Coca-Cola
SLMG Beverages Plans $1 Billion Expansion
SLMG Beverages, India’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, is investing $1 billion (₹8,000 crore) over five years to expand its bottling operations. Plans include setting up new plants in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and increasing the total number of plants from 8 to at least 13. A new plant in Buxar, Bihar, will require ₹1,200 crore, with an additional ₹1,500 crore allocated for another facility in Bihar. SLMG aims to become one of the top 10 Coca-Cola bottlers globally and expects to surpass ₹10,000 crore in turnover by FY26.
Coca-Cola’s Mixed Response To AI Campaigns
Coca-Cola has been an early leader in adopting generative AI for marketing, launching campaigns like "Create Real Magic". Despite success with some interactive AI experiences, such as a digital Santa conversing with users, the company faced mixed reactions with others. A Christmas campaign, featuring AI-created versions of a 1990s commercial, went down well with consumers. Pratik Thakar, the global VP for generative AI at Coca-Cola, emphasized that while AI supports creative decisions, human input remains essential.
Coca-Cola Hikes Prices In Malawi
Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi announced a price increase for its soft drinks, effective from March 6, 2025. A bottle of Fanta rose from K850 to K900, and a 2-liter bottle of Sobo squash jumped from K8,000 to K11,000. The price hike comes amid Malawi's ongoing economic struggles, including inflation, rising production costs and currency fluctuations impacting imported raw materials. Consumers have voiced concerns over the rising cost of living, with some vendors protesting in major cities.
CCI’s Resilience Amid Market Challenges
Coca-Cola İçecek showed resilience in 2024, overcoming macroeconomic challenges and global shifts. Despite a 5.6% decrease in net sales revenue in the full year, CCI saw a 7.3% sales volume increase in Q4, aided by disciplined execution and strategic pricing. CCI focused on long-term growth, investing 12.5 billion TL, including expansion in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh. The company’s strategic investments ahead of demand aim to secure future growth. CCI plans to inaugurate new plants in Azerbaijan and Iraq in 2025, continuing its commitment to growth through high-quality products and strong market presence.
Nestle
Nescafé Launches New Iced Latte Range
Nescafé brings its first ready-to-drink iced coffee to the UK market in a multi-serve format with the launch of Iced Latte in two flavors - Iced Latte and Iced Caramel Flavour Latte - designed to be served over ice. Each carton contains three 250ml servings, making it convenient for consumers to enjoy iced coffee at home. Ingrid Hayes, Marketing Director for Nescafé UK and Ireland, highlighted the company’s commitment to adapting to evolving consumer preferences by providing indulgent, easy-to-enjoy coffee experiences.
Other Companies
Firebird Energy Combats Afternoon Slumps
In New Zealand, Firebird Energy launched a protein-powered energy drink designed to tackle the common midday slump. Combining caffeine with a blend of 20% whey protein and 80% casein protein, the drink offers a clean, sustained energy boost. Founder Shaun Winstanley created the product to help individuals get through physical and mental low points during the day. Unlike sugary energy drinks, Firebird Energy provides a healthier, protein-based solution, promoting consistent energy levels and supporting metabolic function. It blends real coffee with milk protein concentrate for quick and sustained energy. Firebird Energy is expanding from New Zealand into the US.
Uni-President
Uni-President Reports Strong Beverage Growth
Uni-President China Holdings reported over 6% growth in 2024 revenue and 10.9% profit. Gross margin improved to 32.5% and EBITDA 5.7%. The company attributed strong performance to product innovation, brand building and market expansion, particularly in the beverage segment. Uni-President plans to leverage China’s economic recovery by enhancing infrastructure and operational systems while maintaining a focus on high-quality products.
More...
Copyright 2025 Business360, Inc.