Coke To Add Chinese Herbal Flavors To Drinks

Continuing its attempt to diversify its brand portfolio, Coca-Cola is set to launch a range of drinks based on traditional Chinese herbal ingredients and recipes.

Coca-Cola is adding alternatives such as tea, water and energy drinks to its range of carbonated drinks as more and more consumers are avoiding sugary sodas.

Coke has set up a research center in Beijing to develop the beverages. A spokesman for Coca-Cola said that the company was aiming to launch them in the first quarter of next year.

In a telephone interview with Forbes.com, Rhona Applebaum, vice president and chief scientific and regulatory officer of Coca-Cola, said, “It is very possible to add Chinese herbal Coke as a new line extension to various flavored Coke products such as
Coca-Cola with Lime and Diet Coke Plus.

“We may also develop a whole new herbal beverage product.” Applebaum added that the company is open to exploring any potential for new products, but no actual plan has yet been formulated.

“This collaboration will ultimately help us bring the insights and benefits of traditional Chinese medicine to consumers all over the world. As the world’s largest beverage company, we can add global reach and world-class marketing skills to help promote Chinese wisdom in preventive holistic health through new and innovative beverages” Applebaum remarked.