Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Expands In Alcohol With Diverse Product Strategy
Coca-Cola will take up to 10 years to assess scalability in the ready-to-drink alcohol market, emphasizing a diverse portfolio over a single top-seller. CEO James Quincey noted that variety will drive success, reflecting consumers’ preference for multiple options. Coca-Cola’s range includes Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Simply Spiked, Jack and Coke and upcoming Bacardi and Coke, set to launch in Europe and Mexico in 2025.
Coca-Cola Sees Revenue Drop Amid Price Hikes
Coca-Cola's third-quarter revenue dropped 1 percent to $11.9 billion as price hikes reduced demand in some markets, though it still exceeded Wall Street forecasts. Despite a rise in premium product sales, overall volumes fell, particularly in water, juice and sports drinks. CEO James Quincey highlighted the company’s strategy to balance affordability with premiumization, including smaller pack sizes and refillable options. Looking forward, Coke expects moderated price increases in 2024, aiming for volume recovery, and forecasts full-year organic revenue growth of 10 percent, which is at the high end of its previous guidance.
COMESA Investigates Coca-Cola’s Market Practices In Africa
The COMESA Competition Commission is investigating Coca-Cola’s bottling and distribution agreements in Africa, suspecting they may restrict competition and hinder trade between member states. The allegedly anti-competitive practices will be examined under Article 16 regulations prohibiting agreements that could disrupt the common market. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by November 14, 2024, as the commission assesses Coca-Cola’s market influence and its impact on trade and competition.
Danone
Danone Reports Strong Growth Amid Sales Decline
Danone SA achieved 5.8 percent like-for-like sales growth in North America during the third quarter, driven by coffee creations, yogurt and water products, despite an 8 percent decline in reported sales. Overall company sales fell 1.2 percent and like-for-like sales grew 4.2 percent. Waters sales were up 3.2% globally like-for-like, fueled by successful product repositioning and electrolyte innovations. In North America, Waters posted nearly 10 percent like-for-like sales growth. Danone expects to maintain full-year fiscal 2024 guidance of 3-5 percent like-for-like sales growth.
STōK Launches Cold Brew Energy Drink
STōK Cold Brew Coffee introduced STōK Cold Brew Energy for busy consumers needing an extra boost. It combines smooth cold brew coffee with 195mg of caffeine, B-vitamins, ginseng and guarana. Available in Mocha Cream, Vanilla Cream and Caramel Cream flavors, it aims to enhance focus and productivity throughout the day. Brittney Polka, VP of Ready to Drink Beverages at Danone North America, emphasized the importance of catering to evolving coffee trends while maintaining bold flavors. STōK Cold Brew Energy is now available in 11oz. cans at Speedway and 7-Eleven, with a broader rollout planned for next year.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper Expands Energy Beverage Portfolio
Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of Ghost energy brand enhances its energy beverage strategy, which includes brands like C4 and Bloom. CEO Tim Cofer highlighted the energy category as a significant opportunity within liquid refreshment beverages and wants KDP to build a diverse portfolio that meets various consumer needs and occasions, with Ghost appealing to Gen Z and gamers, while C4 targets fitness enthusiasts. Two years ago, KDP had minimal presence in energy drinks, but now holds multiple brands that create a robust energy platform. The firm also signed a distribution agreement with Nutrabolt for Bloom’s ready-to-drink energy beverage, aiming to attract female consumers. Cofer believes this multifaceted approach will strengthen the company’s position in the evolving energy market.
KDP Acquires GHOST, Boosting Its Energy Portfolio
Keurig Dr Pepper announced its acquisition of GHOST Lifestyle LLC and GHOST Beverages LLC, acquiring a 60 percent stake initially for some $990 million, with plans to purchase the remaining 40 percent in 2028. GHOST, known for its rapidly growing GHOST® Energy drink, has seen net sales quadruple in three years, making it a key player in the energy category. This deal enhances KDP's energy drink portfolio, which includes lifestyle and performance brands, and aims to tap into consumer preferences for innovative and differentiated products. KDP CEO Tim Cofer highlights GHOST's growth potential and the alignment of both companies’ visions for the energy drink market. From next year, KDP aims to invest as much as $250 million to transition GHOST Energy’s distribution agreements as the brand begins sales and distribution through KDP’s direct store delivery network.
