Woolworths has announced it won't be stocking Coca-Cola's new product, Coca-Cola No Sugar.
Coca-Cola launched the product last month as an eventual replacement for Coke Zero, but it won't be on Woolworths' shelves for now with a company spokesman telling The Australian Financial Review that customers already have enough options to choose from.
"We have taken the decision to not range this product at this time," a Woolworths spokesman told the AFR.
"Our customers looking for a no-sugar or low-sugar cola option have ample choice already in the category across a range of different pack sizes and formats."
Coles is already selling the product, while it is also available at the likes of 7-Eleven and Hungry Jack's. Early sales figures have not been released.
Coca-Cola, which says the new cola is the 'closest we have ever come to the classic taste' of its signature product, is handing out two million free samples around the country over the next eight weeks and has launched a free-to-air advertising campaign with the slogan 'say yes'.
It is Coca-Cola's biggest product launch since Zero in 2006 and it is seen as crucial to arresting a slide in the sales of soft drinks, as customers veer towards bottled water and other healthier options.
"We're entirely confident that Coca-Cola No Sugar will be a huge success," a Coca-Cola Amatil spokeswoman told the AFR.
"Taste tests show Coca-Cola No Sugar is actually preferred by Coca-Cola Classic drinkers to Coke Zero, and equally liked by Coke Zero drinkers.
"It's rolling out now onto thousands of shelves in other supermarkets, convenience stores, milk bars and grocery stores nationwide. So it will be everywhere in the market, in order to meet demand."
Coke Zero will be phased out next year.
