Coca-Cola enters China's dairy drink market

Oct. 14, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Coca-Cola Co Ltd, the U.S.-based soft drink giant, on Monday launched its first dairy drink in China, marking its official entry into the country's dairy drink segment, the Shanghai Daily reported.

The Minute Maid Pulpy Super Milky drink, a mixture of fruit juice, milk powder and coconut bits, will be available in 300 Chinese cities by the end of 2009, said Douglas A. Jackson, president of Coca-Cola China.

Coca-Cola has been expanding its beverage business in China, which has become its third-largest market, and plans to broaden its product portfolio there. It recently launched a US$90-million research center and new China headquarters in Shanghai.

The world's largest beverage company has plans to accelerate its investment in economically-undeveloped central and western China, where the firm has already invested US$30 million, said Glenn Jordan, president of Coca-Cola's Pacific Group, according to an earlier report from China Knowledge.