Coca-Cola
HCCB Sells North Gujarat Bottling Operations
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd. sold its North Gujarat bottling operations to Kandhari Global Beverages for approximately ₹2,000 crore. This divestment is part of HCCB's asset-light strategy, which also includes previous sales of bottling operations in other regions like Rajasthan and West Bengal during FY24. The sale will allow for more strategic investments and enhance business scalability. HCCB is focusing on restructuring and consolidating its operations across India, while also investing ₹1,963 crore to expand manufacturing capacity. Despite the divestments, the company reported a significant profit increase, with net profits rising from ₹812.5 crore in FY23 to ₹2,808.3 crore in FY24.
Coca-Cola Supports "Made In Mexico" Campaign
Coca-Cola joined the "Made in Mexico" campaign, displaying the seal on its iconic products like Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. This initiative, launched by the Mexican government, aims to promote local consumption and strengthen national products. Coca-Cola’s commitment to the campaign highlights its significant contribution to Mexico’s economy, with over 100,000 direct jobs and 2% of the country's GDP. Coca-Cola recently faced calls in Mexico for a boycott due to misinformation about layoffs of Latino workers and the brand’s association with US President Donald Trump.
Coca-Cola Expands Brands In India
Coca-Cola is launching BodyArmorLyte, Honest Tea and Vitaminwater in India this summer, while strengthening its popular brands like ThumsUp and Sprite, aiming to make them $2 billion brands. It also plans to expand both its hydration and organic product lines, alongside growing zero-sugar options. Coca-Cola remains optimistic about the early start of summer and expects growth in rural areas, while investing in cooling infrastructure. Despite inflation, it focuses on consumption-led growth.
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP Exceeds Expectations Despite Challenges
Keurig Dr Pepper posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results, with net sales growing 5.2% to $4.1 billion, despite a $718 million impairment from brand asset write-offs. Annual net sales were up 3.6%, and 3.9% on a constant-currency basis. The company forecasted strong growth for 2025, with mid-single-digit sales increases and high-single-digit EPS growth, including a positive contribution from its Ghost Energy acquisition. However, the US Coffee division saw declines, with a 2.6% drop in annual sales, largely due to inflationary pressures and reduced demand. Operating income for the year fell by 18.8%. Analysts expect further price increases to offset rising coffee bean costs. Despite the challenges, KDP’s outlook remains positive, though the company may face some headwinds in the first quarter.
Monster
Monster Beverage Faces Challenges But Innovation Continues
Monster Beverage experienced growth in its energy drink segment but faced setbacks in its alcohol division from severe weather and operational challenges. The company's energy drink brands saw positive sales growth. Fourth-quarter net sales of $1.81 billion represented a 4.7% increase from the previous year. Monster is focusing on innovation, with plans to launch new products across both energy drinks and alcoholic beverages, including expansion into international markets and new flavors for 2025. The company also continues to explore pricing opportunities and expansion of its alcohol offerings globally. First quarter 2025 innovation includes Monster Energy Ultra Blue Hawaiian, Monster Energy Brew Triple Shot, Killer Brew Triple Shot, Monster Energy Juice Viking Berry, Reign Storm Tropical, Reign White Haze and Bang Energy Sour Ropes.
Other Companies
Lucozade Sport Teams Up With Jude Bellingham
Lucozade Sport partnered with England football star Jude Bellingham to launch a new variant, Ice Kick, featuring citrus flavors. The drink prominently showcases Bellingham on the packaging, targeting football fans and aiming to stand out in retail chillers. Significant marketing efforts, including video content shared across Lucozade Sport and Bellingham's social channels, will engage consumers directly, boosting visibility. Ice Kick will be available in 500ml bottles and multipacks, and with price-marked options. This launch is expected to generate strong sales, particularly with the support of point-of-sale materials across wholesale and convenience channels.
Cans Targets Non-Sweet Drink Market Expansion
Cans, a Czech soft drink start-up, is focusing on the growing demand for no-added-sugar beverages. Founded in 2023, it offers flavors like apple, cherry and lemon with minimal sugar from real fruit. The company is expanding into major markets such as the UK, US and Germany, aiming to create a non-sweet category in the crowded soft drink market. Cans stands out by offering low-sugar alternatives without artificial sweeteners, targeting health-conscious consumers. The brand uses both on-premise and e-commerce channels, including Amazon and its own website.
Challenges In Mushroom-Infused Drink Development
Mushroom-based drinks gain attention in the beverage industry but face several challenges. Sourcing high-quality mushrooms is difficult, with inconsistent suppliers and a lack of regulations affecting product quality. Additionally, extraction methods, such as hot-water extraction or ultrasound, impact the potency of beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, which are key selling points. Flavor balancing is also complex, as mushrooms like reishi can be bitter, and product developers must blend extracts with other functional ingredients. While mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi are gaining popularity for their supposed health benefits, scientific evidence on effective doses remains limited. As mushroom drinks grow, brands must carefully manage quality, consumer education and marketing claims to ensure sustainable growth in the market.
IOTA Water Brings Oxygen-Infused Hydration
IOTA Water, a new bottled water brand in North India, uses advanced Oxygen Nanobubbles technology to enhance hydration and wellness. Enriched with ultra-fine oxygen nanobubbles, it aims to improve oxygen absorption and provide superior hydration compared to conventional bottled water. Launched at an accessible price, IOTA Water targets everyday consumers, athletes and health-conscious individuals. With a focus on affordability, wellness and sustainability, the brand aims to revolutionize the hydration market while contributing to India's vision of health-focused innovations. IOTA Water will be sold through retail, e-commerce and direct channels, with plans for further expansion in India.
BigTree Launches FIT By Vatra Sports Drink
In Zambia, BigTree Beverages Ltd, a subsidiary of Trade Kings Group, launched FIT by Vatra, a new sports drink designed for hydration and performance enhancement. With a balanced mix of carbohydrates, electrolytes and minerals, the drink targets athletes and fitness. FIT by Vatra is available in several flavors and contains carefully calibrated sugar levels to meet fitness goals. The launch event featured sports personalities and government officials.
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