Coca-Cola Tuesday rejected President Trump’s demand to make use of solely cane sugar in its flagship soda and as a substitute vowed to introduce a brand new product for the U.S. market that will use the made-in-America sweetener.
Just a few days after Trump claimed Coca-Cola had agreed to modify from high-fructose corn syrup, the beverage large as a substitute solely agreed to launch a brand new model of the signature drink that can use solely American cane sugar.
The Atlanta based mostly company didn’t say it will change the recipe of its signature Coca-Cola drink bought nationwide as Trump recommended.
“The company plans to launch an offering made with U.S. cane sugar to expand its Trademark Coca-Cola product range,” Coca-Cola mentioned in its second-quarter earnings report.
However Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey sought to painting the transfer as a glass half full strategy to Trump’s calls for.
“We appreciate the president’s enthusiasm for our Coca-Cola brand,” Quincey mentioned in a convention name with traders Tuesday. “We are definitely looking to use the whole tool kit of available sweetening options.”
There was no instant remark from Trump.
The president, who famously drinks Weight loss program Coke, claims cane sugar makes soda style higher. He says it is also more healthy than corn syrup, though most nutritionists say individuals ought to keep away from sweetened drinks altogether.
Coke makes use of cane sugar in another U.S.-marketed drinks, like its Merely model lemonade and Sincere Tea. Coke has additionally bought Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, within the U.S. since 2005, and it has a developed a cult following.
It switched from cane sugar to high-fructose corn syrup in 1980 to sweeten its flagship drink in 1980 as a cost-cutting measure.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to innovate and see whether there’s an intersection of new ideas and where consumer preferences are evolving,” Quincey mentioned. “It’s a good sign that the industry, including ourselves, are trying lots of different things.”
