Coca-Cola drinkers who wish to avoid corn syrup now have a new reason to celebrate. Known for its unique flavor, Mexican Coke has long been favored by fans for its use of cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. However, later this year, U.S. consumers will have an exciting new option: a Coke sweetened with U.S. cane sugar, as announced by Coca-Cola's Chairman and CEO, James Quincey, during a conference call with analysts.
In the quarterly earnings report released recently, Coca-Cola described this new offering as an expansion of its product line rather than a replacement for its flagship Coke product. Quincey emphasized that this cane sugar Coke will complement the company's core portfolio of drinks, providing an alternative for those who prefer a sweetener that aligns more closely with their tastes.
The announcement comes just a week after President Trump publicly expressed his support for Coca-Cola to consider using cane sugar in its signature drink. "I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!" Trump stated, demonstrating his enthusiasm for the change. Notably, Trump is a well-known fan of Diet Coke, which is primarily sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame.
During the conference call, Quincey acknowledged the president's enthusiasm for the Coca-Cola brand but did not elaborate on any direct communications with the White House regarding the recipe change. He mentioned, "As you may have seen last week, we appreciate the president's enthusiasm for our Coca-Cola brand." This shift towards domestic sugar aligns with Trump's economic priorities, particularly his imposition of steep tariffs on foreign sugar imports.
The source of the sugar used in Coca-Cola products could significantly impact the drink's pricing. The U.S. sugar industry benefits from substantial market protections against foreign competition, resulting in sugar prices that are typically about twice as high as those on the global market. NPR's Scott Horsley has reported extensively on the high trade barriers the U.S. maintains against imported sugar.
While many U.S. consumers view Mexican Coke as a unique offering due to its cane sugar content, Quincey pointed out that Coca-Cola already utilizes cane sugar in several other products within its U.S. portfolio. "We use cane sugar in a number of our other brands in the U.S. portfolio, from lemonade to teas, some of the coffee products, and even some Vitamin Water drinks," he explained. This new Coke variant represents Coca-Cola's commitment to exploring options that cater to evolving consumer preferences.
The impending release of a cane sugar Coke in the U.S. marks an exciting development for fans of Coca-Cola who are looking for alternatives to traditional soda sweeteners. With support from influential figures such as President Trump and a focus on consumer preferences, Coca-Cola's new product is poised to enhance its already diverse beverage lineup.
