Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola To Shut PET Bottle Line In Germany
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plans to close a non-returnable PET bottle line in Germany due to declining demand. The closure will affect 21 jobs but is being handled voluntarily. Other lines at the site, which produces drinks like Fanta and Sprite, will remain open. CCEP committed €150 million to expand operations in Germany, including a new can-filling line and reusable glass production. The PET line in question is one of the older systems and has been running on a reduced schedule.
Coca-Cola Earnings Rise Despite Volume Dip
Coca-Cola beat Wall Street expectations for Q2 2025, with earnings of 87 cents per share and $12.62 billion in revenue. Organic revenue was up 5%. Strong sales in Europe offset weaker demand elsewhere. Global volume fell 1% year-on-year. Despite a dip in North America and Asia-Pacific, volume improved versus Q1. Coke’s sparkling soft drinks declined slightly, while juice and plant-based beverages fell 4% compared with the year-ago quarter. CEO James Quincey noted marketing efforts and consumer affordability campaigns are showing results, especially in the US and Europe. Full year outlook improved slightly, with EPS growth now expected at 3% and organic revenue growth still in the 5-6% range.
Luisa Ortega Named New Coca-Cola Europe Head
Coca-Cola appointed Luisa Ortega as president of its Europe operations, effective September 1. She currently leads Coca-Cola’s Africa business and will replace Nikos Koumettis, who retires in 2026. Ortega joined the company in 2019 and brings international experience from prior roles at SC Johnson. Coca-Cola praised her leadership and plans for strategic growth in Europe. Ortega will continue reporting to COO Henrique Braun, who commended both Ortega’s impact in Africa and Koumettis’s success in making Europe the company’s top-performing unit in 2023.
Cane Sugar Shift Could Disrupt US Beverage Industry
Replacing corn syrup with cane sugar in sodas like Coca-Cola would raise production costs and hurt US corn farmers, some industry commentators argue. While healthier options are encouraged by MAHA, the supply chain overhaul would require new labeling, infrastructure changes and potentially over $1 billion in costs for Coke. Corn growers stand to lose $5.1 billion in farm revenue. Cane sugar is also more expensive and harder to import due to trade tariffs, especially from Brazil. PepsiCo expressed interest in following suit if consumer demand rises, but large-scale change appears costly and complex.
Coca-Cola To Switch To Cane Sugar in US
President Trump announced Coca-Cola will replace high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in US products following talks with the company. The change aligns with the administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is critical of sugar consumption. The MAHA Commission links corn syrup to childhood obesity. While some experts say there's no nutritional difference between cane sugar and corn syrup, the move favors Florida’s sugarcane industry, but corn producers argue the switch could hurt farmers and manufacturing jobs. Coca-Cola has yet to reveal product specifics but confirmed upcoming changes.
Danone
Danone Cuts Sugar In Kids’ Products In Brazil
Danone is reducing sugar in its Brazilian children's line, including a new Danoninho formula set for August that aligns with its global goal of 10% sugar or less by 2025 for 95% of its kids’ products. The company uses innovative fermentation cultures to preserve taste without added sugar. Brazil, Danone’s 10th-largest market, is key to its strategy. Global R&D investments grew 12.3% in 2024, backing products targeting health concerns like anemia and gut health. Danone is also investing in AI, fermentation science and sustainable production to meet evolving consumer expectations around wellness and nutrition.
Monster
Monster Challenges MrBeast Over “Beast” Trademark
Monster Energy is legally opposing YouTube star MrBeast’s trademark application for “Feast Like a Beast,” which would cover drinks like energy beverages and flavored waters. Monster claims the name is too close to its long-used slogans like “Unleash the Beast” and argues it could confuse customers. With over 920 trademark cases filed since 2017, Monster is known for aggressive brand protection. However, MrBeast’s strong brand identity could help him counter the claims. The case might proceed to court if no settlement is reached within 40 days.
Other Companies
Bottled Water Gains As Health Trend Grows
Bottled water is seeing strong growth in the UK as consumers turn away from sugary soft drinks and alcohol. Health concerns and a desire for simplicity are driving this shift, especially among younger consumers tired of fleeting wellness fads. Still water accounts for 72% of bottled water sales in the country. Market penetration has increased significantly and much of the growth comes from people switching from tap water. While electrolyte and sports drinks are rising in popularity, bottled water’s straightforward health appeal and convenience continue to fuel its success.
Graasí Barley Water Brings Wellness To Market
Graasí is a new organic barley water created by Chris LaCorata to support both health and local economic revival. Made with barley grass juice powder and essential vitamins, the drink offers a low-sugar, detox-friendly option with only 4g of sugar per bottle. USDA Organic and vegan-certified, Graasí aims to stand out in a crowded functional beverage market. With a mission rooted in community revitalization and sustainable production, the brand targets health-conscious Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Expansion plans include new flavors and formats, reflecting a shift toward “beverages with benefits.”
PHX Launches Multi-Function Sports-Energy Drink
PHX, a new brand by One 11 Brands, blends sports drink hydration with natural caffeine-based energy. Backed by Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy, PHX includes 700mg of electrolytes, 200mg of caffeine and 100% daily value of eight vitamins. The zero-sugar drink comes in six flavors and aims to meet growing consumer demand for all-in-one functional beverages. Initially launching in select US states and online, PHX positions itself as a superior alternative to existing sports or energy drinks by offering better taste and broader functionality.
More...
Copyright 2025 Business360, Inc.