Companies

Coca-Cola aims at mature crowd with new drink

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A Coca-Cola sports event. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Coca-Cola has launched a lemon-flavoured carbonated drink dubbed Schweppes +C in the Kenyan market.

Locally bottled by the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa-Kenya (CCBA) plant, the drink with added vitamin C is targeting the adult consumer.

“We are delighted to add a new variant to this category of beverages. Schweppes +C with Lemon brings a refreshing experience that resonates with today’s rapidly changing lifestyle. This drink is well formulated to give the consumer a great tasting Lemon flavour and added value of vitamin C,” said Rodney Nzioka, Senior Franchise Brand Manager Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya.

Coca-Cola is banking on innovation and diversification of its soft drinks products in the country. In 2016 and 2017, the company invested Sh9.3 billion in its production and packaging lines to cater for the new brands alongside its mainstay soda, juice and water products.

During the opening of the production line, the company stated that it will be used to process fresh juices, iced teas and sports drinks.

The manufacturer’s latest investment in a multi-billion shilling production and packaging line in Nairobi brings its total local investment to Sh9.3 billion since 2016.

READ: Coca-Cola subsidiary to distribute alcohol in Kenya

Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Limited, a local subsidiary of the giant soft drinks manufacturer, produces soda (such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Krest and Sprite, water (Dasani & Keringet) and juices (Minute Maid).

Its strategy has also included the reduction of sugar content in its beverages across the markets.
Coca-Cola also produces sports drinks, smoothies, teas and coffees in other markets, brands which may soon be produced locally.

In Kenya, Coca-Cola remains the largest producer of soft drinks despite stiff competition from other soft drink manufacturers.