Coca-Cola
Swire Coca-Cola, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Colorado, is set to build a new 570,000-square-foot bottling plant near Denver International Airport, at the Second Creek Campus. The facility, estimated to cost between $350 and $500 million, will replace existing production and sales centers. Denver City Council gave the green light to a $270.7 million, 75-year ground lease for the site in April 2023. Construction is expected to start in early 2025. This new facility aims to enhance Swire Coca-Cola’s operations across its 13-state service area.
Nongfu Spring
Shares of Nongfu Spring fell 12 percent following the company’s report of significantly slowed profit growth. The company’s net income rose by 8 percent to 6.24 billion yuan ($876 million) in the first half of the year, a sharp decline from 23.3 percent growth during the same period in 2023. The slowdown is attributed to increased competition and adverse online sentiment, including allegations of "malicious defamation" and nationalist boycotts. Controversy arose from accusations that Nongfu’s green tea packaging featured Japanese religious buildings, despite the company’s claims inspiration came from Chinese temples. Revenue from Nongfu’s packaged drinking water dropped 18.3 percent versus the year-ago-period while tea beverage revenue surged nearly 60 percent.
Other Companies
Energy drink brand V Energy is reviving its popular V Black flavor in Australia in September, following a decade-long absence. Originally launched in 2006, V Black has been the most-requested flavor by fans, with frequent mentions on social media. Its return comes after a successful reintroduction in New Zealand, where it received enthusiastic feedback. V Black will join the existing V Energy lineup, including Original, Blue, Raspberry Lemonade and Zero Sugar options. Available in 250ml and 500ml cans, as well as 4-packs, V Black will be sold at convenience stores and supermarkets across the country. The re-launch aims to capitalize on its nostalgic appeal and also attract new consumers.
Brooklyn startup Aerflo has introduced Aer1, a portable carbonation system that addresses environmental concerns with traditional sparkling water. Aer1 combines a reusable bottle with a carbonation device and refillable CO2 capsules. Each 250ml bottle of Aer1 features a sleek cap housing a CO2 capsule that carbonates any liquid at the push of a button, at home or on-the-go. Used capsules are returned to Aerflo for sterilization and refilling, minimizing waste. Aer1’s system can produce sparkling water at approximately $1 per liter, a significant cost saving compared to single-use alternatives. The product, launching on August 27 with an initial preorder discount, aims to cater to eco-conscious consumers and promises up to 70 percent savings over traditional bottled sparkling water. A full rollout in late September will price the system at $99 with a 12-pack of capsules at $25.
Skip has introduced the UK's first cold-pressed CBD drink that meets the latest UK CBD guidelines. Each 250ml can contains 5mg of active CBD, aligning with the UK Food Standards Agency’s daily intake recommendation of 10mg. The drink, available in Peach & Ginger, Elderflower & Mint and Lemon & Basil flavors, is free from soya lecithin and features natural fruit juices and botanicals. Skip aims for broad market appeal through supermarkets, convenience stores and health food retailers. Developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, Skip's cold-pressed process preserves hemp's natural compounds, offering a premium, compliant CBD option. The brand has attracted interest from major UK retailers and debuted at the Grocery Aid Barcode Festival.
AVVIKA, a new entrant in the energy drink market, aims to redefine the category with a focus on transparency and health. AVVIKA offers a caffeine-free alternative featuring functional and botanical ingredients such as ashwagandha, D-ribose and L-theanine, to support energy, stress relief, muscle recovery and cognitive function without a caffeine buzz. The brand emphasizes ingredient transparency, using QR codes on its labels to link consumers to detailed supplier information and clinical trials. AVVIKA’s natural flavors, including Tokyo’s yuzu-cherry blend and Los Angeles’s rainbow sherbert, are designed to mask any bitterness from active ingredients. Launching direct-to-consumer in September, AVVIKA will initially target Southern California, with plans to expand flavors and retail presence globally.
Jääde, a Singapore-based company founded last year, is enhancing its presence in the local market with its premium Finnish spring water, while planning regional expansion. The brand aims to establish itself as a leading player in the premium water sector through online sales and strategic partnerships, in both B2B and B2C. Focused on health-conscious and eco-aware consumers, Jääde offers naturally filtered water from Finland's Salpausselkä ridges, packaged in eco-friendly materials. The brand is leveraging digital marketing and partnerships to build awareness in Singapore and is exploring distribution opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Jääde’s innovative packaging includes bag-in-box formats and plans for glass and sparkling options, emphasizing sustainability and quality.