Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Bets Big On Fairlife Growth
As consumers turn away from sugary sodas, Coca-Cola is finding new success with healthier offerings, especially its fast-growing Fairlife brand. Amid rising demand for protein and wellness-focused drinks, Fairlife emerges as a standout, with sales soaring over 1,000% since 2015 and topping $1 billion annually. Coca-Cola, which fully acquired Fairlife in 2020, and analysts expect Fairlife to contribute meaningfully to Coke’s global growth, driven by trends like GLP-1 weight loss drugs and increasing consumer interest in high-protein, low-sugar drinks. CEO James Quincey is doubling down, expanding production to meet surging demand through 2025 and beyond.
Coca-Cola Fuels $10.4B Economic Impact In Africa
In 2024, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners generated $10.4 billion in economic activity across 54 African countries, according to a new socio-economic impact study unveiled at the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit. The Coca-Cola system supported over 1 million jobs across retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services, including 36,800 direct and 987,000 indirect roles, and spent $4.3 billion on local suppliers, accounting for 83% of its procurement in the region. Coca-Cola’s long-standing presence in Africa continues to drive sustainable growth, with plans to invest $1.2 billion over the next five years and $25 million toward water challenges by 2030.
Danone
Danone Invests $65M In Jacksonville Expansion
Danone US is investing $65 million to expand its Jacksonville, Florida facility, adding a new production line dedicated to its coffee and creamer brands, including International Delight and STōK Cold Brew Coffee. The expansion increases the plant’s size to 115,025 square feet and incorporates advanced technology that reduces bottle loss by 30% and lowers water usage, supporting Danone’s sustainability goals with new recyclable bottles.
Nongfu Spring
Nongfu Spring Launches In Hong Kong Market
Chinese beverage brand Nongfu Spring officially entered Hong Kong, partnering with Uni-China Group as its exclusive distributor. The launch features a range of products tailored to local tastes, including natural water, sugar-free tea, fruity tea, energy drinks and fruit juices. To promote its “natural and healthy” philosophy, the campaign targets those aged 25-60. The marketing push includes TV commercials, out-of-home ads on Victoria Harbour sailboats, MTR station advertising, roadshows and social media efforts.
Other Companies
KKR Nears Deal To Acquire Majority Stake In China’s Dayao
US private equity giant KKR is reportedly close to acquiring an 85% stake in Chinese soda brand Dayao, signaling a strategic shift from the company’s previously planned IPO. Known for its rapid growth through the challenging foodservice channel, Dayao’s 2024 revenue is expected to reach nine figures in the local currency. The brand boasts extensive distribution, with over 1,000 distributors and presence in one million retail outlets across China. KKR’s investment marks a renewed confidence in Chinese consumer businesses amid cautious market sentiment, aiming to help Dayao expand beyond regional dominance into a national beverage contender.
Jones Soda Co. Sells Cannabis Beverage Business
Jones Soda Co. sold its cannabis beverage business, including the Mary Jones™ brand, to MJ Reg Disrupters LLC for $3 million, with a mix of cash and promissory notes. The deal includes a multi-year exclusive trademark licensing agreement allowing MJ Reg to use the Mary Jones name for THC-infused consumables, generating additional annual licensing fees for Jones. The sale aligns with Jones Soda’s strategy to streamline operations and prioritize growth in its core soda, functional and adult beverage categories. MJ Reg plans to build on the Mary Jones brand and expand its presence in the cannabis beverage market.
Prebiotic Fibers Boost Functional Soft Drinks Amid Formulation Challenges
Prebiotic fibers like inulin and soluble corn fiber increasingly feature in functional soft drinks for their digestive health benefits. Major brands such as PepsiCo’s Poppi and Coca-Cola’s Simply Pop offer fiber-rich beverages, while specialty fibers like Beneo’s chicory root and ADM’s Fibersol enhance gut health and stability. Formulators face challenges including sedimentation, pH balance and heat stability to maintain efficacy and shelf life. Acidic soft drink environments require higher fiber doses or alternative formats like ready-to-mix beverages. Innovations such as Ingredion’s pea protein improve texture and dispersibility in functional drinks, supporting a growing market of health-conscious consumers seeking diverse beverage options.
Cumin-Based Drinks Spice Up India’s ₹2,000 Crore Beverage Market
Cumin-infused beverages are rapidly gaining popularity in India’s ₹1,500–2,000 crore market as consumers seek ethnic flavors and functional alternatives to colas. Brands like Parle Agro’s Dhishoom and Lahori Zeera are expanding production and distribution, targeting rural and urban areas alike. With 45% of Indians interested in ethnic flavors, cumin’s digestive benefits boost appeal. Despite promising growth and potential to double in size over three years, the ₹10 price point faces challenges from taxes of up to 40%.
London Entrepreneur Builds Salaam Cola Into International Brand
Aykiz Shah, a 27-year-old West London entrepreneur, launched Salaam Cola in October 2023 with just £160, creating a healthy Coca-Cola alternative from her kitchen. Within 18 months, Salaam had generated €6 million in European revenue. Shah’s brand combines ethical business with charitable giving, donating 10% of proceeds to causes supporting displaced Palestinians, Syrians and Yemenis. Using social media and ethical marketing, Salaam Cola quickly gained wide appeal beyond Muslim communities. Despite rapid growth, Shah still manages operations from home, developing new flavors tied to humanitarian projects, and aims to break stereotypes in the male-dominated drinks industry.
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