KDP Publishes Q3 Sales Growth, Reaffirms Full-Year Guidance
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. reported 2.3 percent net sales growth in Q3, built on strong performance in US refreshment beverages, which rose 5.3 percent on 4.0 percent volume/mix and 1.3 percent net price realization. Global sales were up 3.1% on a constant currency basis on 3.5 percent volume/mix growth. CEO Tim Cofer emphasized the importance of evolving the company’s portfolio, highlighted by the acquisition of energy brand GHOST. KDP reaffirmed its 2024 guidance, aiming for mid-single-digit constant currency net sales growth and high-single-digit Adjusted diluted EPS growth.
Other Companies
REDCON1 Revives JOLT Cola For Today’s Consumers
In partnership with IMG, a global sports and events company, REDCON1 plans to reintroduce JOLT Cola, leveraging its strong brand recognition and REDCON1's modern energy lifestyle image. Initially popular as the first energy drink in the 1980s, JOLT Cola aims to resonate with both nostalgic fans and new consumers by retaining its classic qualities while updating its formulation for today’s market. JOLT will launch in two exclusive flavors in 16oz cans, with future plans for ready-to-drink pre-workout and energy shots.
The Turmeric Co. Launches Natural Electrolyte Drinks
UK-based The Turmeric Co. introduces its new range of raw hydrate beverages, aiming to provide natural electrolyte hydration in time for autumn in the UK. Made with fresh, raw ingredients like watermelon, these drinks offer a flavorful alternative to traditional industrial options. Available in three vibrant flavors—Lemon Watermelon, Plunian Pineless and Pasta Granada Lemon Green—they will debut in Sainsbury’s. Founder and ex-professional soccer player Thomas 'Hal' Robson Kanu emphasizes the brand’s mission to inspire a healthy lifestyle by connecting consumers with nature.
EO3 Targets North America With Omega-3 Sports Drink
EO3, an omega-3 sports nutrition brand, is poised for growth in North America after gaining traction with 120 professional teams and clubs around the world, including many in the English Premier League. Launched 18 months ago by inventor Janne Karin Sande, EO3 features sustainable, wild-caught Atlantic cod, delivering 20g of protein and 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving. Its formulation, which also includes vitamins D and E and antioxidants from fruit juices, supports muscle recovery, endurance and immune health. With US production facilities coming online, EO3 aims to expand beyond professional athletes to broader demographics. Currently retailing at $45.99 for a 12-pack, the drink is also Informed-Sport certified, ensuring quality and safety for athletes.
AMABIE Challenges Energy Drink Norms
Functional beverages, including energy drinks, are trending, with brands like Ghost Energy and Monster Ultra leading the charge. Newcomer AMABIE offers three drinks featuring the immune-boosting post-biotic Immuse. AMABIE Serenity targets immune health with vitamin C and zinc in a Sakura Cherry Blossom Strawberry flavor; AMABIE Focus combines Immuse, theanine and green tea caffeine for a calming effect in Ume Plum Sencha Green Tea; and AMABIE Energy, emphasizes energy with Yuzu Honey flavor, B12, and green tea caffeine. Each contains 10g of carbohydrates and 40 calories. Packs of four are available for $13.99, offering consumers a distinctive alternative in a crowded market.
Arepa Launches New Caffeine-Free Brain Drink
Arepa from New Zealand launched Uplift, its first new Brain Drink since 2017, designed to combat the 3 PM slump. This caffeine-free, lightly sparkling beverage features B vitamins, ginseng and L-theanine with a peach and ginger flavor. Co-founder Angus Brown says Uplift is backed by extensive scientific research, offering a healthy, natural option for those seeking an afternoon boost. Arepa was founded in response to personal tragedies and aims to promote mental wellness. It expanded to Australia in 2022 and is currently available in 247 stores nationwide, tapping into the growing market for functional, health-focused beverages.
Más+ by Messi Expands Distribution Nationwide
Más+ by Messi, a new hydration beverage backed by soccer star Lionel Messi, is expanding US distribution following a successful launch in Miami. It features a blend of electrolytes, vitamins and antioxidants with natural flavors, and contains 10 calories in a 16.9oz. bottle and no artificial sweeteners or caffeine. Más+ also comes in a 12-pack of 12oz. cans and is available in New York at retailers like Target and independent shops. The beverage offers four flavors inspired by Messi's career milestones: Miami Punch, Orange d'Or, Limón Lime League and Berry Copa Crush.
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