Schweppes taps into sweet-heat flavour trend with Cherry pepper Soda

• Schweppes Cherry Pepper Soda combines flavours of sour cherry with an unexpected but delicate black pepper kick
• New Sour Cherry & Black Pepper mixer taps into cherry-flavoured soft drinks currently growing at more than 200% in value^[1]
• Targets premiumisation across the £300m adult mixers opportunity over the next three years^[2]
• Available now across grocery, convenience, wholesale

Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) are strengthening the mixers category with the launch of Schweppes Cherry Pepper Soda – a new flavour combining juicy sour cherry with a delicate black pepper kick.

Available now, the new variant brings a fresh and exciting taste experience to the Schweppes range, designed to appeal to adults looking for more adventurous flavour combinations across both at-home and social occasions.

Now worth nearly £84 million in value sales^[3], Schweppes is the second-largest mixer brand^[4] and continues to outperform the total mixers category in value growth^[5], reinforcing its role in driving premiumisation across adult sparkling occasions.

With its vivid red hue and vibrant can design, Schweppes Cherry Pepper Soda delivers strong standout on shelf, while offering a refreshing and sophisticated twist on traditional mixers.

The innovation taps into one of the fastest-growing flavour trends in soft drinks, with cherry-flavoured carbonates currently growing at more than 200% in value year-on-year^[6]. At the same time, sweet-and-spicy flavour profiles are gaining momentum as adult consumers seek more complex, elevated taste experiences.

Available in 150ml 12 – can multipacks at a recommended retail price of £6.30, the new flavour supports premiumisation across the mixers category, helping retailers drive trade-up and increase basket spend.

Rob Yeomans, Vice-President, Commercial Development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said: “Flavour exploration continues to be a key driver of growth within sparkling drinks and mixers, and cherry is firmly leading the way^[7]. Schweppes Cherry Pepper Soda brings genuine newness to the fixture, helping retailers tap into demand for more sophisticated, premium flavour profiles.

“With adult mixers expected to deliver a £300m premiumisation opportunity over the next three years^[8], Schweppes is well placed to play a key role in driving this growth.

“Its distinctive taste, strong visual appeal and versatile serve credentials mean the launch is designed to drive incremental value, recruit younger adult consumers and increase frequency across key socialising occasions.”

Hanna Lauri, Senior Brand Manager at Schweppes, said: “Schweppes has always been at the forefront of innovation, and with Schweppes Cherry Pepper Soda, we’re truly disrupting the adult mixer category.

“This new flavour taps into emerging taste trends for 2026, with black pepper adding an unexpected combination. Whether paired with spirits, or enjoyed neat, it’s a drink which has been meticulously crafted to stand out, and to bring excitement and sophistication to every sip.”

The new flavour will be supported through integrated activity across social media, influencer partnerships, PR and out-of-home channels to maximise impact across retail.

Free POS materials are available on MyCCEP (via the app or online) to help retailers create theatre in-store and bring the launch to life.