UK – PepsiCo has formed a strategic partnership with coffee products manufacturer, Lavazza to launch ready-to-drink iced coffee in the UK.
The collaboration will rollout Lavazza Iced Cappuccino this summer in a slimline can and both the companies will work together to broaden the offering with new products, as well as expand into new markets in 2020.
They will also combine their expertise for further product launches in the European market.
The drink features a blend of Lavazza coffee and milk, and is available in a 100% recyclable, premium can.
“We are proud to cooperate with PepsiCo as we enter the fast-growing iced coffee segment for the first time,” said Sergio Cravero, chief marketing officer of Lavazza Group.
“Lavazza’s commitment to quality, combined with PepsiCo’s expertise, allows us to explore and offer in certain strategic markets more and more ways to enjoy coffee, in line with the international vocation of the Group to grow on a global scale.”
Lavazza which is a well-known Italian coffee brand brings in expertise in high-quality coffee sourcing and roasting, as well as consumer marketing and product development while PepsiCo provides experience in beverages.
According to the company, the UK launch is a strategic step in bringing its iced cappuccino and many years of innovation to Europe, a market that is rapidly growing.
“PepsiCo is very excited to be introducing Lavazza Iced Cappuccino to the UK market,” said Mark Kirkham, vice-president and head of marketing, PepsiCo West Europe Beverages.
“This is the start of a collaborative partnership with Lavazza where we plan to innovate and bring to market new offerings based on consumer insights and preferences in the growing premium coffee space.
“We look forward to building on this initial offering and setting the stage for European expansion in 2020.”
The product is set to take on a trio of Costa Coffee RTDs launched last month by The Coca-Cola Company.
Costa Coffee uses Mocha Italia Signature Blend coffee beans and the new RTD range comes in three flavors: Classic Latte, Caramel Latte, and Black Americano.
Other coffee brands such as Starbucks and Nescafe have also launched canned iced coffee variations in the market to take advantage of the health trend among consumers.
