Japan: Coca-Cola to partner with Kirin

Beverage giant The Coca-Cola Company is partnering with Japanese beverage firm, Kirin Holdings, to develop health drinks.

According to sources, the companies are collaborating to create drinks that contain LC-Plasma, lactococcus lactis strain plasma, a postbiotic ingredient developed by Kirin Holdings that is claimed to boost immunity in healthy people.

Kirin Holdings produces a wide range of beverages, being the fourth largest soft drinks producer in Japan, competing with Coca-Cola.

Although the collaboration will help Coca-Cola to bolster its health drinks segment, now that the demand for that type of product is increasing, Kirin will also benefit from it as Coca-Cola can help the company to expand to more markets, sources say.

Coca-Cola Japan plans to include LC-Plasma in three of its brands: Georgia, Irohasu, and Minute Maid.

Source: Nikkei Asia