Jalapeño mango coconut water and lavender mint lemonade are among new beverages debuting from The Coca-Cola Co. this year. Featured at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, the products tap into top industry trends, said Joel Neuman, vice-president of legal and industry affairs, Coca-Cola Foodservice USA.
“We’re doing everything we can to come up with all the different kinds of beverages that are on trend or maybe even ahead of trends if possible,” Mr. Neuman told American magazine Food Business News.
As an example, he said, the company is launching a line of Odwalla Craft Lemonades featuring cane sugar, fruit juice and herbs and spices, inspired by consumer interest in craft beverages and botanical ingredients.
At the 2018 N.R.A. Show, held May 19-22 in Chicago, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola showcased a growing portfolio of carbonated soft drinks, premium tea and juice, and sparkling water, as well as a slate of digital innovation developed for the company’s food service business.
A next-generation Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser will begin rolling out nationally next year, outfitted with Bluetooth connectivity, a large, high-definition touch screen and microphones, speakers and optical sensors. The machines were designed to offer an interactive and personalised experience while allowing consumers to craft countless combinations of beverages.
