Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Brand Controversy Resurfaces In Russia
Russian retailers are receiving offers for Coca-Cola-branded drinks nearly three years after the company exited the market. A firm in South Ossetia, partnering with Novosibirsk-based PKV, launched a product with branding nearly identical to the original. Legal concerns arise as trademark rights remain with The Coca-Cola Company. Major retailers are hesitating to sell the brand but smaller stores may embrace the product. PKV’s lower pricing strategy could attract budget-conscious consumers, adding competition to Russia’s soda market.
Vietnam’s Soft Drink Market Presents Growth Challenges For Coke
Vietnam consumed 154 million unit cases of Coca-Cola products in 2024, ranking third in Swire Coca-Cola’s markets. However, sales declined by 0.6% from the previous year, while per capita consumption remained low at 37 eight-ounce servings. Revenue from Vietnam and Cambodia fell 3.7% year-on-year, though post-tax profits rose 18.7%. Swire Coca-Cola aims to counter challenges like exchange rate fluctuations and rising raw material costs by focusing on revenue growth, pricing strategies and cost efficiency. Coca-Cola will continue its long-term commitment to Vietnam, having invested $1 billion as of 2022.
Nestle
Nestlé Expands Malaysian Logistics Hub
Nestlé Malaysia and Malconrep Depot, a local partner, are investing RM250 million to develop an integrated logistics hub in Port Klang, set to be operational by early 2026. The facility will enhance supply chain efficiency, facilitate exports to over 60 countries and support the import of raw materials. Advanced technology and sustainable innovations will reduce the environmental impact and optimize operations.
Nestlé’s Water Production Faces Legal Scrutiny
Belgian authorities are investigating Nestlé’s mineral water production, searching the Valvert factory in Étalle, in a probe that follows similar cases in France, where Nestlé Waters faces lawsuits over alleged illegal filtration methods. Nestlé insists its products remain safe and accurately labeled, but legal scrutiny could impact consumer trust and regulatory oversight in the bottled water industry.
Other Companies
AG Barr To Discontinue Strathmore Water Brand
AG Barr plans to discontinue its Strathmore bottled water brand by January 2026 to simplify operations and increase profitability, blaming Strathmore’s declining performance in recent years and the unsustainability of the Forfar site in Scotland as key factors behind the decision. This move, which could result in the closure of the Forfar plant and 23 redundancies, follows previous restructuring efforts, including the closure of several other sites and the integration of Boost energy drinks. AG Barr said the proposals are subject to employee consultation, and it intends to support staff through the transition.
ITO EN Launches Shohei Ohtani Oi Ocha Bottles
ITO EN is set to bring limited-edition Shohei Ohtani Oi Ocha bottles to the US for the 2025 MLB season. This special collaboration features Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star, and aims to boost the brand's visibility among American consumers. The bottles celebrate Ohtani's connection to Oi Ocha, a beverage he’s enjoyed since childhood, and will be available in US retailers and online. A portion of the proceeds will support ITO EN's "Green Tea for Good" social contribution project.
Agthia Targets Double Revenue Growth By 2029
Agthia, a leading Middle Eastern food and beverage company, aims to double its revenue over the next five years, focusing on growth in the water and snacking categories. Its Water & Food segment achieved 7.4% revenue growth in FY24, with premiumization and innovation driving success. The company is expanding globally, with a significant presence in Egypt, Lebanon and the GCC markets. To accelerate this growth, Agthia is pursuing organic and inorganic expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
Hip Pop Seeks International Expansion
Hip Pop, a UK-based company offering "gut-friendly" sodas and kombuchas, aims to sell 10 million cans this year. Its functional drinks are available in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and beyond, including the US and Dubai. Known for its low-sugar, low-calorie formulas, Hip Pop found success through unique packaging and strong branding, outpacing competitors in repeat purchases. The company focuses on foodservice, retail and direct-to-consumer channels to boost visibility. As it expands internationally, Hip Pop outsourced production to scale efficiently, aiming for mass-market appeal.
Goli Pop Soda Gains Global Popularity
After a rebrand from Goli Soda to Goli Pop Soda, the Indian beverage brand is seeing robust international demand from markets including the Gulf, US, UK and Europe. A partnership with Fair Exports allows the product to be available at Lulu Hypermarket in the Gulf region. Innovative packaging, featuring a pop opener, helps the beverage stand out.
Asahi Expands Calpis In China Via Franchise
Asahi Group Holdings signed a franchise agreement with KSF Beverage Holdings to launch Calpis Water in mainland China in May 2025. Asahi will focus on product development, marketing and brand management, while KSFB will handle manufacturing and sales in a partnership that aims to expand the Calpis brand and tap into China's rapidly growing soft drink market. Market growth is driven by an expanding middle class and increasing health consciousness, providing a significant opportunity for soda and soft drink brands.
Chi Forest Expands In US With Healthy Drinks
Chi Forest, formerly Genki Forest, is expanding its presence in the US through a sparkling beverage deal with Costco. Initially targeting the Asian community in supermarkets, the brand's successful performance led to a broader market entry. The company’s portfolio includes sparkling water, electrolyte drinks, iced tea and herbal beverages. Chi Forest’s focus on healthy, tasty products drives its international growth in 40 countries, with plans for new launches in Australia, Indonesia and beyond. Chi Forest emphasizes its zero-sugar, gluten-free and keto-friendly claims and says it has developed a large pipeline of products.
More...
Copyright 2025 Business360, Inc.