Boston, MA 10/03/2014 (wallstreetpr) – PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) is gearing itself to go natural as it readies itself to unveil soda. The move assumes significance in the wake of its rival The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) launching its Surge brand soda during the middle of September.
Soda Debut
For PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP), launching a new soda drink was entering into a fresh area, whereas Coca-Cola re-entered the space after a gap of twelve years. PepsiCo would launch its soda brand drink, Pepsi True, without any high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, latimes.com reported. However, it would have real stevia and sugar, which were considered natural from plant leaves.
The company intends to launch in 7.5-ounce cans, which will have 60 calories. The move also comes as a surprise to a section since soda consumption has been witnessing a steady drop in the United States. Per capita soda consumption witnessed a 22% drop in 2013 from its 1998 peak, according to Beverage Digest editor and publisher, John Sicher.
Availability
Pepsi True, the soda drink, would be available from the middle of the current month exclusively on Amazon. This is a clear-cut indication that it wanted to take the competition in soda vigorously since Coca-Cola’s Surge was also available only in Amazon when it was re-launched.
As if to prove the data wrong, beverage makers seem to be ready to probe the market. Pepsi unveiled its stevia-sweetened Next brand a couple of years back in Australia. The soda contains 30% less sugar compared to regular Pepsi.
Coca-Cola’s Surge
In response to the ‘Surge Movement’ in Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) fan site, the Coca-Cola re-entered the soda drink market by bringing back the memories of the 1990s. The company has placed only limited supply in Amazon.com in the initial re-launch period during the middle of September.
The entry of PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) would toughen the competition in soda drink market, and it remains to be seen as to who would come victorious.
