ATLANTA – The Coca-Cola Company has announced its intention of reducing added sugar in its carbonated soft drink products, Food Business News reports. Recently, PepsiCo also revealed its plans to lower sugar content in its beverages.

Coke also is focusing on sugar-free drinks, such as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. “More broadly, we have been taking multiple action to shape choice, to address changing consumer preferences around added sugar, while working proactively with governments to provide positive solutions,” said James Quincey, president and COO. “In combination with this reformulation and innovation effort, we have also focused on small pack sizes, a great way to enjoy a drink with [fewer] calories.”

Quincey indicated these changes have propelled Coke’s core business to perform well, “delivering 4% organic revenue growth year-to-date,” said Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO. “Within our core business, developed markets performed well, delivering solid revenue results with 2% unit-case volume growth year-to-date and a continued focus on price realization.”

Coca-Cola has also turned its attention to expanding noncarbonated drinks. “If you look at our still portfolio today, it includes 14 of our 20 billion-dollar brands, with No. 1 or No. 2 positions in juice, coffee, water, tea and sports drink categories,” Quincey said. For example, the company has expanded its Smartwater brand into the sparkling water category and reformatted Dasani Sparkling’s packaging, which boosted retail value growth more than 80% for the two brands. Quincey also pointed to the ready-to-drink coffee “as an important growth category in the U.S.”