Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is investing $105.5 million to expand its manufacturing capabilities at the Moorabbin plant in Victoria, Australia. This investment will fund the construction of a new warmfill line capable of producing up to 17.8 million unit cases annually, focusing on Powerade and Fuze Tea. The upgrade will enhance production efficiency and reduce transportation emissions by 3,785 tonnes of CO2 annually. The new facility, including a 4,200 square-meter hall and a high-speed Nitro-Warmfill line, is set to be operational by early 2026. This expansion supports the growing demand for sports and no-sugar drinks while reinforcing CCEP's commitment to sustainable growth.
Fanta has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures to promote the upcoming film "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," set for release on September 6. This collaboration introduces a limited edition of Fanta flavors, each featuring characters from the movie, including Astrid (Orange), Lydia Deetz (Strawberry), Delia Deetz (Pineapple) and others. The special packaging includes QR codes for exclusive movie-related experiences and a chance to win cinema tickets. Available in over 50 markets starting August 12, the new Fanta products offer fans a unique way to engage with the film through both digital and physical events. The partnership aims to enhance the movie’s buzz with creative marketing and interactive experiences.
Monster
Monster Beverage Corp. is navigating a significant slowdown in the US energy drink market, particularly in convenience stores, where foot traffic was down by 3-3.5 percent. Co-CEO Hilton Schlosberg noted that this decline is unprecedented outside of financial crises and COVID-19 lockdowns. While the Monster Energy Drinks segment saw a 3.3 percent sales increase and Strategic Brands grew nearly 10 percent, the Alcohol Brands segment experienced a 32 percent drop in sales. The company also reported a decline in its Other segment and a recent write-down related to brewery closures.
Monster Beverage reported disappointing second-quarter results, missing market expectations as budget-conscious consumers reduced spending on its premium energy drinks. Higher costs for essentials like food and fuel have led to tighter consumer budgets, impacting demand for Monster's products. As a result, the company's shares fell by about 10 percent after the announcement. Co-CEO Hilton Schlosberg noted a decline in convenience store traffic and a shift towards lower-cost retail channels. In response to rising costs, Monster plans to increase prices for its core brands by approximately 5 percent starting November 1. For the quarter ending June 30, Monster posted net sales of $1.90 billion and a profit of 41 cents per share, falling short of analysts' forecasts of $2.01 billion in sales and 45 cents per share in profit.
Other Companies
China’s Yili has entered the ready-to-drink tea market with a novel product under its INIKIN brand. Leveraging its volcanic rock-filtered mineral water, Yili has introduced “instant brewed tea” using patented twist-cap technology. This technology involves freeze-dried tea in the cap, which is released into the water upon twisting, ensuring the tea retains its fresh, brewed flavor without oxidation. The new tea contains just two ingredients, mineral water and tea, and zero sugar, calories or additives. It comes in jasmine green tea and oolong tea variants and is designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking cleaner label options. Yili’s move into RTD tea reflects a broader trend towards healthier beverage choices and aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of innovative, convenient drinks.
Ancient Drinks is expanding its reach from direct-to-consumer to retail locations on the West Coast and Southwest, including Lassens and Good Earth Markets. Founded in 2022, the brand offers three USDA Organic sports drinks inspired by ancient recipes: Posca (cayenne and cardamom), Sekanjabin (mint and chili) and Switchel (citrus and ginger). Formulated with apple cider vinegar for gut health, they draw on formulas used before the advent of modern sports drinks. Ancient Drinks employs humorous, historical-themed marketing, including animation and a unique hieroglyphic language for consumer engagement. Despite facing challenges in raising capital, the company has secured $2 million in previous funding rounds and aims to raise an additional $3 million. The brand plans to further expand its retail presence into mass and convenience stores while maintaining its focus on creative, history-inspired branding.
Uncle Matt's Organic®, the leading brand in organic orange juice, has introduced a new beverage, Ginger Honey Lemonade, a summer drink blending organic lemons with Brazilian wildflower honey and real Peruvian ginger and offering a refreshing taste with health benefits. Each 8 oz. serving contains 40 calories and 4g of sugar. The lemonade is available at Publix stores and online. Susan McLean, VP of Marketing and Innovation at Uncle Matt's Organic®, highlights the drink's balanced tart and sweet flavors and digestive benefits from ginger. This launch expands Uncle Matt's diverse range of organic beverages, which includes new teas, juice shots and traditional options, all certified Glyphosate Residue Free by the Detox Project.
7-Eleven is expanding its private-label 7-Select brand with two new functional beverages: 7-Select Fusion Energy and 7-Select Rehydrate. Fusion Energy is available in flavors like Cosmic Cherry and Galactic Citrus. It’s designed to boost energy without sugar or artificial ingredients and features vitamins C, B6 and B12. Rehydrate, offered in cherry, fruit punch and grape, includes a blend of five electrolytes and vitamins for enhanced hydration. This move aligns with growing trends in functional beverages, with hydration and energy drink sales increasing significantly. Private-label products, which offer higher margins, are a strategic focus for 7-Eleven, reflecting a broader trend in convenience store innovations.
ThaiBev
Thai Beverage reported a 0.5 percent increase in sales revenue to 217.06 billion baht ($8.16 billion) for the nine months ending June 30 this year. Growth was driven by the beer, non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) and food segments, although the spirits segment experienced a decline. The company's EBITDA rose by 2.2 percent, supported by gains in beer and NAB, despite lower EBITDA in spirits and food. NAB revenues grew by 4.9 percent aided by warmer weather and increased marketing.