Coca-Cola announced on Tuesday that it will launch a cane-sugar version of its iconic cola in the U.S. this fall, aligning with recent remarks by former President Donald Trump. Trump had previously highlighted the company’s shift to real cane sugar in a social media post last week. This move marks a significant change for the brand, which has relied on high fructose corn syrup as its primary sweetener since the 1980s. While Coca-Cola initially remained silent on the matter, CEO James Quincey confirmed the decision during a conference call with investors, emphasizing the company’s commitment to diversifying its product offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. Quincey expressed gratitude for Trump’s enthusiasm for the brand and stated that Coca-Cola is exploring a wide range of sweetening options to cater to varied tastes. The company has already been using cane sugar in other U.S. products, such as its Simply lemonade and Honest Tea, and has sold Mexican Coca-Cola, which contains cane sugar, in the U.S. since 2005. Quincey highlighted the importance of innovation in aligning with consumer preferences, noting that the industry is experimenting with new ideas. This announcement comes as Coca-Cola faces competition from rivals like PepsiCo and Dr Pepper, which have offered cane-sugar versions of their colas since 2009. Despite challenges in certain markets, including India and Southeast Asia, Coca-Cola reported a 14% growth in case volumes for Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, reflecting a rising demand for healthier alternatives. The company also saw improved sales in North America, with Hispanic consumers returning to normal purchasing levels after a temporary decline earlier this year. Coca-Cola’s second-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, driven by a 6% global price increase, with revenue reaching $12.5 billion and net income surging 58% to $3.8 billion. The company now anticipates full-year adjusted earnings to grow by 8%, slightly below its initial forecast.
Coca-Cola confirms a cane-sugar version of its trademark cola is coming to the US
