MILAN — Lavazza and PepsiCo have formed a new strategic partnership to launch a ready-to-drink (RTD) iced coffee in the UK under the Lavazza brand. The deal will establish the foundation for further product launches in the European market in future.
Available nationwide in the UK from summer 2019, Lavazza Iced Cappuccino aims to leverage Lavazza’s reputation as a coffee specialist to capitalise on the growing demand for premium RTD iced coffee options.
The drink features a blend of Lavazza coffee and milk, and is available in a 100% recyclable, premium can.
According to a statement from Lavazza, the UK launch is only the first step of a partnership which will aim to accelerate innovation in this rapidly growing segment.
To achieve this, Lavazza claims that both companies will work together to launch new product lines in future, as well as expand into new markets in 2020.
Sergio Cravero, chief marketing officer of Lavazza Group said: “We are proud to cooperate with PepsiCo as we enter the fast-growing iced coffee segment for the first time.
“Lavazza’s commitment to quality, combined with PepsiCo’s expertise, allows us to explore and offer in certain strategic markets more and more ways to enjoy coffee, in line with the international vocation of the Group to grow on a global scale.”
Mark Kirkham, vice-president and head of marketing, PepsiCo West Europe Beverages added: “PepsiCo is very excited to be introducing Lavazza Iced Cappuccino to the UK market.
“This is the start of a collaborative partnership with Lavazza where we plan to innovate and bring to market new offerings based on consumer insights and preferences in the growing premium coffee space.
“We look forward to building on this initial offering and setting the stage for European expansion in 2020.”
