Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Divests Jharkhand Bottling To Moon Beverages
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages agreed to sell its bottling operations in Jharkhand to Moon Beverages. Terms were not disclosed. It marks another step in Coca-Cola's asset-light strategy in India and a focus on long-term growth and efficient investment. This transaction is part of a broader refranchising strategy that includes other bottling operations across India, signaling the company's shift toward a more franchised model in key markets.
Food Giants Sued Over Addictive, Ultra-Processed Products
Major food companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz, face a lawsuit alleging they designed and marketed ultra-processed foods to be addictive, contributing to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Filed in Philadelphia, the lawsuit claims these companies knowingly used tactics similar to the tobacco industry’s playbook to promote products, despite the health risks. This lawsuit highlights concerns over the addictive nature of foods like soft drinks and snacks, which researchers link to rising health problems. The suit calls for compensatory and punitive damages.
Coca-Cola Plans Major Growth For Powerade and Monster
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is set to launch several new energy and sports drink products in 2025, focusing on growing its Powerade and Monster brands across some of its 31 global markets. Functional drinks, especially energy and sports drinks, are among CCEP’s fastest-growing categories, with significant returns in North America, where the segment has nearly 70 percent penetration. CCEP plans to expand Monster’s offerings with new flavors and sugar-free variants, while Powerade will introduce new pack formats and flavors to cater to growing consumer demand. The company is also investing in manufacturing capacity to support this expansion, including a €1 billion capex commitment to improve production and logistics.
Coca-Cola Sells Stake In Indian Bottling Business
Coca-Cola sold a 40 percent stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd to Jubilant Bhartia Group for an undisclosed sum, marking a significant shift in its India operations. This move aligns with Coca-Cola’s global asset-light strategy, as it transitions its bottling operations to franchisees in various Indian regions. The partnership with Jubilant, a multinational conglomerate, aims to drive market growth and innovation, leveraging its extensive experience.
Danone
STōK Launches Decaf Cold Brew In New Flavors
STōK Cold Brew Coffee introduced its first ready-to-drink decaffeinated cold brew, now available nationwide in grocery stores. The new STōK Decaf Cold Brew comes in two popular flavors: Unsweet and Not Too Sweet, featuring a redesigned white label to distinguish it from the original. This product caters to health-conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who seek coffee alternatives without caffeine. STōK promises the same bold and smooth taste but now available for those who want to enjoy cold brew at any time of day, even after caffeine curfews.
Nestle
Nestlé Faces Further Scrutiny At Vergèze Water Site
Nestlé's Vergèze site in France, a key producer of Perrier and Hépar waters, is under scrutiny due to health risks from deteriorating water catchments, according to a confidential report by the regional health agency, ARS. The agency recommended halting production, citing potential virological risks. Nestlé responded by stating that the report was preliminary and did not question the safety of its bottled waters, assuring that enhanced quality control measures were in place. The company has faced past challenges at this site, including contamination issues this year, which led to production suspension and the disposal of contaminated Perrier batches. Nestlé has also been criticized for breaching French laws regarding water purification. The situation has raised concerns about the safety and future of its water business in France.
Nestlé Partners With Damm For Nestea In Spain
Nestlé partnered with brewing company Damm to manufacture and distribute Nestea in Spain, Andorra and Gibraltar starting in 2025. Damm will produce the full range of Nestea flavors at its Valencia factory, targeting both food and hospitality channels. This collaboration strengthens Damm's product portfolio and positions Nestea for continued success in the non-carbonated drinks market. Nestlé's general manager for Spain, Jordi Llach, expressed confidence that the partnership will resonate with consumers. The new Nestea will be available at regular sales points beginning January 1, 2025.
Other Companies
Kofola Expands Into Juices And Iced Teas
Kofola ČeskoSlovensko broadened its product lineup with the launch of fruit juices and iced teas. The company introduced its Curiosa brand, offering fruit drinks with unique combinations of fruits, herbs and spices, free from added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Available in various formats, the Curiosa range includes flavors like orange, apple and strawberry. Kofola has also expanded its partnership with Dilmah to offer Dilmah Ice Tea, which will feature low-sugar, all-natural iced teas made from hand-picked Sri Lankan tea leaves. Available in black tea with peach and green tea with jasmine, the iced teas will hit shelves early next year.
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