Coca-Cola Launches Alcoholic Beverage ‘Chu-Hi’ in the UK
Coca-Cola is expanding further into the alcoholic beverages market with the UK launch of its lemon-flavoured ‘Real Lemon’ Chu-Hi—a ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverage inspired by Japan’s popular ‘chu-hi’ drinks. Originally debuted in Japan in 2018, the new product marks the brand’s continuing strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional soft drinks.
‘Real Lemon’ Chu-Hi, which contains 5% alcohol, blends sparkling water with real lemon juice for a citrus-forward refreshing taste. Positioned within the growing global RTD alcohol segment, the drink is now available in select UK retailers, both in-store and online.
Strategic Portfolio Diversification
The move signals Coca-Cola’s latest push into the fast-growing alcoholic RTD category—a sector experiencing significant traction among younger legal-age consumers seeking convenient, flavourful alternatives to beer and spirits. With consumer interest in low- and mid-strength alcohol options on the rise, especially in Western markets, Coca-Cola is leveraging its international brand recognition to establish a foothold in a high-growth space.
“Coca-Cola has a long history of experimentation that reflects evolving consumer tastes, and this is another example of that,” said a company spokesperson. The launch follows previous forays into alcoholic beverages, including the company’s partnership with Molson Coors to distribute Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in multiple global markets.
UK Rollout Implications
The UK launch of ‘Real Lemon’ Chu-Hi represents a significant entry point into Western alcohol markets for Coca-Cola’s hybrid innovations. The beverage is targeting consumers interested in modern, convenient drink formats with natural ingredients and moderate alcohol levels—a trend increasingly defining the RTD space.
The lemon chu-hi will compete with other premium RTD brands in the UK, a market witnessing steady year-on-year growth in the flavoured alcoholic beverage category. By drawing on Japanese drink culture and adapting the flavour profile to British tastes, Coca-Cola aims to test consumer appetite for Asian-inspired alcohol alternatives with a global brand cachet.
As FMCG brands look to capitalise on shifting consumption patterns and broaden their revenue streams, Coca-Cola’s strategic entry into the UK’s alcoholic RTD sector reinforces the ongoing blurring of lines between traditional beverage