In a first for PepsiCo’s Australian presence, the beverage giant is launching a beverage outside of its core brands. Bubly is a no sugar sparkling water with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
PepsiCo ANZ CEO Kyle Faulconer said the brand is targeted at the increasing number of consumers looking for no and low sugar options.
“As one of the largest beverage and snacking brands in the world, PepsiCo has a strong track record as a category innovator – shifting consumer demand and leading industry innovation.
“The launch of Bubly also significantly enhances our commitment to providing healthier options to consumers. We have made significant investments to be a leader in promoting and encouraging consumers to select healthier beverage options and ensuring they have access to these options right across our brand portfolio,” Faulconer said.
The Bubly range comes in natural fruit flavours of pineapple, lime, blackberry, raspberry and passionfruit.
In 2018, PepsiCo signed on to the Australian Beverages Council Limited sugar reduction pledge, committing to reducing sugar by 20 per cent in its products by 2025. The industry is on track to reach the target, with a 16 per cent reduction being achieved by 2021.
Last year, in an Australian first, leading non-alcoholic beverage companies reported low/no sugar options accounted for 50 per cent of all sales.
PepsiCo said 60 per cent of its portfolio is now sugar free, and 70 per cent is no or low sugar. According to the company, around 51 per cent of Australians are actively trying to reduce or manage their sugar intake.
No sugar Pepsi Max was launched 30 years ago and is now the most popular brand in PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio.
The company said all major beverage launches in the last decade have been low or no sugar, including G Active and Gatorade No Sugar.
PepsiCo said the Bubly launch also strengthens PepsiCo’s commitment PepsiCo Positive (pep+), a strategic end-to-end transformation with sustainability at the centre of how the business will “create growth and value by inspiring positive change for the planet and people”.
Bubly is available nationwide for RRP $16.50 for an eight pack via major retailers including Coles and Woolworths and RRP $3.00 per can in petrol and convenience outlets.
