Content about Diet sodas

ATLANTA — Coke Zero has seen double-digit sales growth over the last five years, according to the company, and Coke is hoping to increase those numbers even more this summer with the release of Caffeine Free Coke Zero.

NEW YORK — Glaceau, a Coca-Cola brand and maker of Vitaminwater and Smartwater, is injecting a little sparkle into its lineup with new Fruitwater.

PLANO, Texas — As an extension of Dr Pepper Ten, the soft drink company will launch 10-calorie versions of five of its biggest soda brands, beginning January 2013. Sunkist, 7-Up, Canada Dry, RC Cola and A&W Root Beer are all getting makeovers.

Unlike other artificial sweeteners, the 10-calorie sweetener mix used by Dr Pepper Snapple Group contains enough high-fructose corn syrup to appeal to those consumers who have reservations about the taste of diet drinks, the company said.

Drug Store News spoke with Paddy Spence, CEO of Zevia, about the potential for natural sodas in the U.S. marketplace.



DSN: What is the awareness level of nonartificial sweeteners, and how is that trending in the U.S. market?

Dr Pepper Snapple Group recently manned up behind a campaign supporting their action-adventure diet soda for men: Dr Pepper Ten. Drug Store News tapped Eddie Hicks, VP national accounts, to get the low-down.


DSN: Why men? What is the opportunity? 


ATLANTA — Coca-Cola is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a new 1.25-liter package.

The new package for the iconic soft drink is hitting store shelves across the Southeast, with additional rollouts planned across the United States this summer. Additionally, a variety of other brands, including Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite and Fanta, also will be available in the new 1.25-liter bottle.

The 1.25-liter bottle will retail for less than $1, Coca-Cola said.

PLANO, Texas — A citrus soda made by Dr Pepper Snapple Group is making a major splash in the Southern states in which it’s currently sold. And with plans for nationwide distribution early next year, it has the potential to rival the success of Mountain Dew. 

Sun Drop is made with orange juice and more caffeine than Mountain Dew. Southern fans have used it in everything from glazes for holiday turkeys to alcoholic mixed drinks. 

PLANO, Texas Dr Pepper Snapple Group has earned high marks among American consumers in a newly released customer satisfaction index.

According to the Michigan-based American Customer Satisfaction Index, out of 100 points, Dr Pepper Snapple Group scored an 85 — the highest among rival soft-drink makers. Dr Pepper Snapple Group also is the smallest soft-drink maker, and is in a position it has held or shared for the past five years.

PepsiCo’s satisfaction also fell, down 2% to 84, and now ties the unchanged score of Coca-Cola.

ATLANTA Coca-Cola's Coke Zero continues to thrive in the beverage sector as it celebrates its fifth year on the market this month.

Coke Zero was created in 2005 to meet consumer demand for real Coke taste with zero calories — joining Coca-Cola and Diet Coke to form a perfect trio of brands offering a choice to anyone seeking great cola taste. Coke Zero is poised to break into the top 10 most popular U.S. sparkling beverages, Coca-Cola said.