Coca-Cola Raspberry Bursts NZ Taste Buds First

May 3, 2005

Coca-Cola Raspberry Bursts NZ Taste Buds First

In a world first, a favourite Kiwi DIY flavour is about to hit shelves...

New Zealanders will be the first consumers in the world to try the newest flavour from Coke - Coca-Cola Raspberry, when it arrives in retail outlets from May 30.

And in a New Zealand first, the sugar-free version - Diet Coke with Raspberry - will be released at the same time as the new Coke flavour.

But for those who can't even wait until the end of the month, the very first bottles of Coca-Cola Raspberry and Diet Coke Raspberry ever to go on sale in the world will be auctioned to the highest bidder on www.TradeMe.co.nz.

The auction runs from 12pm May 12 to 12pm May 17 and the winning Kiwi bidder will have the bottle delivered to their doorstep on May 18 (12 days before the product is available to the public) - making them the first consumer on earth to get their hands on Coke's newest flavour.

All proceeds from the online auction will go to the charity Youthline.

Alison Sykora, Region Corporate Affairs Manager for Coca-Cola Oceania in New Zealand, says that New Zealand has the honour of being a test-market for Coke Raspberry for two key reasons: because we are proven early adopters of new experiences, and because Kiwis have been asking for Coca-Cola Raspberry for years.

"For years, we've had numerous calls to Coca-Cola's customer services department requesting raspberry as a new Coke flavour. A shot of raspberry and Coke is also a very popular choice at self-serve soda fountains, so it's really just been a case of listening to what the public wants," says Alison.

Coke Raspberry ($2.40 RRP for 600ml) and Diet Coke with Raspberry ($2.40 RRP for 600ml) is available for a limited time. The flavour will also be available in cans, 1.5 litre and 2.25 litre packs.

Once the successful bidder has received his or her world-first Coca-Cola Raspberry and Diet Coke Raspberry, another lucky New Zealand consumer will have the chance to try the drinks before they hit the shelves as well as enjoying an action packed weekend with three friends in Queenstown. The competition begins on May 12 and can be entered at www.coke.co.nz

ENDS

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