The diet CSD category continues to underperform the overall U.S. LRB market. Diet Coke, which accounts for almost one-fourth of the retail sales of diet CSDs in convenience-stores, witnessed a 6% fall in unit sales in the twelve-week period ending April. In contrast, Diet Pepsi’s volumes fell by only 3.3%. Coca-Cola had already launched its low calorie Coca-Cola Life in Argentina in June last year, and followed it with the launch of the drink in Chile in November. Sold in green colored cans, Coca-Cola Life caused a 7% rise in beverage volumes in Argentina last year, despite weak economic conditions in the country. After months of testing, the company is set to launch the product in the domestic market, in a bid to reverse the fortunes of the ailing diet segment.
CCL Price at posting:
$10.52 Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
