PURCHASE, N.Y. — Looking for more caffeine in your cola?
PepsiCo is releasing Pepsi Cafe, a drink that combines Pepsi cola and coffee, in a 12-ounce slim can. The beverage has nearly double the amount of caffeine than a regular Pepsi cola and will be available in the United States in April.
The drink comes in two flavors, Original and Vanilla. Pepsi Cafe Original combines the sweeter undertones of Pepsi cola with coffee, and the vanilla flavor is designed to be a sweeter and creamier beverage, according to the company.
"We know that the consumers today are looking for products that meet the needs of energy, indulgence and refreshment during that afternoon pick-me-up occasion. At Pepsi, we've known the potential of blending cola and coffee for years and, after striking the perfect balance, we cannot wait to introduce Pepsi Cafe to the U.S. next year," said Todd Kaplan, vice president of marketing for PepsiCo. "We are confident that cola fans, iced-coffee drinkers and anyone in need of an extra caffeine boost will love the unexpected flavor medley of roasted coffee infused into the refreshing, crisp flavor of Pepsi."
Pepsi was one of the first brands to enter the cola-coffee category in 1996 with the launch of Pepsi Kona, a product that the company now says was “ahead of its time.” With a growing consumer demand for ready-to-drink iced coffee products, it was time to unveil Pepsi Cafe, PepsiCo said.
Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with a portfolio of more than 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Besides Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay North America, its main businesses are Pepsi, Quaker, Tropicana and Gatorade.
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