THE Coca-Cola Company said last week it had launched a research center for traditional Chinese medicine in Beijing to develop beverages using Chinese herbal ingredients and formulas.

“We see this center as an important step in strengthening our innovation pipeline for beverages that contribute to well-being,” said Rhona Applebaum, vice president and chief science and regulatory officer of Coca-Cola.

“We can add global reach and world class marketing skills to help promote Chinese wisdom in preventive holistic health through new and innovative beverages,” said Applebaum.

Coca-Cola said it might market the products abroad, but there were no concrete plans yet.

Coca-Cola currently produces and sells sparkling drinks, still beverages as well as tea and water in China, a fast-growing market.

The research center is part of a long-term collaboration agreement with the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, it said.

(SD-Agencies)