Coca-Cola is poised to add nutrients to a new line of bottled water, to be called Dasani Nutriwater, taking on arch-rival PepsiCo's own enhanced Aquifina, according to people familiar with the company's plans, the Wall Street Journal said on Thursday.
The drinks will make the two companies competitors in a young category - bottled water with added flavouring or health benefits - that some believe has a future, the newspaper said in its online edition.
Coke's Dasani Nutriwater include "Lemon Tangerine,'' for ``bone strength,'' with calcium, magnesium and B vitamins, according to a document sent to retailers, the newspaper said.
Other versions are "Pear Cucumber,'' for "balancing'' with B and C vitamins; "Mandarin Orange'' for "immunity,'' with vitamin C and zinc; and a "Wild Berry'' multivitamin version with B, C and E vitamins, the Wall Street Journal said.
PepsiCo reportedly plans to unveil a vitamin-enhanced version of its Aquafina brand sometime next year, it added.
Coke and Pepsi have been investigating different ways to grow their fast-growing bottled water and health-oriented drinks businesses, the Wall Street Journal said.
Pepsi was first to introduce a water brand and has the lead, but Coke's Dasani is growing quickly, the paper continued.