Pepsi to introduce non-GMO versions of Tropicana and Naked Juice

PepsiCo will enhance the health proposition of its product portfolio with the launch of non-GMO versions of Tropicana and Naked Juice.

The non-GMO label will be added to the products next year. In the case of Tropicana, the most high-profile Pepsi brand to adopt the marque, no product reformulation will be necessary as Tropicana Pure Premium has always been free of GMOs.

The move is a significant step for Pepsi, which has persistently resisted state-imposed labelling requirements on GMO foods, the New York Times reported this month.

Tropicana North America vice-president and general manager Björn Bernemann said: “Consumers today have a desire for transparency from brands, and that desire is only going to increase.

“Tropicana Pure Premium is non-GMO, and it always has been. Some consumers, however, are expressing a desire to get beyond what brands are actually telling them, and we felt having external verification would give our consumers assurance.”

Pepsi is also harbouring plans to release an organic version of sports drink Gatorade, as consumer demand for organic products with natural ingredients continues to gain momentum.

“It’s a consumer interest,” said Al Carey, CEO of Pepsi’s North American beverages division. “They’re very invested in non-GMO and organic and, to the degree you can make meaningful for the consumer, do it.”