Coke Zero Makes Inroads at the Fountain
Coke Zero is increasingly available at foodservice outlets, advancing Coca-Cola's three-cola strategy built around Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke and Coke Zero, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Coke Zero is offered at nearly 14,000 foodservice outlets' beverage bars, tripling its availability in less than two years, according to the company.
Introduced in 2005, Coke Zero was at the fountain in about 4,500 outlets by the end of 2006 and about 10,000 by the end of 2007.
Coke Zero also is now offered in another 27,000 foodservice outlets in bottles. Coke Zero is being rolled out on a national basis at numerous chains, including Subway, Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse, Papa John's, Zaxby's and Shane's Rib Shack, Coke said.
Although it is unclear if Coke Zero will be offered at the nations largest dollar volume foodservice chains - McDonald's and Burger King - but Coca-Cola spokesman Scott Williamson told the Atlanta Journal-constitution it is being tested in some of the larger quick-service restaurants.
Fountain beverage offerings are important to Coke because it is the best way to get the most consumers to try new beverages, Williamson added.