Coca-Cola announced Tuesday it will introduce a cane sugar version of its classic cola to the U.S. market this fall, following a recent statement from President Donald Trump.
Trump revealed on social media last week that Coca-Cola had agreed to begin using real cane sugar in its flagship product in the U.S., replacing high fructose corn syrup, which has been the primary sweetener in the drink since the 1980s. At the time, Coca-Cola did not confirm the news, but promised product innovations were on the way.
On Tuesday, Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey confirmed the new offering during the company’s quarterly earnings call.
“We appreciate the president’s enthusiasm for our Coca-Cola brand,” Quincey said. “We are definitely looking to use the whole toolkit of available sweetening options to reflect consumer interest in differentiated experiences.”
Coca-Cola already uses cane sugar in a number of its U.S. beverages, including the Simply juice line and Honest Tea. The company also sells Mexican Coca-Cola, which contains cane sugar, in select U.S. markets.
Rival brands like PepsiCo and Dr Pepper have offered cane sugar versions of their core sodas since 2009.
When asked if Coca-Cola would also explore functional sodas—such as Pepsi’s new prebiotic cola—Quincey noted that a fiber-enhanced version of Coke is currently sold in Japan, and that the company is studying consumer response.
Earnings Beat Expectations Despite Volume Dip
Coca-Cola reported a strong second quarter, with net income jumping 58% to $3.8 billion. Adjusted earnings came in at 87 cents per share, topping Wall Street estimates of 83 cents. Revenue rose 1% to $12.5 billion, or $12.6 billion on an adjusted basis.
Pricing increases—up 6% globally—helped offset a 1% decline in global case volumes. Volumes in North America were down 1%, improving from a 3% decline in the previous quarter.
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar remained a bright spot, growing 14% in case volume. Meanwhile, juice, dairy, and plant-based beverage sales declined 4%, and sports drinks fell 3% due to weaker demand in Latin America.
Quincey noted that consumer demand improved in key markets including China, Europe, Africa, and North America, but was hampered in India, Thailand, and Indonesia due to early monsoons and broader economic pressure. He added that lower-income consumers, both in the U.S. and globally, have become more cautious with spending.