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Beverage Innovation

Tracking The Drinks Marketplace

Coca-Cola

Simply Launches Prebiotic Soda For Gut Health

Coca-Cola’s Simply brand is expanding into the prebiotic soda category with Simply Pop, a new line of fruit-based beverages designed to support gut health. Each can contains 6g of prebiotic fiber, along with Vitamin C and Zinc to boost immune function. The drinks, made with 25-30% real fruit juice, come in five flavors: Strawberry, Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch, Lime and Citrus Punch, with no added sugar. Targeting wellness-focused Gen Z and Millennials, the sodas will be available in select regions starting this month, expanding nationwide throughout 2025. The launch will be supported by social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and experiential activations.

Coca-Cola Bottler’s Growth In Energy Drinks

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company posted a 13.8% increase in organic revenues for FY2024, with strong growth in its energy drinks segment, particularly in emerging markets. Energy volumes grew 30%, led by the success of affordable brands like Predator in Africa and Fury in other regions. CCHBC also saw continued success with Monster and Burn in established markets, despite regulatory challenges. The company’s strategy includes focusing on premium, lifestyle energy products in developed markets and expanding accessibility in emerging markets. Additionally, CCHBC’s innovation in zero-sugar versions and dedicated coolers contributed to growth. 

Coca-Cola HBC Expands Irish Vending Business

Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland secured approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to acquire Dublin-based BDS Vending Solutions. After a phase two investigation, the CCPC determined that the deal would not significantly reduce competition in Ireland. Coca-Cola HBC’s expansion in the vending sector aligns with its broader strategy of increasing beverage accessibility through automated retail solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Coca-Cola İçecek Eyes Growth In Pakistan

A Turkish delegation, including Coca-Cola İçecek executives, met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss investment opportunities and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the market. Acknowledging improvements in macroeconomic indicators, they praised government efforts to stabilize the economy. Aurangzeb highlighted Coca-Cola İçecek’s role in industrial growth and employment while assuring policy continuity to attract foreign investment. Discussions focused on enhancing the ease of doing business and strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye economic ties. 

Coca-Cola Adapts To Tariffs And Market Shifts

Coca-Cola executives assert the company’s ability to adapt to economic and regulatory challenges, including potential 25% US aluminum tariffs, increased GLP-1 drug use and evolving food additive regulations. CEO James Quincey emphasized scenario planning and mitigation strategies, such as hedging programs and shifting packaging materials if aluminum costs rise. While acknowledging market fluctuations, he downplayed the impact of tariffs and GLP-1 drugs on overall sales, citing a 1% volume increase in North America. 

Nestle

Nestlé Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Bottled Water

French authorities launched a judicial investigation into Nestlé and Sources Alma over allegations of deceptive bottled water treatment. The inquiry follows complaints by Foodwatch, which accused both companies of illegally treating and selling bottled water without informing consumers. Nestlé was previously fined €2m for breaching mineral water laws. Foodwatch claims Sources Alma used iron sulphate to reduce arsenic levels since the 1980s and illegally added carbon dioxide to its drinks. Nestlé welcomed the investigation, calling it a step toward accountability. 

Nestlé Explores Partnerships For Water Business

Nestlé reaffirmed its commitment to its water brands, including S. Pellegrino and Perrier, while seeking strategic partnerships rather than a sale. CEO Laurent Freixe emphasized the company’s goal of maximizing category potential. Nestlé plans to establish a standalone water and premium beverages unit in 2025, with new. Challenges persist at its Vergèze mineral water site due to contamination concerns. Freixe called for an industry-wide discussion on the issue. Nestlé says it remains resilient against potential US tariffs due to its localized production model. 

Nestlé Expands Cold Coffee Innovations For Growth

Nestlé is capitalizing on the rising demand for cold coffee among Gen Z and Millennials with new product innovations such as Nescafé Espresso Concentrate and Nescafé Ice Roast, designed for quick dissolving in cold drinks, and plans further expansions in 2025. Ready-to-drink coffee sales now exceed CHF 1 billion, growing in double digits. Despite overall sales declining 1.8% in FY2024, coffee remained a top performer, helping offset weaker results in North America. 

Other Companies

THC And CBD Drinks Offer Alcohol Alternatives

Brands are creating THC and CBD beverages designed to offer the social "buzz" of alcohol without the hangover. Companies like Pamos and Curaleaf focus on providing cannabis-infused drinks that act quickly, mimicking alcohol's effects. Pamos offers micro-dosed options, while Curaleaf's Zero Proof Hemp Seltzers cater to various dosages, with the added benefit of no hangovers. CBD-based products, like Goodrays, promote relaxation without the psychoactive effects of THC. However, both cannabis and alcohol-free beverage categories face challenges, including consumer education and regulatory complexities. 

Liquid Death Pauses UK Sales To Focus On US

Liquid Death temporarily halted UK operations after less than two years, shifting entirely to US production. The move aims to expand its flavored sparkling water and iced tea lineup while improving margins. Strong UK demand and brand awareness were not enough to justify maintaining international production. Cano Water CEO Josh White acknowledged the brand’s impact but noted that US success does not always translate to the UK, where consumer habits differ. 

ThaiBev

ThaiBev’s Soft Drinks Sales Rise Amid Spirits Decline

Thai Beverage reported a 2.4% revenue increase to 92.3 billion baht in Q1 2024, driven by strong sales in beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and food. The non-alcoholic beverages segment grew 7.2%, reaching 17 billion baht, with EBITDA up 15.6% due to improved efficiency and lower costs. The company’s overall EBITDA declined 0.8% to 16.4 billion baht. 
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