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Coca-Cola launches fruit-flavored drops
Source: Agencies | 2012-9-9 | NEWSPAPER EDITION
Sep 9, 2012



Dasani Drops can be squeezed into water to add a fruity flavor.

COCA-COLA'S newest drink won't come in a bottle or a can. And only a squirt or two will be needed to quench thirst.

The world's largest beverage company is introducing its Dasani Drops in coming weeks, which can be squeezed into water for some on-the-spot fruity flavor. Coca-Cola is betting there's big potential for growth.

"I think there's an opportunity beyond just flavored waters," said John Roddey, vice president of Coca-Cola's water, tea and coffee business in North America.

Roddey says the next category for liquid drops would be tea because drinks with higher sugar content are harder to turn into a liquid concentrate.

The Coca-Cola Co isn't the first to come out with flavor drops. The category was pioneered by Kraft Food Inc's MiO, which was introduced in March 2011 and has quickly spawned copycats.

The drops are popular because they come in small, portable containers that can be easily tucked into a purse or back pocket.

And unlike powdered drink packets, people can decide how much or little they want to squirt into their water.

A small bottle can have more than two dozen servings, meaning people save money they'd spend on bottled teas or enhanced waters.