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Thomas Kemper Soda Co, a Pacific Northwest classic for more than 25 years, is unveiling a new premium soda collection sweetened with natural cane sugar that delivers the rich, complex flavours long-time fans expect from the brand.

Cane sugar is replacing high fructose corn syrup to better deliver on the brand’s commitment to flavor, quality and natural ingredients.

Craft brewed in small batches, the new Thomas Kemper Cane Sugar Soda collection debuts this May in five favourite flavours, including the brand’s best selling Root Beer.

Unique to Thomas Kemper is the use of pure Northwest honey, which lends a distinct natural sweetness, rich creaminess and smooth finish, complementing other natural ingredients such as Madagascar vanilla and Jamaican ginger.

“Our switch to cane sugar was important to delivering the most flavourful, highest quality soda on the market without compromising on ingredients, ” said Bill Germano, President and CEO of Thomas Kemper Soda Co. “Our fans have high expectations, and we wanted to make absolutely sure we didn’t disappoint. ” * New packaging, new products* In addition to freshening up the formula, Thomas Kemper sodas are sporting a new look. Highlighting the classic iconography and using the instantly recognisable colour palate, Thomas Kemper bottle labels, six-packs and 12-pack cartons now have softer hues and simpler graphics. The refreshed packaging is part of an overall effort to update the Thomas Kemper brand, which also includes a redesigned and enhanced website that launched in April 2008.

Hot on the heels of the 20 calories or less Thomas Kemper Low Calorie Soda collection introduction earlier this year (and featured in the April issue of beverage innovation magazine), the Cane Sugar Soda collection is part of the company’s larger effort to offer new beverage options with better ingredients for soda consumers.