The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, says it will launch Coca-Cola Blâk in January in France—the first of several countries, including the U.S.—that are expected to market the new beverage and coffee fusion in 2006. Described as an invigorating and stimulating beverage blend with the effervescence of Coca-Cola and natural flavors, with real coffee, Coca-Cola Blâk also features new packaging technology in the form of an aluminum bottle. The mid-calorie beverage is being unveiled in a distinct cola-colored, black/brown aluminum bottle, shaped similarly to the company's signature contoured green bottle in glass. The aluminum container is similar to the aluminum designer bottle Coke launched for regular Coke in upscale nightclubs earlier this year in five limited-edition designs. Coca-Cola Blâk, described as a lightly carbonated beverage, was created to appeal to adults and reaches out to new audiences and addresses new beverage occasions. "Coca-Cola Blâk is not just a flavor extension, it's a blend of unique Coke refreshment with the true essence of coffee and has a rich smooth texture and a coffee-like froth when poured," says Marc Mathieu, vp of Coke's Global Core Brands. Exal Group's (www.exal.com) Boxal facilities in France provide the proprietary aluminum containers in a 25-cL size for distribution in that country.