Why cult-favorite Topo Chico is vanishing from US shelves
A cult-favorite Mexican mineral water that has become a fixture at California cocktail bars is disappearing from US shelves — at least for now. Getty Images
It’s the cult-favorite Mexican mineral water that became a staple behind the bar at California cocktail spots.
But Topo Chico is vanishing from U.S. grocery shelves as Coca-Cola pauses glass-bottle production during upgrades at its facilities in Mexico. The highly carbonated mineral water — a key ingredient in Ranch Water and other tequila highballs served across San Diego, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area — has built a loyal following for its sharp fizz and mineral bite.
Coca-Cola said it is carrying out “upgrades at the water source and at production facilities in Mexico,” with expectations that the product will return “later in the year.”
“We are making further investments at the source to improve stability and quality and enable increased production, which requires a temporary stop in output,” a company spokesperson said. “As always, safety and quality are top priorities. We aim to have Topo Chico Mineral Water back later this year,” the spokesperson told KTLA.
Production had already slowed for about two months due to issues at the source wells near Monterrey, including what the company described in distributor notices as geology-related quality concerns.
The shortage affects only the classic mineral water sold in glass bottles. Flavored sparkling waters and canned cocktail versions will remain available. Coca-Cola acquired Topo Chico in 2017 through its Venturing & Emerging Brands unit, calling it a fast-growing premium sparkling water with a storied heritage and devoted fan base.
The company paid about $200 million for the brand and has said the water will continue to be sourced from Cerro del Topo Chico in northern Mexico, where it has been bottled exclusively since 1895.
“Topo Chico has always been known for the legend surrounding its origins,” the brand’s website says. “Today, it is one of the world’s largest sparkling mineral water brands, with several flavors and package sizes to satisfy even the most legendary thirst.”
Coca-Cola executives have described the drink as “additive” to their North American lineup — a zero-sugar, zero-calorie mineral water with a distinctive taste tied to its natural source — and pledged to preserve its heritage while expanding distribution. The brand’s popularity has also surged at bars thanks to Ranch Water, a “skinny margarita” made with just blanco tequila, lime and Topo Chico.
The California Post has requested comment from Coca-Cola.
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