Coca-Cola
HCCB To Lay Off 300 Employees
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Coca-Cola India’s bottling arm, plans to lay off about 300 employees as part of efforts to streamline operations and improve profitability. The reduction affects around 4–6% of its workforce across sales, supply chain, distribution and plant operations. HCCB operates 15 manufacturing units and bottles leading soft drink brands including Coca-Cola, Thums Up and Sprite. The move follows a 73% drop in FY25 net profit and a decline in revenue, partly linked to asset transfers to other bottlers and weaker demand due to unseasonal weather.
Complaint Targets Coca-Cola Christmas Marketing
Coca-Cola faces a complaint in Mexico over alleged violations of advertising rules designed to protect children. Consumer group El Poder del Consumidor argues that Coca-Cola’s Christmas Caravan marketing uses imagery, such as Santa Claus and polar bears, that appeals to children and breaches health advertising regulations. Regulators are reviewing the case.
Coca-Cola India FY25 Profit Jumps
Coca-Cola India reported strong financial results for FY25, with net profit rising 46.3% while revenue from operations grew nearly 7%. Advertising and sales promotion spending declined by about 14%, helping improve operating margins. At the same time, royalty payments to The Coca-Cola Company increased. India remains Coca-Cola’s fifth-largest global market, supported by brands such as Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Limca and Maaza.
Coca-Cola South Africa Launches 250ml Pack
Coca-Cola South Africa’s new 250ml PET bottle, priced at R6, is aimed at improving affordability and access to its core brands. The pack includes Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Stoney, offering consumers a smaller, on-the-go option without changes to existing recipes. Branded locally as “Coca-Cola Mashesha,” the launch targets fast-paced daily consumption through spaza shops and wholesalers.
Coca-Cola Vietnam Unveils Tet 2026 Campaign
Coca-Cola Vietnam launched its Tet 2026 campaign, focusing on togetherness and shared moments during the Lunar New Year and using Vietnamese weaving traditions as a metaphor for bringing generations together. It’s supported by a short film created with AI. Alongside brand storytelling, Coca-Cola plans digital activities, festive merchandise and a consumer promotion offering daily prize draws.
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP Sued Over Mott’s Juice Labels
A class action lawsuit against Keurig Dr Pepper in the US claims that the company’s Mott’s products are misleadingly labeled as “100% juice.” The lawsuit argues that the inclusion of ascorbic acid, described as a synthetic ingredient, contradicts the 100% juice claim and that KDP is using deceptive marketing by adding fruit imagery.
Nestle
Nestlé Indonesia Launches KitKat Latte RTD
Nestlé Indonesia introduced a ready-to-drink Nescafé KitKat Latte, combining coffee with KitKat’s chocolate flavor. The launch builds on earlier cross-brand success and extends the KitKat Latte concept beyond instant sachets into a chilled RTD format.
Brazil Court Backs Coffee++ In Nestlé Case
A court in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state ordered Nestlé to stop using the Coffee+ brand after ruling in favor of local company Coffee++. Citing the risk of consumer confusion between the brands, the judge granted a provisional injunction. Nestlé may face fines if it fails to remove Coffee+ branding from products and sales channels. Coffee++ has held the trademark since 2020 and plans international expansion.
French Rival Sues Nestlé Waters
Nestlé’s waters business faces a lawsuit in France from a local competitor, alleging unfair competition. Bonneval Emergence seeks €1.6bn in damages and asked the court to halt sales and recall bottles of brands such as Perrier, Vittel and Contrex. The case centers on the use of the “natural mineral water” designation. Nestlé rejects the claims and says it will defend its position.
Other Companies
Varun Beverages to Buy South Africa’s Twizza
Varun Beverages Ltd, PepsiCo’s largest bottler outside the US, agreed to acquire South Africa’s Twizza for about $125 million, a deal that would give Varun control of three manufacturing plants and expand its African footprint. Twizza produces non-alcoholic beverages and operates a backward-integrated manufacturing system. The acquisition is expected to close by mid-2026, pending approvals.
LaCroix Adds Pineapple Coconut Sparkling Water
LaCroix announced Pineapple Coconut as its newest sparkling water flavor, launching in the US in January 2026. It combines pineapple with a smooth coconut finish, tapping into demand for tropical-inspired profiles. As with other LaCroix products, the drink contains no sugar, calories or sweeteners and is positioned as a flavored alternative to traditional carbonated soft drinks.
Nutrifizz Expands Prebiotic Soda Range
Philippine beverage company Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp expanded its Nutrifizz range with new Cream Soda and Cola flavors. Nutrifizz is a sugar-free prebiotic soda sweetened with erythritol and positioned as a functional alternative to traditional carbonated soft drinks. The new flavors build on existing Yogurt and Lemon Lime variants and are now widely available through convenience stores and supermarkets in the Philippines. Priced slightly above mainstream zero-sugar colas, Nutrifizz targets consumers looking for added functional benefits without sacrificing familiar soda flavors.
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