Pepsi Next gets official launch date

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Pepsi Next officially is coming to the market, PepsiCo announced this week.

Pepsi Next, the company said, is crafted to taste like regular cola but touts 60% less sugar. The company tested out the product, which hits store shelves March 26, in Iowa and Wisconsin.

"As part of our continued commitment to innovate our carbonated soft drinks portfolio, we developed Pepsi Next, a great-tasting, full-flavor cola with 60% less sugar," PepsiCo Beverages America CEO Massimo d'Amore said of the new beverage this past summer. "In thorough consumer research, Pepsi Next resonated very well with consumers who are seeking a new, reduced-sugar alternative to their loved cola."

The product launch is being supported by a Walmart sampling program, in-market sampling across cities nationwide, a 30-second television advertising spot, a Facebook page and Facebook digital application, "Improv You" Internet Taste Test, multi-city public relations events, as well as targeted and relevant Hispanic advertising and grassroots marketing.