PepsiCo has announced plans to introduce coffee-infused cola drink, Pepsi Café, next year.

The beverage, set to hit the US retail stores in April 2020, will be available in Original and Vanilla flavours in 12oz cans.

The company, through this launch, aims to leverage the growing consumer demand for ready-to-drink iced coffee products.

However, this is not the first time that PepsiCo entered the cola and coffee space. In 1996, the company launched ‘Pepsi Kona’, a soda / coffee hybrid discontinued in 1997.

Pepsi Café contains nearly double the amount of caffeine than a regular Pepsi cola. The Pepsi Café Vanilla will be a sweeter and creamier version compared to the original.

Pepsi marketing VP Todd Kaplan said: “We know that the consumers today are looking for products that meet the needs of energy, indulgence and refreshment during that afternoon pick-me-up occasion.

“At Pepsi, we’ve known the potential of blending cola and coffee for years and after striking the perfect balance, we cannot wait to introduce Pepsi Café to the US next year.

“We are confident that cola fans, iced coffee drinkers and anyone in need of an extra caffeine boost will love the unexpected flavour medley of roasted coffee infused into the refreshing, crisp flavour of Pepsi.”

According to CNBC, the consumption of soda-based drinks is falling in the US.

The introduction of coffee-cola drinks and other blended liquid refreshments is aimed to boost sales and buck current trends.

PepsiCo’s main rival Coca-Cola already has its coffee-cola version. However, it is yet to launch the product in the US, despite its availability in international markets.