Shoppers in California might notice a new Coke product in stores this November: Barrilitos, a Mexican soda that comes in flavors like mandarina (mandarin), manzana (apple), piña (pineapple) and ponche de frutas (fruit punch).
Coca-Cola will be releasing the drink across California. Barrilitos hails from Monterrey, Mexico and will be made south of the border and shipped to the U.S.
The colorful sodas date back to 1938, but Coke acquired the brand in 2008 and is relaunching it with a new formula in an effort to connect with its domestic Latino audience. (The owner of the company that actually makes Barrilitos is Coca-Cola FEMSA, a Mexican bottling giant.)
The “return of Barrilitos is a local effort in response to the U.S.’ growing demand for nostalgic soft drinks with cultural heritage,” Coca-Cola reps said in a prepared statement. “Housed in its iconic twist glass bottle, Barrilitos offers rich flavors that capture the essence of authentic Mexican tradition while symbolizing the proud and vibrant spirit of Latino culture.”
Barrilitos is a competitor with Jarritos, the neon-colored fruit sodas that have been available in Mexican groceries and restaurants for years.
Barrilitos will be released in Texas in November and in Oklahoma, beginning in 2025.
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