Coca Cola (NYSE: KO) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) better look out. Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian company behind bestselling energy drink and household name Red Bull, wants to try its hand at selling cola. The new drink, shown at right, will launch in seven countries over the next several months, with the US launch slated for June, according [subscription required] to the Wall Street Journal.According to BrandWeek, "Unlike Coca-Cola and Pepsi, Red Bull Cola will be 100% natural and command a premium price. Its formula will consist of kola nut and coca leaf."
The all-natural formula could be a big advantage for Red Bull,wcreating the perception of a more healthy beverage in the same way that vitaminwater became a big hit among people looking to drink healthier, in spite of being pretty high in calories.
Will Red Bull have success? That's hard to say without knowing what it tastes like, but with a strong brand and rapid growth, Red Bull could present the most serious challenge to the cola leadership of Coke and Pepsi in a long time -- possibly ever.
With Coke and Pepsi both experiencing significant declines in sales last year, this could be the perfect time to kick them while they're down.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
4-08-2008 @ 6:38AM
Bob Richardson said...
FIRST!!!
I think I will stick to my Coke and 7-Up products. Not interested in Red Bull cola.
4-08-2008 @ 6:39AM
stumar said...
no comment
4-08-2008 @ 6:39AM
cuppahavah said...
Whats the big deal about saying "first" its inane, insipid, banal, and a joke. Whoppee to you.
l ill try to test it before l make my decision. lf not, l'll stick to Dr. Pepper then.
4-08-2008 @ 6:40AM
Javah said...
Whats the big deal for the "fist" competition? l find it asinine, banal, inspid, and a joke. Whoppee!
l'll give it a try, and if not, l'll stick to Dr. Pepper.
4-08-2008 @ 6:56AM
Javah said...
this site sure is screwing up.... oops.
4-08-2008 @ 6:56AM
DQ said...
I smell a big flop here. If the only thing different is that it's made from natural ingredients but it's going to come in a smaller can and cost twice as much then people won't want it. At least they get a boost out of normal Red Bull and it's a good drink mixer but this cola is going to flop.
4-08-2008 @ 6:58AM
wild bill said...
coca leaf???
that must mean...cocoa leaf....
coca leaf is used in making cocaine..!
4-08-2008 @ 7:04AM
Colonol Mustard in the Kitchen said...
It won't market well until it gets a contract with a fast-food chain.
4-08-2008 @ 7:04AM
vickitot said...
I WILL STICK WITH COKE ! ! !
4-08-2008 @ 7:04AM
KAYE MCCALL said...
I have been an avid user of coke all my life from reg to diet to diet caffiene free.
I hope this is appropriate place to state a concern.
I hate the new white lids. Very hard to open. In fact yesterday at work I had my 1st pepsi ever because it is easier to open.
4-08-2008 @ 7:33AM
coca said...
Coca is probably correct. Coca-Cola used this ingredient when it was first lauched. That is where it gets its name.
4-08-2008 @ 7:32AM
MIKE G. said...
SOMEONE SHOULD MENTION TO THE DOPES THAT IF THE CONTAINER WAS VENDABLE, THEY WOULD QUADRUPAL THEIR SALES !
4-08-2008 @ 12:17PM
DanD said...
I'm always willing to try a new cola, but when something comes out with a premium price, I usually stick with my old, dependable; Coke.
4-08-2008 @ 7:42AM
Renee said...
I will stick to my Mountain Dew anyday :))
4-08-2008 @ 8:08AM
deecee said...
There's already another cola out there that's very good -- Cricket Cola. It's made by a small company, with green tea, cola nut and sugar cane juice -- instead of high-fructose corn syrup. If it's around in your area, you should give it a try. It may sound weird, but it's really very good. (No, this is not a paid commercial announcement ;) )
4-08-2008 @ 8:32AM
Heather said...
They call it Red Bull because it tastes like you just licked your toungue across a bulls red arse!
However, I am sure I will try the new version because "formula will consist of kola nut and coca leaf." Sounds like my kind of stimulant!
I miss Coke Blak....
4-08-2008 @ 9:39AM
Tim Snellings said...
I rarely drink coke or pepsi as I'm doing my best to avoid caffeine (yes, I know there is caffeine free and when I do have a pepsi or coke, that's what I drink). I'm also trying to avoid other additives...aspartame and to take better care of myself. Yes, I'm a baby boomer, born in 1959, and am more interested in putting things that benefit my body into my body. I'm also concerned about 'empty' calories. So, having said that, I will read the label and probably give it a try.
4-08-2008 @ 8:55AM
star said...
Why not just drink water... it's more nutritious and it doesn't have tons of sugar or fake sweeteners that wreck people's health. Since the world is running out of fresh water, cola companies shouldn't be able to use it to make their sugary junk drinks. so there.
4-08-2008 @ 3:42PM
dude said...
They make a cola in Columbia with the coca leaf.. It has enough cocaine in it to give you a buzz.
4-08-2008 @ 9:22AM
jyl said...
Of course people will run out and buy this over priced drink. Americans love to walk around showing off how much money they love to waste. I see people at work every day come in with great big starbucks, then at lunch they go buy a $5 frozen drink at Baskin Robbins. That's $10 spent BEFORE lunch. It amazes me how people waste money. I've been through some hard financial times in my life and am very thrify. They will learn.