Nexba launches Australia’s first naturally sugar free cola

Nexba, the local Aussie beverage startup, has launched Nexba Cola, which it says is the first range of naturally sugar free soft drinks in Australia.

Nexba Cola is initially launching into Coles supermarkets but the company expects the new range, available in three flavours – Cola, Lemon and Orange, to be available at all major retailers by the end of the year.

In the P&C channel, Nexba will release its natural and sugar free soft drink line in 500ml glass bottles within the next four weeks. Caltex will be the first P&C retailer to stock Nexba Cola followerd by Woolworths Petrol and Coles Express.

Steve Smyth, commercial director at Nexba, told C&I Week: “Nexba is excited to be partnering with some of Australia’s leading P&C customers nationally to release Australia’s first natural and sugar free cola in 500ml glass”.

“Caltex, a key Nexba partner, will be first in the channel releasing in August. Woolworths Petrol and Coles Express soon follow in September. We are in discussions with our other partners and look forward to it being widely available this summer,” Mr Smyth said.

 

An Australian first
The new age soft drinks are understood to be the first of their kind in Australia. Nexba Cola uses Erythritol, a natural sweetener that tastes identical to sugar, but without the calories, impact on blood sugar levels or tooth decay.

Troy Douglas, co-founder and brand director at Nexba, said: “Health experts are unanimous in pinpointing sugary soft drinks as a major contributor to health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Australians need natural alternatives that dramatically reduce sugar consumption and avoid the harmful artificial sweeteners and ingredients like high fructose corn syrup.”

Drew Bilble, Nexba co-founder and operations director, said: “We are thrilled to be able to say we’re an Australian-owned and made brand that will accelerate the world’s most recognised beverage players to be naturally sugar free. Our products are not only a natural, zero sugar alternative – they taste great and align directly with what Australians are demanding from food and drink brands.”

A nationwide survey of Australian parents commissioned by Nexba found that nine in ten felt it was either important or very important they reduce the amount of sugar their kids consume.

When considering the factors that would be most effective in helping parents cut back on their family’s sugar consumption, a need for healthy alternatives that taste good was the top response (29 per cent). More than a quarter of parents also cited the importance of lower prices for healthy alternatives and food labels that are easier to understand.

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