Coca-Cola Co. plans to launch Chu-Hai in Japan, according to the Financial Times newspaper. Chu-Hai is a local beverage made from the mixing of soda water with the extract of "shōchū" ", an alcoholic beverage used in Japan, and increase some flavors such as lemon or lime, according to the site" businessinsider. "
"We have not tried a light alcoholic beverage before, but it will be an example to explore a new opportunity outside of soft drinks only," Jorge Gardonio, president of Coca-Cola in Japan, responded to a question posted on the company's website.
The project is the first of its kind in Coca-Cola's alcoholic beverages category in its 126-year history.
"It's a modest experience to put this kind of beverage," Gardoniu said. "I do not think people from all over the world expect to see this kind of beverage from Coca-Cola."
Coca-Cola is suffering from a drop in sales worldwide as health-conscious consumers avoid soft drinks for other beverages such as coconut water and flavored water.