Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola exceeded expectations in the fourth quarter, reporting a 6% revenue increase to $11.5 billion, driven by higher sales volumes in key markets like the US and China. Unit case volumes grew 2%, reversing a decline from the previous quarter. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar gave a particularly strong performance, with volumes up 13%. The company also benefited from a 9% price hike, driven partly by inflation in some markets and a shift toward premium products like Fairlife milk and Topo Chico sparkling water. Despite a 1% decline in juice, dairy and plant-based drinks, Coca-Cola’s net income rose 11%. For 2025, the company expects 5%-6% organic revenue growth, following a 12% increase last year. Coca-Cola's Maaza, a mango-based drink from India and marketed in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia, reached billion-dollar brand status in 2024.
Coca-Cola plans to increase its use of national raw materials in Angola, expressing interest in purchasing all locally produced sugar to eliminate imports. The company also highlighted the need for investment in the local glass industry, as it currently imports around 100 million bottles annually. Coca-Cola officials offered to be a key client for local glass and sugar producers if they increase production. In addition to these initiatives, Coca-Cola is involved in community projects like waste management and youth empowerment.
Coca-Cola celebrates its 30th anniversary in Azerbaijan by investing in a new production facility in Ismayilli. The plant, with a ₼68 million ($40 million) investment, will boost local production capacity, creating over 100 jobs and positively impacting regional socio-economic development. This new facility will manufacture Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite, focusing primarily on meeting domestic demand. Covering 15 hectares, it will have an annual production capacity of 165 million liters and is expected to enhance business opportunities, tax revenues and local infrastructure. A second plant is planned for 2025 as part of Coca-Cola’s long-term strategy.
Fanta’s new campaign in India, ‘Fanta Mangta,’ promotes Gen Z’s craving for indulgence, emphasizing the brand’s association with spontaneous enjoyment. Featuring actor Kartik Aaryan, the campaign celebrates satisfying cravings and positions Fanta as the ultimate choice for those moments. With the slogan “Aur Kuch Nahi Mangta, Sirf Fanta Mangta,” it taps into nostalgia with a modern twist, appealing to teens’ busy yet craving-filled lives. The campaign integrates a catchy 1980s-inspired track, blending playful storytelling with Aaryan’s charm to resonate with young audiences. Coca-Cola aims to amplify the campaign across TV and digital platforms, reinforcing Fanta as the go-to drink for every mood and impulse.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper announced its 2025 flavor lineup across its portfolio, including Dr Pepper, 7UP, A&W and Snapple. Notable new offerings include Dr Pepper Blackberry, 7UP Tropical, Snapple Peach Tea & Lemonade, Bai Simbu Strawberry, and A&W Ice Cream Sundae, with both regular and zero-sugar options available. Dr Pepper Blackberry and 7UP Tropical are set as permanent flavors, while A&W Ice Cream Sundae will be available for a limited time. KDP is also introducing new flavors from Bai and RC Cola Zero Sugar.
Nestle
The French government gave the Nestlé the green light to continue selling bottled water despite using a banned micro-filtering method, which health authorities previously recommended suspending. Nestlé faced criticism over using unauthorized water sources and fraudulent filtering practices. Although a fine of €2 million was paid to resolve investigations into illegal wells and treatments, concerns about contamination remained. Despite the health authority’s recommendation to halt Nestle’s use of micro-filters, the prime minister’s office and President Macron’s team authorized the company to continue. Reports suggest heavy lobbying by Nestlé influenced the decision, sparking controversy over the company's ties with government officials.a
Other Companies
Fermenthe, a Thailand-based brand rom Ms Organics, introduced a ready-to-drink kombucha featuring a unique 22% tea concentrate, the highest concentration in the world, according to the company. Unlike traditional kombucha, which typically uses lower concentrations of tea, Fermenthe’s formula blends fermented black and green teas, offering gut health benefits along with vitamin B1, B12, EGCG and natural probiotics. The product is sugar-free, sweetened with honey and stevia, and caters to consumers seeking low-calorie, healthy options. The kombucha is available in both sparkling and non-sparkling versions, with the latter offered in Original or Light Taste for added wellness benefits.