Why cult-favorite Topo Chico is vanishing from US shelves

It is the cult-favorite Mexican mineral water that has become a fixture at California cocktail bars.

But Topo Chico is disappearing from American supermarket shelves as Coca-Cola halts glass-bottle production amid upgrades to its Mexican facilities.

The drink, which is used to make Ranch Water and other tequila-based highballs in San Diego, LA and the Bay Area, has built a cult following thanks to its aggressive carbonation and mineral bite.

Coca-Cola, which owns the brand, said it is performing “upgrades at the water source and at production facilities in Mexico” and expects the product to return “later in the year.”

“We are now making further investments at the source to improve source stability and quality and enable increased production, requiring us to temporarily stop production, a spokesperson said.

“As always, safety and quality are the company’s top priorities. We aim to have Topo Chico Mineral Water back later this year,” a spokesperson told KTLA.

Production had already been slowing for two months due to problems at the source wells near Monterrey, including what the company described in distributor communications as quality issues related to the source’s geology.

The shortage applies solely to the classic mineral water sold in glass bottles. The product will continue to be available for sale in its flavored sparkling water bottles as well as canned cocktails.

Coca-Cola acquired Topo Chico in 2017 through its Venturing & Emerging Brands unit, calling it a “fast-growing” premium sparkling mineral water with a “storied history” and a devoted following.

The company, which paid $200 million for the brand, has said Topo Chico will continue to be imported from the same natural source at 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. Today, it is one of the world’s largest and best sparkling mineral water brands, with several flavors and packages sizes to satisfy even the most legendary thirst,” the beverage’s website brags.

Coke executives have described the brand as “additive” to its North American portfolio — a zero-sugar, zero-calorie sparkling mineral water with a “unique proposition and taste” derived from its natural source — and pledged to “retain and enhance” its heritage while expanding its reach.

Topo Chico has gained a lot of popularity over the years at bars as a “skinnier” version of a margarita with a cocktail called “Ranch Water.”

The drink has three simple ingredients: blanco tequila, lime and Topo Chico.

The California Post has sought comment from Coca-Cola.