Coca-cola to introduce world’s first canned hot fizzy drink in Japan
New technology to make drinks that are both heated and carbonated has taken four years' research to build
Coca-Cola will mark a world first in the soft drinks market when it launches its latest product in Japan – a hot, fizzy, spicy ginger ale product sold in a can from vending machines.
It’s a heady combination, and has taken four years of challenging research and development work to come up with the technology required to create a warm drink that remains carbonated in the process.
The flavour involved in this ground-breaking innovation is Canada Dry Ginger Ale, a new offering featuring ginger extract and hints of apple and cinnamon.
Japan already has a stomach for warm beverages coming in packages we might regard as unusual – there it is common for vending machines to stock a range of products of varying temperatures.
That could be why Coca-Cola is, for the time being, only launching the product in the Far East – and just in time for the onset of bitter autumn temperatures.
The drinks company, which has been based in Atlanta since the 19th century, told the local Atlanta Journal-Constitution that spiced hot drinks are already popular in Japan, especially during the colder months.
The first fizzy one is set to go on sale on 21 October, with a “double-chambered” aluminium can design that insulates the liquid and protects the drinker’s hand from its heat.
The 180ml winter warmer will cost 120 Japanese yen – about 75p.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies