Coca-Cola, one of the most popular cola brands in the world, is known for using sugar in its beverages. In some countries, such as Mexico, Coca-Cola produces a version of its drink with sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, which is used in the U.S. Due to consumer preferences for the taste of sugar or the perception of it being a more natural ingredient, Coca-Cola imports the Mexican version for distribution in the U.S.
CEO James Quincey recently discussed Coca-Cola’s use of sugar in its products during an earnings call. He mentioned that besides the traditional cola, Coca-Cola also uses cane sugar in other products like coffee, lemonade, and tea. Quincey emphasized that offering Coke with sugar will remain a choice for consumers as the company aims to cater to different preferences by utilizing various sweetening options.
The shift towards healthier lifestyles has led to a decline in soft drink consumption over the years. As people become more health-conscious and prices of sugary beverages rise, the demand for such drinks has decreased. According to IBISWorld, soft drink consumption has been on a downward trend since its peak in 1999, with consumers expected to drink 42 gallons of soft drinks this year, down from nearly 50 gallons during its peak.
In response to changing consumer preferences, soda makers like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are exploring ways to make their core brands more appealing to a wider audience. PepsiCo recently announced its plans to launch a Pepsi offering with prebiotics this fall, joining Coca-Cola in the quest to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer tastes and preferences.
