Latest news with #Coca-ColaZeroSugar
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Aberdeen Special Olympian fronts Co-op and Coca-Cola campaign raising funds for inclusive sport
Aberdeen's Alex Rae – a medal-winning Special Olympics GB table tennis player and long-serving Co-op colleague – is fronting a new nationwide campaign from Co-op and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to champion inclusion through sport. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Meals That Matter campaign, running in Co-op stores across the UK from 9 July to 5 August, raises funds for Special Olympics GB, which supports more than 12,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across grassroots sports clubs. Shoppers can support the campaign by picking up a special £6 meal deal – including two Co-op pizzas and a 4-pack of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or Diet Coke – with 25p from every sale donated directly to the charity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alex, double silver medallist in table tennis, who works at the Co-op store on Rosehill Drive, is one of five Special Olympics athlete ambassadors proudly representing the campaign. He said: Alex Rae 'Being a part of the Special Olympics Grampian club is amazing – as is working for Co-op. The support and encouragement I've had has helped me build my confidence and really believe in myself. I'd love for more people with intellectual disabilities to have opportunities like these so they can really see what they can do.' Now in his 25th year at Co-op, Alex recently visited the Co-op store in Edinburgh, where he saw himself featured on the store's front windows as part of the campaign launch. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a UK first, the campaign will also feature Makaton symbols – a communication tool using signs and symbols to support people with communication difficulties – on point-of-sale materials in-store. Alex Rae The campaign's visibility will be unmissable, with digital screens, floor vinyls, and front-of-store displays featuring Special Olympics GB athletes and messages about inclusion in everyday life. Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager at CCEP, said: 'This campaign is about showing what's possible when everyone is given the support they need to thrive – in sport, in the workplace, and in society. We're so proud to be part of something that helps raise awareness and funding for the incredible work of Special Olympics GB.' Coca-Cola has been a founding partner of Special Olympics since the movement began and continues its support through long-standing programmes that promote inclusion both on and off the field.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Aberdeen Special Olympian fronts Co-op and Coca-Cola campaign raising funds for inclusive sport
Aberdeen's Alex Rae – a medal-winning Special Olympics GB table tennis player and long-serving Co-op colleague – is fronting a new nationwide campaign from Co-op and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to champion inclusion through sport. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Meals That Matter campaign, running in Co-op stores across the UK from 9 July to 5 August, raises funds for Special Olympics GB, which supports more than 12,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across grassroots sports clubs. Shoppers can support the campaign by picking up a special £6 meal deal – including two Co-op pizzas and a 4-pack of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or Diet Coke – with 25p from every sale donated directly to the charity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alex, double silver medallist in table tennis, who works at the Co-op store on Rosehill Drive, is one of five Special Olympics athlete ambassadors proudly representing the campaign. He said: Alex Rae 'Being a part of the Special Olympics Grampian club is amazing – as is working for Co-op. The support and encouragement I've had has helped me build my confidence and really believe in myself. I'd love for more people with intellectual disabilities to have opportunities like these so they can really see what they can do.' Now in his 25th year at Co-op, Alex recently visited the Co-op store in Edinburgh, where he saw himself featured on the store's front windows as part of the campaign launch. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a UK first, the campaign will also feature Makaton symbols – a communication tool using signs and symbols to support people with communication difficulties – on point-of-sale materials in-store. Alex Rae The campaign's visibility will be unmissable, with digital screens, floor vinyls, and front-of-store displays featuring Special Olympics GB athletes and messages about inclusion in everyday life. Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager at CCEP, said: 'This campaign is about showing what's possible when everyone is given the support they need to thrive – in sport, in the workplace, and in society. We're so proud to be part of something that helps raise awareness and funding for the incredible work of Special Olympics GB.'
