Coca Cola recently confirmed the launch, scheduled for this autumn, of a new version of his famous drink. This news comes following a Post on social networks of President Donald Trumpwho had declared that he had convinced the company to replace a key ingredient in the Coca-Cola recipe sold in the United States.
What changes in Coca Cola USA
Tuesday, in its quarterly report on profits, Coca-Cola has made official the introduction of a version of its drinking drinking drink, which will not replace the previous one but will add to the range of existing products.
James Quincey, CEO of the company, explained that the goal is to offer a wider choice to meet the different preferences of customers, moreover, recalled how many other group drinks – such as lemonade and coffee – already use brown sugar in the United States.
The report reads:
As part of its innovation program, this autumn in the United States, the company plans to launch an united American cane sugar offer to expand its range of Coca-Cola products. This addition is designed to complete the company solid portfolio of the company and offer multiple choices based on occasions and preferences.
Brown sugar vs. corn syrup: a debate that has lasted for years
In the United States, Coca-Cola is traditionally sweetened with high fructose corn syrupa cheaper sweetener than brown sugar, which instead is the ingredient used in many other nations, such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia and also Italy. The transition to brown sugar in the US has also been solicited by some public figures, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who hardly criticized corn syrup, associating him with health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
But several experts underline that, regardless of the source of sweetening, the total amount of sugars consumed remains the key factor. An excess of sugars, in any form, is in fact connected to different health risks. Coca cola based on brown sugar, therefore, is not healthy at all.
The replica of the corn industry
The announcement of Coca-Cola was not enthusiastically accepted by the corn industry, which fears significant economic repercussions. John Bode, president of the Corn Refiners Association, highlighted how a reduction in the use of corn syrup could cause employment losses and income drops for Midwest farmers, a key area for the production of corn in the United States.
It should also be remembered that the production of cane sugar in the United States is concentrated in states such as Florida, from which Trump’s political support also comes. This dynamic therefore makes the debate not only economic but also political.
What changes for consumers?
In essence, the traditional coca-Cola recipe sold in the USA will not be changed. The new version with cane sugar will be a separate product, Designed for those who want an alternative. For those used to the classic taste, nothing will change, while those who prefer different sweetenings can opt for this new variant.
It remains to be seen how American consumers will welcome the novelty.
Sources: Investors Coca Cola Company / CNN
