Coca-Cola
Equatorial Coca-Cola Expands In Ghana With Key Acquisition
Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company is to acquire Voltic and West African Refreshments from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, boosting ECCBC’s bottling capabilities in Ghana. The deal strengthens ECCBC’s operations in 13 African countries and enhances its ability to manage beverage production and distribution locally. It also allows Coca-Cola Beverages Africa to refocus on its core Southern and East African markets. ECCBC plans to continue investing in communities and deliver improved service with a broader portfolio, including Coca-Cola, Sprite and Voltic water.
KDP Wins Right To Go Solo On DSD
Keurig Dr Pepper secured legal approval to end its distribution partnership with Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling and manage direct-store-delivery operations itself. A Texas judge ruled that KDP can exit the agreement after its October expiration. RCCB disputes the ruling and may appeal, citing California laws that favor performance-based terminations. This decision enables KDP to integrate DSD into its broader strategy, having already acquired Kalil Bottling Co. for expanded distribution rights.
Coca-Cola Faces Legal Heat Over Electrolyte Claims
Coca-Cola is being sued over Powerade’s Mountain Berry Blast label, which claims "50% more electrolytes" than competitors. A class-action suit argues the claim is misleading and unsubstantiated by real nutritional differences. If successful, the case could reshape how beverage makers advertise health benefits, particularly in the wellness and sports drink space, and reflects rising consumer demand for evidence-backed claims and greater transparency.
Coca-Cola Japan Taps Into Functional Drink Trend
Coca-Cola launched Coca-Cola Plus in Japan, a zero-calorie, fiber-enhanced soft drink aimed at health-conscious adults, particularly the over-40s. It features indigestible dextrin, which may reduce fat absorption and lower post-meal triglyceride levels. Sold under Japan’s Tokuho label for functional foods, Coca-Cola Plus isn’t marketed as a diet product but as a wellness-supporting beverage. The drink caters to a growing demand for functional drinks in Japan, particularly among aging consumers.
Coca-Cola Expands In West Africa Amid Criticism
Coca-Cola is investing $93.8 million in a new factory in Burkina Faso, aiming to create over 2,000 jobs. Now under construction, it has already generated employment and promises economic uplift in a region affected by unrest. This move follows Coca-Cola's earlier withdrawal from local partnerships over brand competition. The company also invested in peacebuilding efforts, contributing 5.3 billion CFA in 2023. However, concerns arise about the factory's high water usage in a water-scarce area, drawing scrutiny from environmental advocates.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Vernors Unveils Boston Cooler-Inspired Soda
Vernors, owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, is launching a limited-edition Boston Cooler flavor that blends ginger ale with vanilla to mimic the classic Detroit float. Available later this July in Michigan and Ohio, the new soda is packaged in cans and bottles. This nostalgic twist caters to regional tastes and continues the trend of legacy brands tapping into local food culture. It will be sold in 12 packs of 12 oz cans as well as 20 oz bottles and 2L bottles.
Nestle
Nestlé Pure Life Rides Bottled Water Wave In Pakistan
With unreliable and unsafe tap water in Pakistan, bottled water is now an essential household expense in the country. Nestlé Pure Life leads the premium market, while brands like Waterverse and Pakola offer more affordable options. Culligan provides clean water to hospitals, offices and institutions. Consumers now prioritize safety and sustainability, reshaping hydration habits across socioeconomic groups. While public infrastructure still lags, these brands fill critical gaps, turning bottled water from a convenience into a necessity.
Other Companies
Olipop Backs Health Claims With New Research
Olipop, a better-for-you soda brand, is reinforcing its health credentials with scientific studies to distinguish itself from competitors like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, which are now entering the wellness drink category. A company-funded study showed superior blood sugar responses from Olipop's Vintage Cola compared to traditional soda. Future research will explore the potential of supporting digestion. With growing consumer demand for transparency, Olipop's strategy adds credibility. The brand, now profitable and valued at nearly $2 billion, continues to grow as it balances innovation, marketing and regulatory compliance in the functional soda space.
IFBH Goes Public On Coconut Water Success
Coconut water brand IFBH debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a market cap over $1.3 billion, driven almost entirely by a single product. Generating 96% of revenue from coconut water, IFBH’s asset-light, marketing-heavy strategy paid off with rapid growth in China. Celebrity endorsements, strong e-commerce presence and efficient outsourcing fueled its dominance. However, rising raw material costs and private-label competition pose risks. IFBH must now diversify and stabilize supply chains to maintain momentum in a competitive wellness beverage market.
Leuca Debuts Flat Vodka-Infused Fruit Drinks
Australian brand Leuca launched a line of non-carbonated vodka beverages in two fruit-based flavors: Watermelon Mint Lime and Apple Blackcurrant. Each 330ml can features premium vodka, low sugar and no carbonation, offering a smoother alternative to traditional fizzy RTD options. Pre-sold in popular Bondi venues, these 4% ABV drinks target health-conscious social drinkers looking for taste without excess additives. Leuca positions itself as a refreshing, guilt-free choice in the growing RTD alcohol space.
India’s Soft Drink Market Set For Strong Future
India’s soft drink industry is poised for 10% annual growth at least despite recent climate-related disruptions, according to projections from Systematix Institutional Equities. Historically growing at 13–14%, the carbonated soft drink segment remains a key market driver in a country benefiting from rising incomes, urbanization and a young population. While global brands like Pepsi and Coca-Cola dominate, local players still hold significant market share. The report notes that competition from regional drinks is easing, giving national brands room to expand. Demand for healthier, low-sugar and regionally flavored beverages is also steering innovation in the sector.
Pakistan’s Murree Brewery Shifts Focus To Soft Drinks
Murree Brewery, Pakistan’s oldest alcohol producer, is expanding its non-alcoholic beverage portfolio due to strict alcohol regulations. Although banned for Muslims, alcohol sales to minorities and diplomats keep the company profitable. However, chairman Isphanyar Bandhara aims to grow their energy drinks, juices and malted beverage lines, which are seeing double-digit growth. With 64% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the youth market presents strong potential. Murree’s pivot reflects growing opportunities in soft drinks, dominated by multinationals like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
Odwalla Returns With Healthier Juice Line
Odwalla, acquired by Coca-Cola in 2001 and sold in 2020, is making a comeback in the US through Grupo Jumex and Full Sail IP Partners, targeting health-focused Gen Z consumers. Emphasizing simple, natural ingredients, the new lineup includes juices with functional benefits like ginger and nopal for digestion and immunity. Odwalla promotes natural nutrition from whole fruits and the drinks are processed with a unique electric pasteurization method to preserve nutrients and flavor. Currently rolling out on the West Coast, Odwalla aims to regain national presence. The relaunch focuses on transparency, wellness and sustainability to appeal to modern consumers demanding clean-label drinks.
Del Monte Foods Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Del Monte Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US to enable a sale of the business while continuing operations. It secured over $900 million in financing and aims to restructure under new ownership. Despite its longstanding legacy in canned foods and beverages, macroeconomic pressures forced the move. The filing affects only US operations; international subsidiaries continue business as usual.
AG Barr In Talks To Sell Strathmore Water
Scottish soft drink maker AG Barr is negotiating with a potential buyer for its Strathmore Water brand, which it had planned to shut down. The decision initially put 23 jobs at risk at the Forfar site. However, ongoing talks suggest a deal may secure jobs and future investment. While AG Barr posted strong financials with growing sales from Irn-Bru and Rubicon, Strathmore struggled in the competitive bottled water market. Local officials have voiced concern over the closure’s economic impact, urging support for affected workers.
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