The Hill
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Costco begins swapping out Pepsi products at food courts
(NEXSTAR) — Sorry, Pepsi fans, a change months in the making is finally taking effect at Costco that may upend your $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Back in January, CEO Ron Vachris confirmed Costco would convert its 'food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola.' The switchover was expected to happen this summer, and, according to Reddit users claiming to be employees and customers, it has. In a statement to Nexstar, The Coca-Cola Company confirmed that its products began rolling out to Costco food courts on July 1. 'The news is true: Costco's legendary hot dog combo just got an ice-cold Coca-Cola upgrade.' Redditors across the U.S. shared that their local Costco warehouse had switched over, including locations in Tucson, Arizona; Fremont and Lakewood, California; Tampa; Chicago; St. Louis; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and Nashville, among others. One user even shared a photo from Sendai, Japan. Why Costco, Sam's Club typically have lower gas prices than other stations The changeover at Costco food courts in 14 countries is expected to be completed fall of this year. All locations will receive traditional fountain units, not the Freestyle machines you may find at other retailers and restaurants. Photos posted to Reddit show traditional soda fountains with eight dispensers each. Available offerings include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite, and Minute Maid Lemonade. In some photos, Fuze Tea was an option, while others showed Powerade instead. Costco did not immediately respond to Nexstar's requests for additional information. Prior to Vachris' announcement, rumors had been circulating for months that Costco was planning to bring Coke back to the food court, drawing support from customers online. One Reddit user warned it 'better not be a December fools prank' while another said the then-rumor made their 'whole day.' Pepsi had been at Costco food court fountains for more than a decade, replacing Coca-Cola in 2013. When Costco swapped Coke for Pepsi, it was a move to help keep its beloved hot dog at $1.50. Costco has repeatedly reassured consumers over the last few years that it would not raise the price of its hot dog and soda combo, even as consumer prices rose and membership fees climbed. The combo has been available for $1.50 since the mid-1980s. The warehouse giant isn't the first to swap soda suppliers in recent years. Subway dropped Coke products for Pepsi last year. In early 2023, the Midwest fast-casual chain Culver's announced it was replacing Pepsi products with Coke, leaving some fans disappointed. Customers called it an 'all-time blunder' and one of the 'saddest' moments in their lives.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Trump Wants Coca-Cola To Use Cane Sugar In Sodas, But Consumers Want...
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It's one of Coke's fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company's total case volumes were up 2%. PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks. 'When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant,' said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. The scrutiny over Coke's sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the US. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump wrote on his social media site. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!' "I have been speaking to @CocaCola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!" –President Donald J. Trump — The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 16, 2025 Coca-Cola didn't confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon. Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup, which has sweetened Coke in the US since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the US doesn't make enough sugar for Coke's needs. He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the US just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged US fans by importing Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles. The corn industry wasn't happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump's announcement. In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it's no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners. 'It's safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body,' the company said. 'Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances.' The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners. Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford. He said his data shows original Coke was the top seller by volume in the US last year, with 19% market share, while Coke Zero Sugar was seventh and had a 4% market share. But Coke Zero Sugar's share grew 10%, while original Coke's share was flat. Paige Leyden, the associate director of food service, flavors and ingredients reports at the market research company Mintel, said drinks with a health halo like Olipop — which has 1 gram of sugars compared to original Coke's 65 grams — are also pressuring legacy soda makers. Mintel expects full-sugar sodas will see a 3.4% rise in US sales this year, while diet sodas will see 11.8% growth. Still, nutritionists suggest avoiding added sugars, no matter the form, since they provide empty calories with no nutrients. The 2020 US dietary guidelines advise people to limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, and say children under 2 should not be fed them at all. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, whose nutrition views often diverge from mainstream nutrition science, has spoken out against sugar. His agency is expected to release updated nutrition guidelines later this year. 'There's things we'll never be able to eliminate, like sugar,' Kennedy said at an April news conference. 'And sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that.' Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are also named as a concern in a government report Kennedy issued in May.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Trump says Coke will shift to cane sugar. But increasingly, shoppers want no sugar in their sodas
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It's one of Coke's fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company's total case volumes were up 2%. PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks. 'When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant,' said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. Coca-Cola Co. hasn't confirmed a presidential pronouncement The scrutiny over Coke's sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the U.S. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump wrote on his social media site. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!' Coca-Cola didn't confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon. Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup , which has sweetened Coke in the U.S. since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the U.S. doesn't make enough sugar for Coke's needs. He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the U.S. just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged U.S. fans by importing Mexican Coke , which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles . A rush to defend high fructose corn syrup The corn industry wasn't happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump's announcement. In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it's no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners. 'It's safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body,' the company said. 'Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances.' The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners. US consumers are seeking more options Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs. Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford. He said his data shows original Coke was the top seller by volume in the U.S. last year, with 19% market share, while Coke Zero Sugar was seventh and had a 4% market share. But Coke Zero Sugar's share grew 10%, while original Coke's share was flat. Paige Leyden, the associate director of food service, flavors and ingredients reports at the market research company Mintel, said drinks with a health halo like Olipop — which has 1 gram of sugars compared to original Coke's 65 grams — are also pressuring legacy soda makers. Mintel expects full-sugar sodas will see a 3.4% rise in U.S. sales this year, while diet sodas will see 11.8% growth. Still, nutritionists suggest avoiding added sugars, no matter the form, since they provide empty calories with no nutrients. The 2020 U.S. dietary guidelines advise people to limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, and say children under 2 should not be fed them at all. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, whose nutrition views often diverge from mainstream nutrition science , has spoken out against sugar. His agency is expected to release updated nutrition guidelines later this year. 'There's things we'll never be able to eliminate, like sugar,' Kennedy said at an April news conference. 'And sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that.' Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are also named as a concern in a government report Kennedy issued in May. ___ AP Health and Science Editor Jonathan Poet contributed from Philadelphia.
