Coca-Cola will start selling a caffeine-free version of its Coke Zero soft drink this summer, the company announced Wednesday.
The Atlanta-based company said Caffeine Free Coke Zero will begin appearing in grocery stores, drug stores and other retail locations in mid-July, with a complete national roll-out in August. The drink will be offered in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and 2-liter bottles.
According to Beverage Digest, Coke Zero ranks No. 11 among carbonated soft drink brands in the U.S.
“Source says the aim is to make this new product taste very similar to Coke Zero,” John Sicher, Beverage Digest’s editor, said in first reporting speculation about the new soft drink. “Sources say the strategy behind this new product is to provide a caffeine-free version of Coke Zero (which contains caffeine) for consumption in the evenings, when consumers may want a caffeine-free diet cola.”
Stuart Kronauge, head of sparkling for Coca-Cola North America Group, said the goal is to make the brand “accessible for enjoyment all day long.” Coca-Cola said Coke Zero, which was launched in 2005, has posted double-digit sales growth for five straight years.
A bottler told Beverage Digest there is demand for the new caffeine-free drink. Diet Coke also offers caffeine and caffeine-free versions.
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