Global beverage company Coca-Cola has launched Lemon-Do in Japan.

This new range includes three lemon flavoured alcoholic beverages, which will be sold in 3% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), 5% ABV and 7% ABV versions in 350ml cans.

With the latest launch, the company intends to follow the growing popularity of chuhai alcopops, a combination of grain-based spirit shochu and carbonated water that is available in kiwi, strawberry, white peach and grape flavours. Ranging in strength from between 3% ABV and 9% ABV, they are said to be popular with young drinkers, especially women.

“This is a pilot project in the region, which has a sizable market.”

Coca-Cola Japan president Jorge Garduno told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the company experimented in the wine business segment during the 1970s.

Coca-Cola Japanese unit spokesman Masaki Iida was quoted by the news agency as saying: “This is a pilot project in the region, which has a sizable market.”

The new drinks are available in the southern Kyushu region and will be retailed at JPY150 ($1.40) for a 350ml can.

The company currently has no plans to introduce the drinks range to markets outside the country, BBC reported.

At present, local companies such as Suntory, Asahi and Kirin dominate the sector for canned chuhai drinks.