PEPSI-COLA reports that it is holding on to budget customers while attracting new buyers of its product in Jamaica since the introduction of the ‘Pepsi Bubbla’, a smaller and more affordable version of its flagship bottled soda launched last month.

Pepsi-Cola Jamaica marketing head Carlo Redwood told Sunday Finance that the ‘Bubbla’ has in fact overperformed over the last six weeks since it was unveiled at a ceremony in the heart of the capital city — Half-Way-Tree.

“It’s still early but we are seeing increasing sales of Pepsi overall and over achievement of our targets,” stated Redwood.

Pepsi Cola Jamaica began work on creating the ‘Bubbla’ in response to a harsh economic climate that has negatively impacted consumer spending power coupled with market demand for a more affordable bottled soda.

The end product is a stylish 500ml bottle, smaller than the customary 20oz bottle and at $50 a fraction of the cost as well. Redwood contended that this proved to be the perfect formula, reflected in the positive reception the ‘Bubbla’ has received since entering the market place.

“The response from consumers has been incredible,” stated Redwood.

“Bubbla was exactly what they were looking for — the right size, the right price, the right shape…” he explained.

Pepsi also benefited from its alignment with a number of big summer events, including Reggae Sumfest and the Smirnoff Dream weekend, which it used to market the product and raise brand awareness.

“We are using all these avenues to further connect with consumers and enhance our consumers’ experience at these events,” Redwood noted back at the launch.

Pepsi dominates the cola market in Jamaica — controlling at least 80 per cent of the domestic market by most estimates — with its rival Coca Cola a distant second.

The new ‘Pepsi Bubbla’ is available in supermarkets, bars and grocery stores where Pepsi is sold.

PepsiCo, the US multinational corporation, last month reported that its net income rose to US$1.9 billion in the second-quarter ended June 11, up from US$1.6 billion a year prior.

PepsiCo is also the maker of Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi and Lay’s potato chips.