Coca-Cola
Schweppes Unveils Bold New Tropical Soda
Schweppes is launching its vibrant Tropical Soda in grocery stores from late April 2025, offering a bold flavor blend of hibiscus, guava and dragonfruit with a striking purple hue. Targeted as the ultimate summer refreshment, the innovation highlights key trends: seasonal flavor rotations, visually distinctive products and elevated at-home drinking experiences. With growing demand for premium mixers and Instagram-worthy beverages, Schweppes positions itself at the intersection of mixology and lifestyle. Rob Yeomans from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB said the new addition was “created to tap into growing demand for vibrant, flavorful drinks that stand out on shelves”.
Coca-Cola’s Nostalgic Glass Bottles Hit Costco
Coca-Cola launched a 24-pack Mexican soda variety bundle at Costco, featuring glass-bottled versions of Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta made with real cane sugar. Unlike US soft drinks, which commonly use high fructose corn syrup, these imported sodas reflect the original recipe’s taste profile, offering a more authentic flavor experience. For $35.69, consumers get a premium product that emphasizes nostalgia, quality ingredients and a vintage presentation.
Monster
Monster Wins Appeal In Bang Energy Lawsuit
Monster Beverage successfully had its $311 million legal victory against former rival Bang Energy upheld, after a US appeals court rejected Bang founder Jack Owoc’s attempt to overturn the verdict. In a case centered on false advertising claims, Monster alleged Bang misled consumers by promoting its drink as containing “Super Creatine” with exaggerated health benefits. The court affirmed that the jury rightly concluded Bang’s marketing was deceptive.
Monster Defends Integrity After Short Seller Claims
Monster Beverage Corporation firmly rejected allegations from short-seller Spruce Point Capital, labeling its April 8, 2025 report as misleading and inaccurate. Monster’s leadership, including Co-CEOs Rodney Sacks and Hilton Schlosberg, emphasized the company’s commitment to ethical operations, transparent reporting and long-term value creation. Monster also says Spruce Point Capital Management’s report has no credibility and it does not intend to comment further.
Nestle
Nestlé Unveils GLP-1-Friendly Protein Drinks
Nestlé is to launch beverages supporting GLP-1 under its Boost brand, targeting consumers on weight-loss drugs with new whey protein microgel technology. This innovation allows for high protein concentration in ready-to-drink products without compromising taste or texture. Clinical studies show the drinks help regulate blood sugar, increase GLP-1 hormone levels and promote satiety. The Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support shot and Boost Advanced shake aim to manage appetite and preserve muscle mass, addressing concerns like sarcopenia and other side effects of the medication.
Nestlé’s Water Scandal Prompts Internal Audit
Nestlé launched an internal audit of its bottled water operations in France following scrutiny over the use of illegal filtration methods on products labeled as mineral water, including Perrier and Vittel. CEO Laurent Freixe admitted past treatments violated French regulations, prompting a Senate inquiry and a potential judicial investigation. The audit aims to clarify past practices, particularly at the Vergèze site, which faces possible shutdown due to contamination concerns, and is expected to take a “few months”.
Perrier Faces Mineral Water Status Loss
Nestlé could lose the right to market Perrier as a natural mineral water in France after admitting to filtration practices banned under EU law. French hydrogeologists issued an “unfavorable opinion” on Perrier’s use of its Vergèze springs, prompting a government review of Nestlé’s water license. Amid growing scrutiny over contamination and treatment transparency, Nestlé launched an audit and rebranded some products under “Maison Perrier,” removing the mineral water label.
Nestlé Water Scandal Exposes Lobbying Concerns
A French Senate inquiry revealed that Nestlé maintained frequent contact with the Élysée Palace while allegedly misrepresenting the safety and treatment of its Perrier and Hépar mineral waters. Despite early internal concerns about contamination and filtration practices, officials reportedly enabled access to ministries, raising questions about regulatory fairness and transparency. The controversy may drive stronger oversight and reshape expectations for mineral and bottled water producers across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron denies any knowledge of the issue but states there has been no “agreement” or “collusion.”
Other Companies
28 BLACK Launches Premium Energy Drink In India
Premium energy drink brand 28 BLACK is entering the Indian market with plans for a mid-year launch. Known for its unique flavors and empowering slogan, "The day has 28 hours," the brand aims to energize India’s lifestyle-oriented consumers. Already popular in 26 countries, including the US, Canada and Europe, 28 BLACK is focusing on taste, quality and its association with an active, dynamic lifestyle. The brand will introduce exciting new flavors tailored to local tastes while maintaining high standards. By partnering with retailers and distributors, 28 BLACK hopes to make a strong impact in India's growing energy drink market, emphasizing both functionality and style.
Super Juices Drive Functional Beverage Growth
Soft drink brands are tapping into the booming super juice trend as consumers increasingly seek health-driven alternatives. Super juices, packed with antioxidants, adaptogens and superfoods, are redefining the juice category by offering benefits like stress reduction, immunity support and energy boosts. Major players like Innocent and newcomers like NinJu are innovating with vitamin-rich blends and kid-friendly options. Retailers like Marks & Spencer entered the space with cholesterol-lowering formulations. As alcohol consumption declines and wellness rises, the global functional beverage market reached $204.8 billion, with super juices gaining ground as both daily drinks and mocktail bases.
Local Bottled Water Brands In India Fail Safety Tests
A recent survey by Karnataka’s Department of Food Safety revealed that 71% of local bottled water brands are unfit for consumption, raising concerns for soft drink and bottled beverage brands alike. Of 255 samples tested, only 72 were deemed safe, while others contained harmful bacteria, chemicals and excessive mineral content. Nearly all substandard samples came from local brands, following the 2024 removal of mandatory BIS certification. In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India classified bottled water as a high-risk food, prompting stricter inspections.
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