Coca Cola Company Marketing Director for Alcohol Ready to Drink, Ioanna Topali, opens the lid on her Product of the Year 2025 winner and tells the story of an iconic brand collaboration.
- Tell us about your winning product and why it resonates with the consumer.
A: Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail launched in Great Britain in March 2023, inspired by the classic Jack & Coke serve. It combines the bold character of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with the crisp, unmistakable taste of Coca-Cola, delivering a perfectly balanced and refreshing taste experience. Convenient and portable, it’s designed to be enjoyed straight from the can—ideal for on-the-go occasions and straight from the cooler.
- Where did the idea for the product come from/how does that process work at Coca-Cola (from ideation to creation)?
A: The idea came from a real consumer insight — Jack & Coke is one of the most popular bar calls globally, so bringing it into a convenient RTD format was a natural next step. At Coca-Cola, innovation starts with identifying demand and whitespace.
We saw the rise of premium RTDs and partnered with Brown-Forman to deliver an authentic, ready-to-drink version of an iconic serve. From ideation to launch, it’s a cross-functional effort, moving through insight, liquid development, pack design, and commercial execution.
- What trends will you be tapping into this year?
A: This year, we’re tapping into the growing demand for bold flavours and brand-led innovation by expanding the iconic Jack & Coke range with a Cherry twist. This new addition brings a flavourful edge to the ARTD aisle while staying true to the brand’s heritage. It’s a perfect blend of consumer familiarity and evolving tastes, aligning with key trends like flavour exploration, nostalgia with a modern twist, and premium convenience.
- What steps is Coca-Cola taking to respond to modern consumer pressures both in terms of marketing and more balanced beverage options?
A: Coca-Cola is a deeply consumer-centric business, and we’re constantly evolving to meet changing tastes and expectations. That means innovating our portfolio to offer more choice — from classic favourites to an expanding range of low- and no-calorie options, which now represent nearly two in every three drinks we sell. We’re also continually updating our marketing practices to align with global best-in-class standards, ensuring we’re not just offering better choices, but communicating them responsibly.
- Do you have any new products/ranges that you can tell us about?
A: Yes — we’re excited to be expanding the iconic Jack & Coke offering with a bold Cherry twist. This new variant brings flavourful innovation to the ARTD aisle, tapping into fast-growing consumer demand for bold, fruity profiles while staying true to the brand’s distinctive character. It’s a fresh take that blends brand familiarity with what’s trending now.
- What impact do you hope winning Product of the Year will have on the product?
A: Winning Product of the Year is a powerful endorsement of both consumer love and brand trust. We hope it helps encourage more trial from new shoppers, and reinforces confidence in the quality and relevance of the Jack & Coke range — especially as we introduce bold new flavours like Cherry.
- Describe your winning product in 3 words.
A: Iconic. Bold. Delicious.
Source: Product of the Year
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