coca-Cola(R) beverages begins to appear in stores across the country this week. Available in both diet and regular, Coca-Cola(R) Black Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke(R) Black Cherry Vanilla are sure to tickle the taste buds of Canadians of all ages.

The simultaneous launch of Coca-Cola(R) Black Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke(R) Black Cherry Vanilla is a first for Coca-Cola Ltd. as traditionally one has followed the other. "Cherry-flavoured beverages are experiencing significant growth as are no-calorie soft drinks and our consumers have told us that they want the option of regular or diet," said Ishita Saha, Brand Manager, Coca-Cola(R) Trademark.

Coca-Cola Classic(R), the world's most popular soft drink is now available in a variety of flavour innovations around the world including Coca-Cola Zero(TM), Coca-Cola C2(TM), Diet Coke(R), Coca-Cola(R) with Lime, Diet Coke(R) with Lime.

Vanilla Coke(R), Diet Vanilla Coke(R) and Cherry Coke(R) will be going on hiatus, but may be made available again in the future. Coca-Cola(R) Black Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke(R) Black Cherry Vanilla are what consumers are telling us they want.

Diet Coke(R) Black Cherry Vanilla is sweetened with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (ace-k).

Both Coca-Cola(R) Black Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke(R) Black Cherry Vanilla will be available in a range of package sizes including 355 mL cans, 591 mL bottles, 2L PET bottles and cases of Fridge Mate(R) and will be available through convenience and grocery outlets. The launch will also be supported by a variety of marketing programs including a promotion through iCoke.ca offering a chance to win one of three trips to a NHL(R) Stanley Cup playoff game.

Coca-Cola Ltd. (CCL) is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, the world's largest beverage company and the leading producer and marketer of soft drinks, juices and juice drinks. CCL is responsible for developing new brands, as well as enhancing existing brands specifically for Canadian consumers. This includes advertising, promotions, marketing and packaging innovations, in addition to juice and juice drink manufacturing. Current Coca-Cola beverages include: Coca-Cola Classic(R), Coca-Cola C2(TM), Diet Coke(R), Coca-Cola Zero(TM), Sprite(R), Nestea(R) ice teas, POWERADE(R) sports drinks, DASANI(R) remineralized water, Minute Maid(R) juices, Five Alive(R), Bibo(R) and Fruitopia(R).

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2006/18/c5125.html