Coca-Cola is planning to trial a new alcoholic drink for the first time in its 126-year history, a senior executive at the company has announced.
The company is set to launch a type of Japanese alcopop known as Chu-Hi in a bid to tap into the low-alcohol drinks market in Japan.
Speaking about what’s to come in 2018 in an interview published on Coca-Cola’s website, Jorge Garduno, the company’s Japan president, revealed plans to launch ‘a canned drink that includes alcohol’.
He added: ‘We haven’t experimented in the low alcohol category before, but it’s an example of how we continue to explore opportunities outside our core areas.’
Cans of Chu-Hi are typically made with a distilled white spirit, which is mixed with carbonated water and a flavouring. With an alcohol content of between 3% and 8% by volume, Chu-Hi drinks have become a popular option in Japan. They are already available in a range of fruity flavours, including green apple, lemon lime and peach and plum, from brands like Suntory and Kirin.
Sadly, it doesn’t sound like we’ll be sipping on Coca-Cola’s Chu-Hi anytime soon. According to Garduno, it’s unlikely the drink will be sold outside of Japan.
