February 12, 2025
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola HBC Explores Autonomous Stores In Hungary
Coca-Cola HBC Hungary partnered with Kende Retail to launch the first autonomous, cashierless micro store in Hungary at the HQ of telecom operator Yettel. The AI-powered stores offer a staffless, cashless shopping experience, using cameras and sensors to track customer movements and purchases. Coca-Cola HBC plans to open 15 more such stores within three years, aiming to triple its revenue in this sector by 2026. This expansion builds on the company’s existing autonomous retail operations, including vending machines for beverages and snacks. T
Coca-Cola Nigeria Opens Plastic Recycling Hub In Lagos
Coca-Cola Nigeria and Nigerian Bottling Company opened a new packaging collection hub in Apapa, Lagos, aiming to strengthen the country’s plastic recycling infrastructure. The facility can process up to 13,000 tonnes of plastic bottles annually, supporting production of recycled PET. This investment aligns with Coca-Cola’s long-term commitment to sustainability while addressing waste management in Nigeria.
Coca-Cola Adapts To India’s Competitive Soft Drink Market
Coca-Cola’s global president and CFO, John Murphy, acknowledged rising competition in India, particularly from local brands like Reliance’s Campa, as a driving force for innovation and investment. Beverage consumption in India remains relatively low but holds strong growth potential from urbanization, rising incomes and a young population. Coca-Cola is maintaining its pricing strategy despite inflation and economic fluctuations, emphasizing long-term stability, and is also tapping into India’s fast-growing retail channels and rural markets while reinforcing its franchise model. Murphy hinted at expanding into premium beverage segments and leveraging diverse packaging strategies. India, Coca-Cola’s fifth-largest market, presents massive opportunities, with evolving consumer preferences and increased competition shaping the soft drink industry’s future.
Croatian Boycott Targets Beverage Brands Like Coca-Cola Amid Price Hikes in Croatia
Consumer activists in Croatia launched a week-long boycott of Coca-Cola as part of a broader protest against rising prices. Organized by the Facebook group Halo Inspector and supported by consumer rights organizations, the boycott aims to address sharp price increases and call for better market regulation. The first boycott, held on January 30, saw a significant drop in retail transactions. Croatian authorities responded by freezing prices on several essential products but excluded Coca-Cola and similar items. The boycott's impact is spreading across the Balkans, with similar movements gaining traction in neighboring countries, further pressuring retailers and soft drink brands to reconsider pricing strategies.
Coca-Cola Expands In Egypt With Advanced Production Line
Coca-Cola Hellenic now has one of the Middle East’s fastest and most advanced production lines in Egypt, capable of producing 120,000 cans per hour. This move strengthens local operations while supporting Egypt’s export growth goals. The Sadat City factory, which spans 82,000 square meters and relies on solar energy, currently employs 300 people. Coca-Cola Hellenic also introduced a digital services center creating 450 additional jobs. Coca-Cola sees Egypt as a key investment hub for future growth and regional exports.
Nestle
Nestlé India Sees Growth With Coffee, Distribution And Innovation
Nestlé India achieved significant growth in Q3 FY25, surpassing Rs 2,000 crore in beverage sales, driven mainly by NESCAFÉ brands. The powdered and liquid beverages segment saw high double-digit growth, while the company reported overall sales growth of 3.9%. Nestlé India’s premium coffee push included launching NESPRESSO and expanding its distribution network, especially in rural areas. Innovations since 2015 now contribute 7% to total sales. The company also focused on sustainability, installing biodigesters to reduce methane emissions and promoting local community projects.
Nestlé Partners With Mober for Zero-Emission Deliveries
Nestlé Philippines is partnering with Mober to support its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Mober will provide electric trucks for deliveries in Metro Manila, while Nestlé has set up a dedicated EV charging station at its Greater Manila Area Distribution Center, using renewable electricity. The partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions in Nestlé’s supply chain, with a focus on using 100% renewable electricity for both production and distribution.
Other Companies
Tianfu Cola Embraces Herbal Flavors For Modern Consumers
Tianfu Cola, a Chinese beverage with a 40-year history, is tapping into the growing demand for healthy drinks by introducing new herbal flavors, teaming up with pharmaceutical group Taiji to develop a cola infused with Agastache rugosa, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its heatstroke protection. This move is part of Tianfu Cola’s strategy to appeal to younger consumers who prioritize health-conscious choices like sugar reduction. Additionally, the brand has launched new products such as sugar-free cola and lychee-flavored sparkling water. With the rising popularity of TCM ingredients in drinks, other brands like Chi Forest and Qingdao Beverage Group are also exploring this trend in their products.
Jones Soda Expands Distribution To US Convenience Stores
Jones Soda signed a distribution agreement to bring its beverages to over 2,000 US convenience stores, including Circle K and FEMSA's Oxxo locations. Its craft sodas, like Fiesta Jones, Pop Jones and classic offerings, will appeal to consumers seeking innovative, low-calorie options. Craft sodas present an opportunity for c-stores to differentiate their beverage selection. Convenience stores account for nearly half of all single-serve beverage sales, making this a crucial move for Jones Soda's growth. The company sees this as a significant step in expanding its presence in the convenience channel, with products hitting shelves in February and March.
Schweppes Maintains Beverage Prices Despite Sugar Tax Cuts
Schweppes Holdings Africa decided to keep prices of its sugary beverages unchanged despite Zimbabwe's recent reduction in the sugar tax, citing ongoing cost pressures like rising fruit and sugar prices. The sugar surtax was initially set at US$0.02 per gram, but later lowered to US$0.001, and further reduced to US$0.0005 for cordials in the 2025 budget. However, Schweppes faces a 27% drop in sales volume due to these taxes, alongside inflationary pressures, causing price increases in multiple beverage categories. Additionally, rising imported alternatives intensified competition. Despite these challenges, Schweppes continues investing in production capacity, notably with a new PET line, aiming to expand operations and stabilize supply.
Unilever Targets Premium Hydration Market With Liquid IV
Unilever is launching its hydration drink, Liquid IV, in India to target affluent consumers with active lifestyles as part of Hindustan Unilever's strategy to boost its premium product portfolio, particularly in the beauty and wellbeing segment. Liquid IV will compete with established energy and sports drinks like Red Bull and Gatorade, targeting India's growing market for health-focused beverages. The Indian hydration market is valued at $1 billion, with a large portion still limited to urban areas. By focusing on the affluent 18 to 45-year-old demographic, Unilever hopes to capitalize on the rising demand for functional drinks that support overall wellness.
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