Coca-Cola Co. is discontinuing its Coca-Cola Spiced and Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar flavors after being on the market for just over seven months.
The decision to phase out the Spiced flavors is to make room for a new flavor that will be introduced next year, based on consumer preferences and product range adjustments.
Driving the news: Coca-Cola Spiced was launched on Feb. 19 in the U.S. and Canada as the beverage giant’s first new permanent addition to its North American portfolio in three years.
- The cancellation of Coca-Cola Spiced may have been influenced by its taste profile, with some consumers noting that it primarily tastes like raspberry despite the “Spiced” name.
- The development of Coca-Cola Spiced was expedited, taking only seven weeks instead of the typical year-long process for formulating new beverages, reflecting the company’s need to keep up with rapid market changes and consumer trends.
- Coca-Cola has been introducing innovative flavors to appeal to younger consumers, such as Coca-Cola Creations with unique limited-edition flavors like coconut, strawberry, and watermelon, as well as a recent Oreo-flavored Coke launch.
- The company has also been venturing into alcoholic beverages, with the introduction of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in 2021 and an upcoming premixed rum-and-Coke cocktail collaboration with Bacardi Limited set to launch in Europe and Mexico.
