Lockdown restrictions contributed to a 20% increase in sales volume of Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP’s) multipacks of cans in 2020 as consumers stocked up on products to enjoy later, according to Nielson Week.

To capitalise on this, the company is releasing Costa Coffee Latte and Caramel Latte RTD variants, which will be available in 4x250ml multi-packs from March in grocery, to help retailers tap into changes in consumer movement patterns and working habits, in 2021 and beyond.

Simon Harrison, vice president, commercial development at CCEP GB, said: “The RTD coffee sector is experiencing 21% growth in value, as consumers look for pick-me-ups on-the-go, and increasingly at home as well.

“Within this, Costa RTD is the fastest growing brand in value terms, and our strategy is to drive continued growth through incrementality – more than 50% of Costa RTD consumers are new to the sector.

“Costa’s coffee shop business gives us insight into the types and flavours of coffee consumers want, and we’re confident our new launches will deliver – bringing new tastes and milk and caffeine profiles to our RTD range.

“We’ll continue to support the full range with impactful marketing and sampling activity this year, to demonstrate its suitability for a variety of consumer need states and occasions.”