Coffee war begins as Coca-Cola and Pepsi launch rival products

SOFT drink giants Coca-Cola and Pepsi are launching rival products which aim to tap into consumers’ love of coffee.

The first of the two fizzy drinks to hit Ireland will be Pepsi Max Cino, which contains a shot of cappuccino flavouring.

Rival Coca-Cola Blak is described as containing real coffee and produces a “coffee-like” froth when poured.

It has around twice the amount of caffeine as regular Coke but one third less than an average cup of coffee.

Pepsi Max Cino contains the same amount of caffeine as standard Pepsi Max and around half that of coffee.

It goes on sale in January, the same month that Coca-Cola Blak launches in France.

Marc Mathieu, vice president of global core brands at the Coca-Cola Company, said: “We believe we have created a new category of soft drink - an adult product in a carbonated beverage - and a whole new drinking experience.”

Pepsi Max Cino is sugar-free, while Coca-Cola Blak has around half the calories of standard Coke.

Andrew Marsden, category director at Pepsi manufacturer Britvic, said: “Pepsi Max Cino is about pushing the boundaries with innovation.”

No date has been set for Coca-Cola Blak’s Irish launch, a Coca-Cola spokeswoman said.