Described as 'a new Scottish premium craft drink', Alba Cola is said to be 'designed for people looking for a new cola drinking experience'.
Scotland is one of the few countries around the world where a Coca Cola product is not the best selling carbonated drink - Irn Bru holds the top spot around these parts - so Alba Cola could be on to something.
The idea for the new soft drink was born when entrepreneur and ex-Motherwell footballer Chris noticed the popularity of regional colas in France and spotted a gap in the market for a cola from Scotland.
He got together with musician Niall who had been working in the food and drink industry for over fifteen years.
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Together they tasted and tweaked the recipe to balance the heather botanicals in the cola and are now launching into cafes, stores and bars around Scotland.
Made with lightly carbonated Scottish water and heather botanicals, Alba Cola contains less sugar than large brands and comes packaged in a black can with a gold unicorn, Scotland’s national animal on the front.
Chris explained: 'People in France would frequently ask for a cola made from their region over the big brands and I knew there would be a market for the same kind of thing from Scotland with its own wonderful food and drink and culture.
'Consumers are drinking less alcohol and looking for new premium soft drinks or mixer experiences. Niall and I got together to develop the brand further and the result is Alba Cola which in our opinion has to be the best looking and tasting cola around!'
The cola also appeals to the health and environmentally conscious as it contains only natural sugars, and 20% less sugar than the big brands, is vegan friendly and comes in recyclable aluminum cans.
Of course, any carbonated drink which is aimed at the Scottish market has to take into account the entrenched popularity of Irn Bru but Alba Cola may just have spotted a gap in the market.
It is currently stocked in a range of independent retailers, cafes and bars around Scotland, with plans to roll out further afield into the New Year, priced from £1.40/330ml can.