Under the new deal, Starbucks, PepsiCo and Unilever Plc (NYSE: UL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) will make and sell Tazo drinks, taking advantage of a distribution partnership that was established earlier to sell Lipton ready-to-drink teas and comes as PepsiCo and bigger rival The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) compete for growth in energy, juices and teas as health-conscious consumers who want to avoid soft drinks.
Tazo bottled iced tea and juice teas are now sold in Starbucks and other outlets. Starting in mid-October, the bottled teas will be made available nationwide through the PepsiCo bottling system.
According to Nielsen Co., sales of ready-to-drink teas grew 6.6 percent in the year ended in July, significantly slower than the double-digit growth in the three years before that. Sales of ready-to-drink teas grew more slowly so far this year than last primarily because of the easing in consumer spending, and that tea sales would rebound sharply when the economy improves.
The Tazo deal follows Coca-Cola's purchase of a 40 percent stake in organic tea maker Honest Tea. Coke paid $43 million for the stake in February, and has the option to buy the rest of the company after three years. Coca-Cola also sells Nestea.
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