Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Partners To Combat Plastic Waste
The Coca-Cola Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme are collaborating on a three-year, multimillion-dollar initiative to reduce plastic waste across nine Asian countries. Backed by a $15 million grant, the program focuses on enhancing recycling infrastructure, preventing plastic leakage and promoting policy reforms. Key projects include the Plastics Innovation Programme in Vietnam, which funds initiatives aimed at material innovations and technology advancements. This partnership also targets improving waste management systems, leading to cleaner public spaces and new economic opportunities for waste workers.
Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam Leverages GenAI
Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam partnered with Happiest Minds to implement Generative AI solutions, aiming to enhance HR efficiency and productivity monitoring of coolers. Using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, a conversational interface allows employees to access comprehensive information through natural language queries. By streamlining HR processes and cooler performance assessments, the solution reduces manual workloads and fosters a more efficient work environment. This technology also promotes employee engagement and satisfaction, increasing overall productivity.
Absolut Vodka & Sprite Launches Watermelon Flavor
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners introduces Absolut Vodka & Sprite Watermelon in the UK, marking the brand's first-ever flavor innovation. Available in 250ml cans, the new RTD product combines Sprite’s crisp taste, Absolut Vodka’s smoothness and a refreshing watermelon twist, offering consumers a vibrant, summer-inspired option. The watermelon flavor is expected to resonate with consumers, as it scored high in purchase intent, and is designed to enhance brand loyalty while attracting new customers. Supported by a dynamic marketing campaign, including partnerships with influencers and Tomorrowland music festivals, the new variant aims to drive growth in the expanding UK RTD market, valued at £631 million by Nielsen.
Coca-Cola FEMSA Boosts CSD Line Efficiency
Coca-Cola FEMSA increased productivity at its Jundiai, Brazil, facility by installing Sidel’s Super Combi, enabling the production line to reach 39,000 bottles per hour. This solution integrates five key units into one compact system, improving efficiency and reducing the production footprint. It allows for handling multiple bottle formats while minimizing contamination risks, supporting sustainability with a reduced CO2 and water footprint. The Super Combi also works seamlessly with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s 100% recycled PET preforms.
Danone
Evian Partners With Pharrell Williams For Wellness
Evian teamed up with artist Pharrell Williams and his brand, Humanrace, to promote the importance of hydration and well-being through their Mountain of Youth campaign, a collaboration that introduces limited-edition glass bottles—one still blue and one sparkling green—emblazoned with the phrase “This is the Fountain of Youth.” The bottles aim to inspire conversations about wellness and highlight water's vital role in self-care. Williams, known for his philosophy of accessible well-being, believes the partnership reflects a joyful approach to hydration and promotes a holistic lifestyle. The campaign uses inclusive visuals and Pharrell’s track "JOY".
Nestle
Nescafé Expands RTD Coffee Range
Nestlé is expanding its Nescafé Ready-to-Drink cold coffee line to India, the MENA region and Brazil to cater to young, fast-paced consumers seeking convenient and diverse beverage options. RTD coffee sales are growing fast, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize convenience and variety. Nescafé’s range includes popular flavors like latte, cappuccino, mocha, chocolate and caramel, offering refreshing on-the-go options. By entering these new markets, which have high youth populations, Nestlé aims to tap into the cold coffee category and create new drinking occasions. This expansion builds on successful launches in Asia and Turkey, where RTD coffee has already gained popularity.
Other Companies
Unconform Expands Cold Brew With Wellness Drinks
Unconform, a UK-based cold brew brand, is expanding its range with three new vegan, nootropic-infused beverages this May: a Flat White with Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, and Vitamin B12; a Salted Caramel Latte with Inulin and Turmeric; and a Mocha with Niacin and Biotin. These drinks cater to consumers seeking a healthier, more sophisticated alternative to sugary iced coffees and energy drinks. Cold brew, a growing £10 million category in the UK, is expected to reach £29m by 2027. Unconform aims to target younger, wellness-conscious consumers with its functional drinks, each designed to offer specific health benefits like improved focus, gut health and healthier skin.
Ramune-Inspired Protein Shake Hits Market
Boba Tea Protein introduced a unique twist on Japan's iconic Ramune soda, turning it into a collagen-based protein supplement. Japanese Soda Collagen Protein mirrors the soda's refreshing lemon-lime taste while offering 10g of collagen per serving to promote healthy skin, hair and nails. It contains no fat, under a gram of carbs, zero sugar and 50 calories per serving. To add authenticity, the product features a fizzy texture similar to the original Ramune soda.
Castillo Hermanos Acquires Harvest Hill
Guatemalan conglomerate Castillo Hermanos is set to acquire US-based Harvest Hill, which makes beverages including SunnyD, for around $1.5 billion. This acquisition will allow Castillo Hermanos to diversify its portfolio and expand its reach into the US market by utilizing Harvest Hill’s manufacturing facilities, potentially bypassing tariffs. Harvest Hill, which was formed by private equity firm Brynwood Partners in 2014, also owns other brands like Juicy Juice and Daily’s Cocktails. Castillo Hermanos, known for its food and beverage products in Central America, is partnering with US investment firm Centerview Capital for the deal.
Starbucks Expands RTD Beverage Portfolio With Energy Option
Starbucks, facing recent sales declines, is adapting to changing consumer preferences by expanding its canned RTD beverage offerings. In response to the growing popularity of energy drinks, the company has launched Starbucks Iced Energy, a sparkling drink with 160mg of plant-based caffeine, zero sugar and only five calories. It comes in three fruity flavors and targets the booming $19.2 billion US energy drink market. Additionally, Starbucks introduced Frappuccino Lite, a healthier version of its popular bottled Frappuccino, with no added sugars and 100 calories per serving.
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