Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Grows Key Brands, But Sees Revenues Fall
Coca-Cola beat Q1 earnings expectations despite a 2% revenue dip and rising aluminum tariffs. While North American case volumes fell 3%, pricing gains and growth in premium offerings like Topo Chico and Fairlife helped offset the decline. Globally, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar case volumes surged 14%, and strong demand in India, China and Brazil drove 2% overall volume growth. Coca-Cola is addressing brand perception issues after a viral boycott call, emphasizing the importance of trust and localized engagement, and commented that the impact of tariff hikes will be “manageable.” It now expects 7-8% growth in adjusted earnings this year, down from its previous 8-10% outlook.
Coca-Cola Expands Brazil Production Amid Rising Demand
Coca-Cola is investing heavily in Brazil this year, adding 14 new production lines and expanding its distribution footprint to meet surging demand in that market. These moves are part of a R$7 billion investment—up 75% from last year—and highlight Brazil’s role as a key growth driver. It also plans to restart operations at its weather-damaged Rio Grande do Sul Femsa plant, following the resumption of production at Femsa’s Porto Alegre plant. Coca-Cola will also open its new plant in Uberlândia by the end of 2025.
Kinley Soda's Growth Attributed Partly To The Coke Brand
Kinley Soda’s revenues are now ₹1,500 crore in India, with over 1.4 million retail outlets, from corner shops to quick commerce apps. Kinley is a staple across demographics and occasions, and it attributes its success to Coca-Cola India's commitment to the Indian market, supported by innovation, a strong supply chain, data-led strategies and a focus on consumer preferences in the category.
Danone
Danone Stays Resilient As Market Shifts
Danone exceeded Q1 sales expectations with 4.3% like-for-like growth, driven by strong demand in China for infant formula and medical nutrition. Pricing added 2.4% to growth, and supply chain challenges are easing. Danone remains confident about 2025, signaling that agility and science-backed product lines offer competitive advantages in volatile markets. CFO Juergen Esser highlighted Danone’s "very solid balance sheet" that will allow it to "mitigate headwinds” and see them as opportunities, including acquisitions. Its full-year outlook for 2025 is 3-5% like-for-like sales growth.
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP Banks On Energy Drinks
Keurig Dr Pepper is doubling down on energy drinks to offset softness in soda and coffee, with Ghost and C4 leading the charge. Ghost’s sales quadrupled since 2021, and the brand, now 60% owned by KDP, helped drive an 11% jump in refreshment beverage sales last quarter. Collaborations with candy brands like Sour Patch Kids and aggressive distribution expansion are key growth levers. With coffee sales adversely affected by tariffs and cautious consumer spending, the company is leaning into premium offerings like La Colombe.
KDP Rides Flavor, Energy Growth
Keurig Dr Pepper beat Q1 expectations as sales grew 4.8%, driven by strong US demand for premium, RTD beverages. The launch of new flavors like Dr Pepper Blackberry and Snapple Peach Tea & Lemonade, along with growth from Ghost energy drinks, now majority-owned by KDP, boosted its US Refreshment Beverages segment by 11%. KDP also reaffirmed its full -year forecasts.
Monster
Monster Launches High-Caffeine Java Energy Line
Monster Energy introduced Killer Brew, a new addition to its Java lineup, with two high-caffeine flavors: Mean Bean and Loca Moca. Each can holds 300mg of caffeine from both coffee and Monster's energy blend, targeting consumers seeking both indulgent flavor and intense energy. Available in major US grocery chains, some wonder if Killer Brew may eventually replace the Java Triple Shot line.
Nestle
Nestlé Grows Sales But Tariff Impact Is Uncertain
Nestlé posted stronger-than-expected Q1 organic sales growth of 2.8%, fueled by price hikes on key brands across different segments. While direct tariff impacts appear manageable, executives warned of uncertain indirect effects on US consumers and commodity costs. Nestlé’s water imports and espresso capsule ingredients face some exposure to US tariffs, but 95% of its US sales are produced domestically. Nestlé reaffirmed its 2025 forecast of organic sales growth and at least 16% growth in underlying trading operating profit margin.
Other Companies
Heineken Invests In UK Energy Drink Brand
Heineken expanded its UK portfolio by acquiring a minority stake in energy drink company Tenzing. Founded in 2016 by former Red Bull executive Huib Van Bockel, Tenzing focuses on natural ingredients and sustainability, aligning with Heineken's values. Tenzing operates in the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia, and Heineken's investment aims to scale the brand while maintaining its craft ethos. The acquisition marks Heineken's continued push into non-beer categories, following similar investments in the RTD sector, and highlights Heineken’s strategy to tap rapidly growing markets, such as energy drinks and health-conscious consumer trends, while leveraging its global distribution expertise.
Shake Your Plants Targets Hydration Innovation
Shake Your Plants, founded in 2022, addresses dehydration and nutrient deficiencies in the UAE with plant-based, functional hydration solutions. Its flagship product, Kombucha+, combines probiotics, prebiotics and hydration in one drink. SYP’s products, available in powder sachets, offer a sustainable, low-waste alternative to sugary sodas. Focused on expanding in the UAE, UK and GCC markets, the brand targets health-conscious consumers seeking functional beverages and emphasizes the growing demand for personalized nutrition and advanced hydration, especially in regions with high hydration needs.
Muush Launches Functional Sparkling Cans
Muush introduces a new line of lightly sparkling, to-go cans, aimed at providing functional mushroom beverages for a health-conscious audience. Featuring Lion’s Mane mushrooms and vitamins A and D, they promote benefits like better focus, immunity and sustained energy, now in a portable, lunchbox-friendly format. With 2.6g of sugar per 100ml, the drinks are a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and are appealing to both adults and kids. Available in two flavors—Raspberry Lychee and Bloody Orange Ginger—the new cans combine convenience with the growing demand for functional, low-sugar beverages. Muush is tapping into the trend of “grown-up” drinks without alcohol or excessive sugar, offering both refreshment and health benefits.
iPRO Taps Healthy Hydration Trend Abroad
UK-based iPRO is expanding its functional hydration brand in Saudi Arabia through a strategic partnership with Al Rabie, leveraging local trust and distribution to reach health-conscious consumers. With high sugar intake and diabetes rates in the region, iPRO positions its electrolyte-enhanced, plant-based drinks as a low-sugar, vitamin-enriched alternative to traditional sodas and energy drinks. Co-branded products target families and active individuals seeking BFY options in hot climates. iPRO avoids the sports drink label, instead creating a wellness-focused subcategory. Its presence at Dubai’s Gulfood trade show signals ambitions across Asia, with interest from markets like India, Malaysia and Singapore.
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