7-Up to introduce low-carb soda
By William Spain, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 2:45 PM ET Aug. 16, 2004


CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Not to be left behind by its cola competitors, 7-Up will launch a soda with a fraction of the carbohydrates of its regular pop while throwing in extra calcium and vitamin C to boot.

The company, a unit of Cadbury Schweppes (CSG: news, chart, profile), plans to roll out 7-Up Plus at its annual bottlers meeting Monday afternoon in Dallas, 7-Up said in a written statement.

The new product, set for launch at the end of the month, is aimed at women and will contain fruit juice, calcium, vitamin C and the artificial sweetener Splenda. The company said it is the first carbonated beverage from a major brand to contain actual nutrients.

7-Up Plus will contain 10 calories and two grams of carbs per serving, versus 100 calories and 26 grams for the regular stuff.

The company said it plans a major TV advertising campaign to back the brand, featuring Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa along with "Sex and the City" stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis.

The new "Uncola" offering will join low-carb sodas that Coca-Cola (KO: news, chart, profile) and PepsiCo (PEP: news, chart, profile) have introduced this year.

Cadbury Schweppes shares were up 22 cents to $32.61 in afternoon trading Monday.