Coke said to plan Godiva coffee drink

Trade publication says ready-to-drink product will be launched in second half of 2006.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co. will launch a new line of ready-to-drink coffee under the Godiva brand name in the second half of 2006, according to a report in an industry newsletter.

Spokesmen at both Coke (Research) and Campbell Soup Co. (Research), which makes Godiva chocolates, refused to confirm or deny the report.

At an investor conference in New York on Wednesday, Coke marketing chief Mary Minnick said the company intends to launch "indulgence coffees" in North America next year. Trade magazine Beverage Digest said those coffees will be sold under the Godiva brand name, citing unidentified sources.

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