Quater oats
PepsiCo world headquarters in New York, US. Credit: Peter Bond from Philadelphia, USA

The Quaker Oats Company is planning to grow its sales by entering the US non-dairy segment with the launch of its new oats-based drinks range.

Called Quaker Oat Beverage, the new range will be available from January 2019 in vanilla, original, original unsweetened and vanilla flavours. Each 48oz bottle will carry a recommended price of $4.29.

The drink is claimed to be a good source of calcium, vitamin D and fibre. It is claimed to compliment smoothies, coffee and cereals.

“The new range will be available from January 2019 in vanilla, original, original unsweetened and vanilla flavours.”

According to research by Mintel, Quaker Oats Company’s sales in the US have increased by 61% over the last five years, reaching an estimated $2.11bn in 2017.

Around 90% of the non-dairy segment is dominated by almond, soy and coconut drinks. Quaker Oat Beverage will compete with Swedish brand Oatly, which moved into the US market in 2016. Its sales are targeted at premium coffee shops.

In October, Oatly announced plans to open a facility in New Jersey in 2019. Besides supporting its production, the company is also aiming to launch more flavours in its oats milk line to cater to growing demand.

The Quaker Oats company is owned by PepsiCo. The launch of Quaker Oat Beverage is seen as PepsiCo’s strategy to move away from sugary soft drinks.

Earlier this month, PepsiCo purchased plant-based brand Health Warrior and signed an agreement in August to purchase Israel-based carbonated water machines manufacturer SodaStream for $3.2bn.