Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Middle East launched the "Emoji Coke" campaign in Saudi Arabia, targeting Gen Z consumers through digital interaction and rewards. It reimagines the soda cup emoji, allowing users to pair it with food emojis on a custom microsite to unlock vouchers and exclusive prizes, as part of Coca-Cola’s global Meals Platform.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is investing £42.3 million in an Automated Storage Retrieval System warehouse at its Wakefield plant in England, doubling storage capacity to 58,500 pallets while cutting 18,500 annual vehicle journeys. This follows recent investments, including a £31 million canning line, to enhance production and sustainability.
Coca-Cola confirmed Valpre bottled water is sourced locally in South Africa after consumer confusion over barcodes. The company explained its use of international and local GS1 barcodes, which do not solely indicate origin. This clarification aligns with labeling requirements under South African consumer protection laws, emphasizing the importance of transparent product information to address authenticity concerns.
Danone
Lifeway Foods rejected Danone’s increased buyout offer of $307 million, saying it undervalues the company. Danone already owns 23.3 percent of Lifeway and offered $27 per share, up from the original $25 opening offer. Lifeway emphasized strong financial performance, including 20 consecutive quarters of growth, and a focus on expanding its kefir offerings and exploring new product categories. Lifeway plans to continue building on its momentum to unlock more value for shareholders.
Other Companies
Britvic reported strong growth in FY2024, with an 8.6 percent rise in sales, on 3.1 percent volume growth, and a 14.9 percent increase in EBIT, driven by successful brands like Pepsi, Tango and Lipton. The company’s focus on innovation saw significant growth in breakthrough brands such as Plenish, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee and London Essence, alongside expansion in more established brands. Britvic plans to continue emphasizing low-calorie and healthier options, driven by consumer demand, not regulatory changes. Marketing investments, including high-profile campaigns and strategic brand partnerships, are set to continue, supporting both established and emerging products in 2025.
Denver-based Oasis is a new natural energy drink brand promising sustained energy without the jitters or crash typical of synthetic alternatives. Made with ingredients like green coffee, Guayusa leaf and Alpha GCP, Oasis delivers 160mg of caffeine for a balanced, clean energy boost. It’s designed for active individuals, offering zero sugar and zero calories while providing a refreshing taste. Currently available in Blue Raspberry, two more flavors—Strawberry Kiwi and Peach Mango—will launch in early 2025. Oasis aims to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking a smarter, healthier energy drink. To mark its debut, the brand offers special discounts and is available on platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop.
BE WTR claims to revolutionize hydration with a focus on sustainable, premium water, using Swiss-patented filtration to purify tap water and enhances it with AQTiV+ technology to improve taste and texture. Bottled in reusable glass bottles, the water is distributed locally, reducing carbon footprint and environmental impact. BE WTR operates bottling plants in Switzerland, France, the UAE, Singapore and soon in China, Bahrain and Qatar, with a goal of having over 20 sites by 2025. Its flavor-enhancing AQTiV+ water will debut at the Bocuse d’Or competition in January 2025.
Virtue Drinks, which claims to be the UK’s fastest-growing clean energy drink brand, secured £2 million in investment, bringing total funding to over £5 million. The brand, known for its natural, zero-sugar and zero-calorie energy drinks, uses yerba mate for a sustained energy boost without the crash of traditional drinks. Funds will support global distribution, marketing efforts and team expansion to build on its presence in over 5,000 stores across 20 countries. With notable investors like BrewDog's James Watt and Premier League soccer player Eberechi Eze, Virtue plans to capitalize on growing consumer demand for healthier, sustainable beverages.
ThaiBev
Thai Beverage recorded a one percent drop in net profit to 27.2 billion baht for FY2024, despite a 2.2 percent revenue increase. Strong growth in the beer and non-alcoholic beverage segments helped offset declines in spirits and food businesses. Non-alcoholic beverages posted a 21.7 percent jump in profits, driven by higher sales and improved production efficiency. ThaiBev noted improved industry conditions, driven by tourism recovery and hot weather, but also high living costs and household debt that affected consumer spending.