Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has launched its first range of premium ready-to-drink (RTD) cold coffee. Available in the UK from March, Honest Coffee will be sold in Latte and Mocha variants alongside the existing Honest Organic Herbal Tea brand. Roll-out in Spain and Norway is expected to follow in the coming months.

The move to by Coca-Cola reflects increasing consumer appetite for iced and cold coffees. Research by Allegra estimates 18% p.a. growth in the UK iced coffee sector, with total coffeeshop sales of £338m in 2016. Coca-Cola has an estimated 15% share of the global RTD coffee sector, ahead of major competitors Starbucks and Nestlé.

Commenting on the new product, Simon Harrison, customer marketing director GB for Coca-Cola European Partners, said: "Launching Honest Coffee is a real step-change for CCEP and part of our evolution to becoming a total beverage company.”

In 2017 Coca-Cola partnered with Dunkin’ Brands to launch bottled Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee beverages in the US. The Honest Coffee launch coincides with the announcement of new flavours for core brands, including mango and peach Coca-Cola, and lemon, lime and cucumber Sprite. The beverage giant will also launch its first alcopop in Japan later this year.