Diet Vanilla Coke Likely in Fall. Also: Dasani Nutriwater and Sprite Line Extension. Blue Fanta in August.

Multiple Coke system executives say Coke will launch diet version of Vanilla Coke in September or October, though one executive cautions, "it could be pushed off to the first quarter of next year." But informed Coke system executive insists, "it will be this fall." Several executives suggest one reason for fall launch is that new diet product would "cycle" fall 2001 launch of Diet Coke With Lemon. Bottlers. Coke bottlers: 1) Diet version of Vanilla Coke "is the most asked-for product I hear about from our customers." 2) "This will catch older drinkers who remember vanilla Coke from their youth." Data. Separate story in this issue details early Vanilla Coke data.

Plus. Dasani Nutriwater. Coke system executives say enhanced water, Dasani Nutriwater, now likely debuts in fall. Launch -- originally planned for July -- delayed by production issues, says bottler. Sprite. Sprite continues weak volume performance; down -5.8% YTD June 15 in supermarkets. In July 17 conference call, Coke North America chief Jeff Dunn cites need for Sprite innovation. Multiple system executives predict line extension -- test or introduction -- "by the end of the year." Several still suggest it will incorporate "tropical" flavor profile (BD 5/10/02), though one bottler suggests fortified or enhanced product also possible. Coke about to launch new ad campaign for Sprite. Coke executive says it will keep "Obey Your Thirst" tagline and include "execution line, 'What's Your Thirst?'" Adds campaign will start airing week of July 29 with two spots "that tell real people stories."

Blue Fanta. Coke sets August launch for blue-colored Fanta -- "Fanta Berry" -- initially in select markets. Coke executive: "Adding berry flavor makes sense for the brand." However, timing close to launch of Pepsi Blue seen as "not accidental" by some observers. Coke source says Fanta Berry will be "deeper blue than Pepsi Blue, really pretty." Promotion changed. On July 23, Coke had planned Fanta promotion "beach party" in front of New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with beach volleyball. However, due to dismal stock market climate, Coke and NYSE scale back event to more sedate sampling.