The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

The Coca-Cola Company has announced a significant expansion of its Cherry beverage portfolio for the U.S. and Canadian markets, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the flavour line's debut. Launching in February 2026, the rollout introduces two new permanent innovation SKUs—Coca-Cola Cherry Float and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float—and sees the nationwide return of Diet Coke Cherry.

This strategic move aims to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for "nostalgic flavours reimagined in modern ways," creating a comprehensive tier of cherry-forward options ranging from full-sugar indulgences to zero-calorie functional diets.

Product Innovation: The 'Soda Fountain' Experience

Leading the expansion is Coca-Cola Cherry Float, a new flavour profile engineered to replicate the taste of a classic ice cream float without the use of actual dairy. The formulation blends the established Cherry Coke profile with creamy vanilla notes.

Key Product Specs:

• Variants: Full Sugar and Zero Sugar.

• Formats: 12-ounce 12-pack cans and 20-ounce bottles.

• Flavour Profile: Cherry base with smooth vanilla finish.

Portfolio Return: Diet Coke Cherry

Responding to persistent consumer demand, Diet Coke Cherry returns to national distribution. Unlike previous limited-time offers (LTOs) that featured retro branding, this release aligns with the current Diet Coke visual identity to ensure consistency across the core lineup. It serves the specific demographic loyal to the distinct aspartame-sweetened profile of Diet Coke, as opposed to the reformulation used in Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

Packaging Design and Shelf Navigation

The launch introduces a refreshed visual expression designed to improve shelf impact and variety differentiation.

• Cherry Float: Anchored by a vintage float illustration and cherry-inspired pink and purple gradients.

• Sugar Differentiation: Consistent with Coca-Cola’s "One Brand" strategy, full-sugar varieties are distinguished by white script, while Zero Sugar formats utilise black script to maximise clarity for shoppers.

Strategic Context

The expansion builds on a four-decade legacy established in 1985 when Cherry Coke launched as the trademark’s first flavoured extension. By widening the portfolio to five distinct cherry SKUs (Coca-Cola Cherry, Zero Sugar Cherry, Cherry Float, Zero Sugar Cherry Float, and Diet Coke Cherry), Coca-Cola is shoring up its dominance in the flavoured cola segment against increasing competition.

Availability: The new lineup is scheduled to begin shipping to retailers across the U.S. and Canada in February 2026. Select offerings will also be integrated into Coca-Cola Freestyle machines to drive on-premise trial.