Calay News
Two German students, Mirco Wolf Wiegert and Lorenz Hampl, created a drink with more caffeine, less sugar, and a different taste that competes with industry giants such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola. The drink is called Fritz-kola and was created during their time at university in Hamburg, Germany. The students raised 7,000 euros to found a company specializing in the manufacture and marketing of the drink. After agreeing with the manufacturer on a formula that would differentiate their drink from the leading brands on the market, they specialized in a beverage containing more caffeine and less sugar.
During the first few months, the students negotiated with the owners of different bars and restaurants to market their own “proper” drink, which was sold in reusable glass bottles and delivered in an old Volkswagen van. The students’ intention was to create a cultural drink that could be consumed in any type of space. The company began to grow, and today it employs 300 people and distributes the drink throughout Europe.
The company also has several beverages, including a sugar-free version and flavors such as lemon, orange, and apple. The company has five bottling plants and is also present in neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Its next goal is to expand into Spain. Since its founding in 2003, the company has set itself apart from the competition by using glass and avoiding the use of plastic in the manufacturing processes of its bottles.
Currently, Wiegert is the leader of the company after his partner left the project in 2016. The company’s ultimate goal is to become the first cola drink in Europe in the foodservice segment, in bars and cafes.
