Coca-Cola Imports Russian Fermented Beverage

NEW YORKCoca-Cola North America last week began importing Krushka & Bochka Kvass Cola, a mildly fermented beer-like beverage, exclusively to Whole Foods Market stores in the New York metro area. The launch coincided with last week's U.S. visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Kvass is fermented with high-quality rye and barley and flavored with natural sugar for a clean, sweet finish. Kvass's complex taste and authentic flavors will entice those looking for a refreshing, robust and unexpectedly crisp malt taste. Though made through a process like beer, Kvass's fermentation is closely monitored to ensure the alcohol level falls within the FDAs guidelines for a non-alcoholic beverage.

Based on a traditional Russian recipe, Coca-Cola created and launched Krushka & Bochka Kvass in Russia in 2008. Since that time, Krushka & Bochka Kvass has become one of Russia's best-selling brands in the fast-moving non-alcoholic fermented beverage category.

"We are pleased to be able to introduce authentic, Russian Kvass to New York in recognition of President Medvedev's historic visit," said Deryck Van Rensberg, president and general manager, Venturing and Emerging Brands, Coca-Cola North America. "Importing Krushka & Bochka Kvass directly from Russia allows us to provide the New York metro area with a unique beverage of the highest quality, steeped in Russian culture and enjoyed for a thousand years.