Coca-Cola
On July 26, Coca-Cola reported quarterly earnings that exceeded analyst expectations as its sales at restaurants, theaters, and other venues recovered from the pandemic. The company reported $11.3 billion in revenue, versus the $10.56 billion expected by Wall Street analysts. The company states it now expects organic revenue growth of 12 percent to 13 percent for the full year, up from its previous guidance of 7 percent to 8 percent. However, it noted that commodity price inflation is expected to be steeper than previously forecast and stuck by its outlook for comparable earnings per share to grow 5-6 percent from a year ago.
COCA-COLA Beverages Philippines, Inc., the local bottling arm of Coca-Cola, opened a distribution center in Tagbilaran, Bohol as part of its investment in its long-term growth in the country. The new distribution hub will enable operational and logistical efficiencies that will allow the company to deliver beverages to customers and partners across the Bohol province.
Following Kate Moss’s appointment as Diet Coke’s creative director, the brand has revealed its Love What You Love campaign. The brand is launching four collectible cans, each inspired by Moss’s famed looks: camo, denim, lace and leopard print. The can will be available from July 25 and feature an on-pack promotion offering fans the chance to win thousands of fashion prizes selected by Moss.
Coca-Cola’s President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Smith has announced his retirement. Smith will remain with the company as a senior executive through February 2023. Current Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Murphy will become President and Chief Financial Officer effective October 1.
Danone
Danone has launched Ganmai in China, a line of three healthy ageing powder beverages, to promote healthy aging in consumers aged over 40 by providing necessary nutrients. Ganmai was developed by the Danone Open Science Research Center for Life-Transforming Nutrition in collaboration with global and Chinese Scientific experts and combines Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine. The three beverages support different functions and are designed to be consumed at different times of the day - the 7am Probiotics Fiber Powder Drink for gut and immune health, the 2pm Multi Protein Light Drink for mobility, and the 9pm Nutritional Evening Drink for sleep and brain health. The products are made using ingredients including pre/probiotics, collagen peptides, and GABA. Ganmai is currently only sold online via Tmall and Douyin – the Chinese version of TikTok. Danone has also launched a Ganmai digital health tool for consumers to customize and track their own functional nutritional performance.
Nestle
Nestlé officially opened its new Nescafé coffee factory in Veracruz, Mexico. With an investment of $340 million, the plant creates 1,200 new jobs in the region and makes Mexico Nestlé's main coffee producer globally. The new factory leverages state-of-the-art equipment and green energy to reduce water and energy consumption. It uses wastewater treatment systems to ensure 100 percent of water recirculation, zero wastewater discharges, and zero waste to landfills. Additionally, it consumes 100 percent green electricity and utilizes a biomass boiler that generates energy using the biological waste from the coffee process.
Other Companies
According to a newly published Neilsen report, TEN® Alkaline Spring Water is now the fifth best-selling alkaline water brand in the U.S. Amongst competitors such as Essentia and Bodyarmo, TEN is the only independently owned and operated brand in the top 5, and the only one to offer a 10pH alkaline level. TEN Spring Water is sourced at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in underwater caves, which naturally filters the water of chemicals, impurities and pollution. TEN also recently revamped the design of its BPA-free bottles, which includes updated branding and label design, along with a new 1-gallon bottle that uses 30 percent less plastic than competitor packaging.
Indian start-up Aquatein is preparing to roll out its protein water, which aims to promote hydration while increasing consumers’ protein intake. The brand is backed by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, who is an investor and brand ambassador. Through offline partnerships, the company claims it is all set to roll out 1200 direct points of sales and take the brand international through local partnerships in the MENA region.
Plant-based protein beverage brand OWYN (Only What You Need) has closed a growth investment round led by Purchase Capital, with participation from Hammock Park Capital LLC and existing investor PowerPlant Ventures. Last year, United Nutritional Brands, an affiliate of investment firm Purchase Capital, acquired a majority ownership stake in OWYN. Capital from the latest funding round will support national expansion, increased distribution, online and e-commerce growth, and enhanced advertising and marketing efforts. OWYN’s pea, pumpkin and flax based beverages are currently sold online and in national retailers including Kroger, Publix, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market.
Chinese beverage company Genki Forest, known for its low-sugar tea and sparkling water beverages, has entered the sugar-free cola market to rival giants Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The company’s cola product is placed in its sugar-free sparkling water series and aims to take a more sophisticated approach to the popular drink. Genki Forest’s cola contains no food preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, and uses natural substitutes instead of chemical additives. For example, it uses natural caffeine and erythrocytic sugar alcohol instead of aspartame, acesulfame, and other artificial sugar sweeteners. The new drink will officially launch in August, with advanced arrival planned for e-commerce platforms.
Non-alcoholic sparkling hop water brand HOP WTR received its official certification from the Non-GMO Project. The non-GMO certification contributes to HOP WTR’s current Up To No Good campaign, which showcases the positive power of saying "No" when it comes to setting healthy boundaries. HOP WTR’s beverages contain no calories, carbs, sugar, or gluten, and are enhanced with mood-boosting adaptogens and nootropics. It comes in four varieties: Classic, Mango, Blood Orange, and a recently added a Lime flavor. The brand is available online at HOPWTR.com, goPuff, Amazon, and Thrive Market and instore at retailers including Erewhon, Ralphs, Wegmans, HEB, and HyVee.
Malaysian nootropic beverage company Eureka Drinks is targeting 45 percent growth in 2023 based on its new strategic expansion, distribution and retail plan. Eureka was founded in 2020 to introduce nootropics in Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific region. It sells low calorie, vegan, non-carbonated beverages that have a mix of vitamins, natural extracts and nootropics, depending on the function. Its product line includes three 90ml shots - Alert+Awake Energy, an espresso-based Alert+Awake Xpresshot, and Dream Aid Sleep – and a 300ml canned Alert+Awake. Eureka’s growth forecast came after its engagement with the Singapore-based halal alliance to enter the Singaporean market. The firm plans to greatly increase its exports to various APAC countries including Singapore, China, the Philippines, Macau and Hong Kong. Additionally, its chemists are working on eight more nootropic SKUs to be manufactured in the same plant in Johor Bahru.