News | June 7, 2001

Double-Cola brand expands with the introduction of Caffeine Free Ski

Double-Cola brand expands with the introduction of Caffeine Free Ski
Customers get the same Ski lift—without the caffeine boost

In a move to offer more choices to its customers, the Double-Cola Company is making waves in the soft-drink industry with the introduction of its latest product, Caffeine Free Ski. The new soft drink offers the same refreshing taste as Ski with its unique thirst-quenching combination of real orange and lemon flavors – but without the caffeine. The new beverage will initially launch in June in Evansville, Ind., Greensburg, Ky., Breese, Ill. and Wellston, Ohio.

First launched in 1956, Ski is one of Double-Cola's best-selling products. Having stayed true to its original formula, loyal Ski drinkers admit that the refreshing energy in this drink has no comparison in today's market place. Overall company product sales for Ski have increased 13.7 percent in the last year. And since its introduction more than forty-five years ago, Double-Cola has made three additions to the Ski family – Diet Ski, Cherry Ski, and now, Caffeine Free Ski.

"We're very excited that the popularity of Ski has created the demand for another Ski product—one without caffeine," said Alnoor Dhanani, President of Double-Cola.

"We want to offer our current and potential customers as much of a choice as possible. The introduction of this product is a testament to the popularity of the Ski line and how important it is to Double-Cola."

Bottlers, distributors, and vendors are all thrilled to be able to offer their customers more choice. "Over time, we have had substantial requests for a caffeine free Ski from people who love the taste of Ski, but don't drink caffeine," said Joe DeSpain, a Double-Cola and Ski bottler in Greensburg, Ky. "They don't want to give up Ski, but they don't want the caffeine. We are now able to give those consumers what they want, and that's a great feeling."

Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., Ski's parent company Double-Cola Co.-USA, is a domestic and international soft drink manufacturer founded in 1922. The company's domestic core brands include Double-Cola, Diet Double Cola, Ski, Diet Ski, Cherry Ski, and Jumbo, with distribution primarily east of the Mississippi. Double-Cola has approximately 40 licensees. For more information, visit: www.double-cola.com.

SOURCE: Double-Cola Co.-USA