SOUTH AFRICA – The Coca-Cola Company is introducing the first coffee infused cola drink the ‘Coca-Cola Plus Coffee’ in South Africa.

Coca-Cola Plus Coffee infuses the taste of Coca-Cola with 100% Brazilian coffee bean powder and has been introduced in several markets including Australia.

Coca-Cola Southern and East African Business Unit Marketing Director, Stephan Czypionka said that the drink is part of the Coca-Cola’s innovations to align its products with the changing consumer needs.

“We are constantly listening to consumers. We are proud to bring Coca-Cola Plus Coffee to SA and offer South Africans more of the drinks they want,” said Czypionka.

“A sparkling fusion of mild sweetness and a rich bold coffee aroma with subtle caramel notes, Coca-Cola Plus Coffee contains coffee powder made from real Brazilian coffee beans,” Coca-Cola Company said in a statement.   

Czypionka added, “The result still has Coca-Cola’s well-known taste with a mild sweetness and a rich bold coffee aroma, creating a multi-sensory experience.

“Only the delicious original flavor of Coca-Cola, now with a blend of Coffee, will give you a refreshing upliftment you need to stay on top of your day!”  

The new cola contains Brazilian coffee powder with 34mg caffeine in the 200ml can and comes on the heels of the launch of Coke Energy in South Africa.

Already released to much fanfare in Australia, Japan, Italy and Vietnam, avid drinkers from these markets have shown their delight in the new infusion saying the cola and coffee hybrid has a great coffee aftertaste with the fizz.

Notably, Coca-Cola’s head of integrated marketing communications, Bernard Pieters highlights that the caffeine content in Coca-Cola Plus Coffee is far below the normal requirement. According to the World Health Organisation, the daily allowable caffeine intake for an adult is 400mg.

Bernard notes that, “like anything, people need to understand to consume it in moderation and have it as part of a balanced beverage intake across the board.”

According to an IOL report, coffee in Sub Saharan Africa is perceived as a luxury product but is a growing market.

With Coca-Cola Plus Coffee, Coca-Cola is tapping into the growing popularity of ready-to-drink coffee products popping up all over the world.

By the end of 2019, Coca-Cola Plus Coffee will be available in 25 countries around the world, gaining the company a firm foothold in the global cola-coffee hybrid market.

The Coca-Cola company said that the product retails at a recommended price of R10 (US$0.66) at leading supermarkets countrywide.