After two years of research and testing the company is set to launch fruit-based sparkling drink Finley onto the French market, with the drink pitched at 25-49 year olds.
CCE said French research showed that only 10% of beverages consumed by adults are carbonated soft drinks – well below warm beverages like coffee and tea.
“The current soft drinks offer is fairly limited for a population whose taste is changing and becoming more mature,” the company said.
As a low-calorie drink (20 calories/100ml serving) Finley promises “fine bubbles and subtle flavors” – Grapefruit & Blood Orange, Lemon & Elder Blossom, Orange & Cranberry, and Tonic.
Available in 250ml cans and 500ml and 1.5 liter bottles, Finley has no added preservatives and contains fruit juice, natural aromas and natural sweeteners.
“For Coca-Cola Enterprises, the launch of Finley is part of our diversification strategy which sets out to cover greater consumer needs as well as increasing our low-calorie beverage portfolio,” the company said.
“We are organizing a large-scale launch plan for the new brand, our most ambitious since the launch of Coca- Cola Zero in 2007. It will involve sampling and advertising across supermarkets, convenience stores and online retailers.