Pepsi Unveils New Products. Future of 'Edge'?
Cott Increases Capacity.
Nantucket Nectars Goes 'Organic.'

Several industry executives speak to investors in NYC Nov 3. Pepsi. PepsiCo president Indra Nooyi unveils and confirms several new products. Pepsi next year will launch "Flavor Splash from Aquafina" flavored still water (BD 9/17/04). Sweetened with sucralose. Three flavors: Raspberry, Citrus Blend and Wild Berry. Will also introduce "Aquafina Sparkling" carbonated water (BD 7/9/04) (photo). No sweeteners. Unflavored plus lemon-lime and berry. Company will debut "Gatorade Endurance" sub-line for "high-intensity" occasions. Nooyi says "Milk Chillers" shelf-stable dairy drink (BD 8/13/04) in test with PBG is doing "exceedingly well." Pepsi Edge's future? Nooyi notes Pepsi Edge mid-cal cola is "not a barn-burner" and it's not clear "whether it's permanent or stays around for a year or two."

Cadbury. CEO Todd Stitzer says Nantucket Nectars will be re-launched next year as organic juice drink line: "Nantucket Nectars Organic." Also says Dr Pepper now in 60% of YUM restaurants; company aims for 80% penetration.

Cott. CEO John Sheppard says, "this year, we didn't have enough capacity." Notes, in addition to recent plant acquisitions (see "Territory Changes"), company will open new plant next year in Dallas-Ft. Worth with 40 mil case capacity. North American capacity will increase next year by 50 mil cases. Plus. Cott will start RFID test next year with Wal-Mart. Retailer focus. Sheppard notes retailers say their "number one focus next year is driving retailer brands."

PBG. Re pricing CEO John Cahill says PBG has increased prices in both "take-home and single serve." Says, "we followed CCE on single-serve." On take-home, Coke system followed (PBG) in some places, some places not. "We'll see how that works out over the next few weeks." Says bottler's total volume is 1.5 bil raw cases: U.S. 61%, Mexico 17%, Europe 14% and Canada 6%. North American chief Eric Foss says private label CSD penetration down "-1.2 points over the last few years." Declares PL's growth has been driven by "aggressive feature and display activity at select retailers."