Coke Zero turns five

ATLANTA Coca-Cola's Coke Zero continues to thrive in the beverage sector as it celebrates its fifth year on the market this month.

Coke Zero was created in 2005 to meet consumer demand for real Coke taste with zero calories — joining Coca-Cola and Diet Coke to form a perfect trio of brands offering a choice to anyone seeking great cola taste. Coke Zero is poised to break into the top 10 most popular U.S. sparkling beverages, Coca-Cola said.

“Introducing a new product, especially one carrying the name of one of the world’s most recognizable and loved brands, is both exciting and challenging,” said Katie Bayne, president and general nanager of sparkling beverages for Coca-Cola North America. “Coke Zero has proven to be an innovation that continues to grow five years after its launch. The brand is successful because it filled a need for an underserved consumer — young adults, especially males, who were looking for great Coca-Cola taste with zero calories. In a world where new products rise and fall all the time, great taste, relevant marketing, strong distribution and loyal consumers have helped Coke Zero to thrive.”