The Coca-Cola Company is discontinuing the much-loved Nestea drink in Canada. Instead, it will introduce a drink called ‘FUZE’, which will be available from January 2025. However, the Nestea drink will still be available for customers. The production rights have been acquired by Keurig Dr. Pepper Canada, aka Canada Dry Motts.
Coca-Cola will no longer be producing the drink as KDP has signed a long-term agreement with Société des Produits Nestle or Nestle Canada to manufacture, market, and distribute the drink across the country from January 1, 2025.
This collaboration is expected to boost Nestle’s brand as new products will be launched in due time while the consistency of the same will be ensured. According to a statement released by Olivier Lemire, President of KDP:
“This partnership reflects KDP Canada’s forward-thinking approach to collaboration, emphasizing our commitment to driving value through strategic partnerships and expanding our portfolio with premium beverages.”
He added,
“By combining Nestea’s strong heritage with KDP Canada’s leadership in consumer-driven innovation, we are well positioned to elevate the brand and meet the evolving preferences of Canadian consumers.”
John Carmichael, president and CEO of Nestlé Canada, said he was enthusiastic about this partnership with KDP Canada to expand the brand. He highlighted the shared vision for the beverage industry's future and a mutual dedication to sustainability and innovation, which he believed were the key factors for strengthening the collaboration.
Here’s what is expected from KDP’s partnership with Nestea
It is noteworthy that Coca-Cola’s FUZE iced tea has been on sale for some time. But, it will be introduced in Canada for the first time in 2025. The FUZE iced tea is available in various flavors, like lemon, lemon zero sugar, raspberry, white peach, and green tea. However, whether all flavors will be available in Canada is yet to be known.
As per the press release by KDP, Nestea has been famous for its strong heritage and loyal consumer base. It will benefit from KDP Canada’s expertise in market strategy and innovation. Social media users also had various reactions, but one person wrote,
“I mean, they have the sales performance and a bunch of other data to have made this decision, so it probably makes sense. Just sad to see so much brand equity go into the bin.”
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This partnership aims to enhance Nestea’s brand image and market strategy through product launches and expanded availability. KDP’s extensive distribution network and knowledge of the beverage industry knowledge will help the brand increase its presence in key retail channels.
As a result, it will foster growth with an increased market share for ready-to-drink products across Canada. Keurig Dr Pepper Canada has been a leading beverage company with a portfolio of over 70 owned, licensed, and partner brands. It holds top positions in items like coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, and mixers, and leads the market with its single-serve coffee brewing system.
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