Coca-Cola Australia has launched a drink unlike any other it has produced before.
For the first time, the company will enter the alcohol market with its Topo Chico Hard Seltzer which blends sparkling water with alcohol and natural flavor.
The hard seltzer category has seen huge growth over the last 12 months and the soft drink giant also wanted to jump on the bandwagon.
Coca-Cola South Pacific vice president Robert Priest said their beverage will have a great appeal to those drinkers looking for something new and refreshing to enjoy.
“We have a fantastic product in Topo Chico Hard Seltzer which is backed by fans in Latin America and Europe and we’re confident Australians will love the light, refreshing taste,” Mr. Priest said.
He said the company is “very good at finding drinks” and finding a new direction, and understanding what people want to drink as well.
The hard seltzer category has blown up in recent time with the IRI predicting sales in Australia could be as high as $300 million by 2025.
The publication explained its appeal comes from its reported health and wellness profile and how it usually contains less than 100 calories and generally has a lower ABV at around 4-5 percent.
Seltzer water is carbonated water, and a replacement for soda and other sugary drinks that can increase the chances of conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The new alcoholic beverage will be available in three flavors: Tangy Lemon Lime, Pineapple Twist, and Strawberry Guava — with each can containing 4.7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and under 104 calories.
Its description reads that its also gluten-free with no artificial sweeteners.
Dietitian Leanne Elliston said at the end of the day consumers need to be made aware it’s still alcohol.
“There is absolutely no nutritional value in hard seltzers and as such, they do not contribute to a healthy diet whatsoever,” she said.
“It would be a concern if younger Australians thought it was a healthier way to drink.