Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola UK Expands Flavoured Cola Portfolio with Lime Variant
Coca-Cola launched a new Lime variant in its Original Taste and Zero Sugar lines, available in various formats including 330ml cans and 2L bottles. The product aims to build on the success of Coca-Cola Lemon, which generated £20 million in sales since its launch last year. Flavoured colas now account for 60% of growth in the cola segment, outpacing the broader category. Coca-Cola Lime, already successful in international markets, is expected to capture this growing demand for unique flavors. The launch will be supported by a multi-million-pound marketing campaign in early 2025, featuring influencer collaborations, social media promotions, out-of-home advertising, and live events.
Coca-Cola Expands into RTD Spirits with Billson’s Acquisition
Coca-Cola is acquiring Billson’s Beverages’ ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits business, marking its first foray into Australia’s alcoholic beverage market. The deal includes popular RTD products like Vodka with Tangle and Vodka with Grape Burst but excludes Billson’s soda, beer, and cordial ranges, which will continue under a new brand managed by the current owners, Nathan and Felicity Cowan. Billson’s transformed under the Cowans' ownership, growing from $400,000 in revenue in 2017 to $105 million in 2023 as the RTD spirits segment boomed, but the company went into administration in July. The deal aligns with Coca-Cola's strategy to diversify its portfolio and cater to the rising popularity of premium, flavored alcoholic drinks. Completion is expected by January 31, 2025.
Coca-Cola Eyes Thai Beverage Market Growth with Schweppes Mixed Launch
Coca-Cola (Thailand) is optimistic about 2025, citing a 7.4% year-on-year rise from January to October 2024 in the Thai non-alcoholic beverage market and a projected influx of 40 million tourists, up on pre-pandemic levels. The carbonated soft drinks segment saw an even stronger growth over the same period of 8.7% year-on-year, underscoring robust demand. In a notable move, Coca-Cola is entering Thailand’s alcoholic RTD segment with Schweppes Mixed Vodka Citrus and Schweppes Mixed Vodka Golden Lemon. The products cater to consumers aged 20-49 and are available through various retail and hospitality channels. Through this diversification, Coca-Cola aims to tap Thailand’s high per capita alcohol consumption and growing demand for convenient beverage solutions.
Nestle
Nestlé Expands Functional Food Portfolio with Appetite Suppressant
In response to growing demand for weight-loss solutions, Nestlé launched Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, a protein drink designed to enhance satiety through patented whey protein micro-gels. Priced at $2.75 per serving, it provides an affordable alternative to expensive weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, which can cost over $1,300 monthly.The drink targets the functional food market, aligning with Nestlé’s shift from traditional indulgent products to purpose-driven innovations. Boost's patented technology promotes natural GLP-1 hormone release, controlling hunger and supporting weight management. A 2021 study highlighted its potential, showing a 22% reduction in post-meal glucose levels among participants with type-2 diabetes. Nestlé’s approach shows a pivot toward functional foods that cater to evolving health trends. With the weight-loss industry projected to reach $150 billion annually by 2034, Nestlé aims to capture value-driven consumers seeking accessible, science-backed solutions.
Other Companies
TÖST Demonstrates Potential of Sophistication in the Alcohol-Free Category
TÖST, an alcohol-free beverage blending white tea, botanicals, and natural flavors, is expanding its range with the launch of canned versions of TÖST and TÖST Rose via direct to consumer. Launched in 2017, the brand seeks to elevate non-alcoholic drinking and appeal to diverse occasions, pairing with meals, as a standalone drink or a mixer. In 2022, Constellation Brands acquired a minority stake. Distribution has grown and the brand is now available nationwide in over 8000 locations including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Total Wine, Bevmo and Publix, as well as online.
RasKik Launch Strengthens Reliance’s Beverage Ambitions in India
Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) launched RasKik Gluco Energy, an electrolyte and glucose drink priced at Rs 10, targeting India’s fast-growing hydration segment. Positioned as a functional beverage, the drink aims to provide affordable hydration and energy for physically active individuals and long, demanding days. The move builds on RCPL’s strategy to become a comprehensive beverage leader. The product complements the RasKik master brand that already offers Mango, Apple, and regional-inspired flavors like Nimbu Pani. A 750ml home-use pack is in development.
Boycott of US Products Impacts Colas In Some Markets
Anti-US sentiment sparked by the U.S. support of Israel and its war in Gaza continues to impact some American products amongst Muslim consumers. Where possible, local suppliers seek alternatives. In Turkey, for example, a local cola brand, Cola Turka, is in such demand that its maker, Japanese company DyDo Group Holdings, has struggled to meet demand.
Campa Cola Challenges Coca-Cola and PepsiCo with Price War in India
Campa Cola is shaking up India’s soft-drink market with aggressive pricing, offering 200ml cola bottles at Rs 10 ($0.12), roughly half the price of competitors. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have lowered prices and increased promotions. For example, Coca-Cola now sells a 350ml bottle for Rs 20 ($0.24). Owned by Reliance Industries and led by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, Campa Cola looks to be following strategies it tried in other sectors such as telecom where it leveraged scale and aggressive pricing that led to market consolidation with weaker players failing. Reliance acquired Campa Cola in 2022 and relaunched the 50-year-old Indian brand in 2023. Initially, Campa Cola's impact was limited due to its constrained distribution network but as its reach expanded, it started to impact sales of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
Diageo India Enters Premium Water Market with Godawan Estuary
Diageo India has partnered with Indian start-up Estuary Water to launch Godawan Estuary Premium Water. The product was developed in Scotland and is positioned for the luxury market with an emphasis on ‘artistry’ and ‘craft’. It will be launched at an exclusive event at Nahargarh Palace in Ranthambore and made available at leading e-commerce platforms and retail outlets. This premium water reflects a growing trend of lifestyle-focused innovations in the beverage market and shows Diageo’s intent to look beyond alcoholic beverages into lifestyle-focused, non-alcoholic premium products.
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