Coca-Cola Enterprises claims its programme of new launches has been unaffected by the cash and carry sector's boycott of the products. The boycott stems from a bitter row with CCE following its decision to withdraw promotional support and over riders for the Coke brand in the cash and carry sector. John Bowman, director, wholesale, said the row had not hit CCE's plans. "Our business is ahead of budget and ahead of last year. And our new product launch programme is well underway." The new products include Alive, Fanta Lemon and Powerade (see p56). Bowman insisted that while he was still in negotiations with some companies, the new products were being listed and CCE now had "significant wholesale distribution" for the launch programme. And as the launch programme gathers pace ­ with a strong van sales effort to drive distribution in the independent sector ­ CCE believes demand from retailers will make other wholesalers list the products. Robert Ireland, CCE's sales and marketing supremo, said the new products were single serve, impulse lines that were ideal for the small store sector. And he said the company would make sure independents received the level of support needed to maximise the profit opportunity offered by the launches. Despite the row that has developed with wholesalers, Bowman said CCE had not changed its mind over the controversial New World pricing initiative on Coke, adding: "We are a bit surprised by the reaction we have received." Ireland also defended the initiative: "It's an investment by us in their market and will allow them and their 50,000 independent retail customers to compete more effectiveley in what is an extremely competitive market." He added: "We will continue to work with them to try to build our relationships to get through this on a positive basis." {{NEWS }}

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