Half of Coca-Cola Sales Coming From No Sugar for the First Time in Great Britain
Coca-Cola Great Britain is accelerating its investment in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar as new data from Nielsen shows that nine months after its launch, sales in grocery and convenience stores are up 52% and for the first time ever sales of no sugar Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke) are matching those of Coca-Coca Classic. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar sales have now reached £115 million since it launched in June 2016.
As it increases its investment in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in line with its strategy to grow its zero sugar options, the company will also look to phase out Coca-Cola Life from June this year. The move will enable the company to simplify consumer choice between sugar and sugar-free formats, as it continues to focus on growing and building Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke.
Coca-Cola Life launched in 2014 and was the first Coca-Cola to be sweetened with stevia. The variant has built a loyal and niche following during that time, accounting for just under one per cent of the Coca-Cola trademark sales. In the last year it has only been available in a selected number of outlets.
Jon Woods, general manager of Coca-Cola Great Britain.
Jon Woods, general manager of Coca-Cola Great Britain, says: “We’re pleased that in just nine months Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has grown significantly and become the fastest growing cola in UK grocery. As a result, more than 50 per cent of Coca-Cola sales in UK grocery are sugar-free. As we look to drive no-sugar sales even more and make it clearer for consumers to differentiate between sugar and no-sugar options now feels the right time to phase out Coca-Cola Life from the UK market and focus on our three leading and iconic cola variants.”
As part of its plans to grow Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, the business will embark on its biggest sampling campaign later this summer, with 11 million samples on offer across the country. The plans will be supported by out of home, TV and in store activity.
Coca-Cola Great Britain will continue to showcase all Coca-Cola variants in its advertising in line with its one brand strategy. From June onwards this will mean that Coca-Cola Classic, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke will all be featured.
