Coke transitions away from Nestea brand to Fuze
The Coca-Cola Company has introduced new additions of tea and juice drinks to its Fuze product line-up in anticipation of an expiring distribution deal with Nestlé Waters. Fuze is Coke's value-branded option and is set to play a more prominent role within its future tea and functional drinks portfolio, as a distribution and marketing agreement of Nestea iced tea expires at the end of 2012. The new products include lemon iced tea, a blend of tea and lemonade and juice drinks. They will be available at both fountains and in bottle/can packages by the end of the year. Oneliter bottles are currently retailing for $0.99 at convenience stores nationwide. After 20 years of cooperation, Nestlé Waters North America is set to take over the US distribution responsibility for the Nestea brand.