Coca-Cola added another jolt to its ever-broadening portfolio Thursday, with the beverage giant saying it will launch its first energy drinks.
Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) told Reuters it's working on plans for “Coca-Cola Energy” and “Coca-Cola Energy No Sugar," which would likely include caffeine from naturally-derived sources and guarana extract. There is no timeline for a release date, Reuters said.
Energy drinks are controversial both in the U.S. and abroad since some have been linked to deaths in young people, Reuters reports.
Atlanta-based Coca-Cola will join a crowded field in the energy-drink market that is dominated by the likes of Red Bull, Rockstar and Monster, a company in which Coca-Cola bought a nearly 17 percent in 2015. Reuters reported that Coke is currently in arbitration with Monster Beverage Corp. (Nasdaq: MNST) over the launch of Coke's new energy drinks, which Monster says could violate the 2015 agreement.
