Coca-Cola will expand its cherry-flavoured soft drinks portfolio in North America, launching a new Cherry Float variant and reintroducing Diet Coke Cherry nationwide as it looks to drive growth through flavour innovation and zero-sugar formats in a mature carbonates market.

The company says the new products will roll out to retailers across the US and Canada from this month, joining its existing Coca-Cola Cherry and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry lines.

The move reflects Coca-Cola’s continued focus on extending core brands through flavour variations rather than launching entirely new trademarks, a strategy widely adopted by major beverage groups to defend shelf space and stimulate incremental sales amid slowing soda volumes in developed markets.

Coca-Cola Cherry Float is positioned as a modern take on a traditional soda fountain drink, combining cherry and vanilla notes without dairy. It will be sold in both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions, signalling the company’s ongoing effort to balance indulgence with demand for reduced-sugar options.

Diet Coke Cherry, previously available only in limited markets, will return nationwide with updated packaging. The zero-calorie drink targets loyal Diet Coke consumers while tapping into renewed interest in retro flavours, a trend increasingly visible across food and beverage categories.

The company said cherry-flavoured drinks have been part of its portfolio since the launch of Cherry Coke in 1985, its first major flavoured extension of the flagship brand.

The latest expansion marks the largest refresh of the cherry range in decades.

Established flavours with strong brand recognition offer lower-risk innovation opportunities than unfamiliar profiles, particularly as retailers and manufacturers remain cautious about complexity and SKU proliferation.

Coca-Cola’s emphasis on cherry also aligns with broader flavour trends favouring familiarity and nostalgia, while refreshed packaging and zero-sugar variants are designed to appeal to younger consumers and health-conscious shoppers.

The new products will be available in cans and bottles at major retailers, online and through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, reinforcing the company’s omnichannel distribution strategy.