Hard-To-Track News For Business Professionals

Coca-Cola Pushes Returnable Bottles In Southern Africa

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa expanded its 2L Returnable PET bottle program in Soweto and KwaZulu-Natal. These bottles reduce waste and lower costs, allowing consumers to pay less when they return empty containers. They are durable, labeled “RETURNABLE,” and can be reused multiple times. Free samples are being distributed to promote the initiative. The program supports affordability, community engagement and sustainability.

Coca-Cola Boosts Bottling Capacity In South Africa

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invested R365 million in a high-speed bottling line in Midrand, South Africa. The new line produces up to 72,000 bottles per hour and supports hydration-focused products like Bonaqua and Powerade. This investment enhances local production capabilities and supports Coca-Cola’s growth plans across the African continent. It also reinforces the company’s strategy to manufacture, distribute and source locally, creating value for communities and strengthening supply chains in the region.

Coca-Cola Rethinks Costa Coffee Investment

Coca-Cola is reassessing its $5.1 billion acquisition of Costa Coffee, as growth stalls and costs remain high. While Costa expanded its RTD coffee line and vending operations, it struggles to compete in the US market, where it focuses on packaged products and B2B sales. Challenges include robust competition, pandemic setbacks and soaring coffee bean prices. The brand’s revenues have been stagnant since 2018, and US success limited. Analysts question whether Coca-Cola will recoup its investment, though recent structural changes suggest the brand won’t be sold soon. Coca-Cola may still scale Costa’s RTD offerings globally, but it must decide whether to fully commit or cut its losses.

Danone Sees Sales Growth Built On Demand In China

Danone beat second-quarter sales expectations thanks to strong Chinese demand for infant formula and medical nutrition. While water sales in Latin America and US coffee creamer performance remained weak, Danone’s overall strategy focusing on health and science-driven products showed resilience. The company reported a 4.1% rise in like-for-like sales, with volumes up 3.2% and price 1%. Danone also reaffirmed its growth targets for 2025. Recent acquisitions like The Akkermansia Company and Kate Farms support Danone’s move into health-forward products.

KDP Expands DSD Network With New Dr Pepper Distribution

Keurig Dr Pepper is expanding its direct-store-delivery model by adding Dr Pepper distribution in California, Nevada and the Midwest. The move aims to increase in-store efficiency, boost sales and support fast-growing sports hydration brands like Ghost and C4. While the transition may cause short-term disruption, KDP expects long-term gains through improved delivery scale and store presence. The DSD push is part of a broader strategy to enhance distribution and customer engagement.

KDP Acquires Dyla to Boost Functional Drink Mixes

Keurig Dr Pepper fully acquired Dyla Brands, a maker of natural drink enhancers like STUR, in a move that taps into growing demand for health-oriented hydration products. Dyla’s 1.5 billion annual servings and partnerships with Dole and Ocean Spray will complement KDP’s functional drinks portfolio. This acquisition supports KDP’s strategy to expand into customizable, wellness-focused drink categories.

KDP Beats Earnings Forecasts

Keurig Dr Pepper’s energy drinks like Ghost and C4 fueled strong second-quarter results, with US refreshment beverages sales rising over 10%. However, inflation and weak coffee sales due to pricing and geopolitical concerns, especially around Brazilian coffee tariffs, put pressure on margins. KDP’s overall performance exceeded expectations, and executives remain confident of hitting 2025 goals. New product partnerships are also expected to boost long-term growth.

Nestlé Remains Cautious Amid Market Pressures

Nestlé’s first-half earnings fell over 10%, impacted by weak performance in North America and China. Coffee margins are under pressure despite price hikes, and growth in the confectionery segment slowed. Though challenges persist, Nestlé maintained its full-year outlook and emphasized long-term strength in health-focused categories. Sales declined 1.8% in the six months, but organic growth was positive at 2.9% on 2.7% pricing.

Reliance Eyes Shunya Acquisition For Functional Drink Foothold

In India, Reliance Consumer Products is in talks to acquire a majority stake in Shunya, a zero-sugar, herb-based beverage brand owned by Baidyanath Group. The move would mark Reliance’s fourth beverage acquisition and aligns with its expansion into health-focused drinks. As consumer demand for no-sugar options grows, Reliance aims to scale Shunya nationally and compete with global brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in the functional beverage segment. Financial details were not disclosed.

Immune-Boosting Beverages Surge In Popularity

Consumers are increasingly turning to beverages for immune support, favoring drinks with vitamins, adaptogens, mushrooms and prebiotics. This shift has spurred innovation across RTDs, shots and sparkling waters. Brands like poppi, Olipop and Karma Water lead the trend, and major players are investing in immune-focused lines. Ingredient trust and science-backed claims are critical, as shoppers look for daily beverages that offer long-term wellness benefits. Immune health is now a year-round priority shaping beverage purchasing decisions.

Mahou San Miguel Launches Energy Drink In Spain

Spain’s Mahou San Miguel, best known for beer, is entering the energy drink market with Refeel, a mango-pineapple flavored beverage made with plant-based caffeine. Launching in September, Refeel contains under 20 calories per 10cl and will be sold in foodservice and Mahou stores. The move follows plays in this space by competitors like Heineken, signaling growing interest in low-calorie, functional drinks in Europe.

Korean Drinks Gain Global Popularity

South Korean beverage exports reached a record $409.8 million in the first half of 2025, led by products like Milkis and traditional drinks such as Sikhye and Morning Rice. Export growth is driven by unique flavors and health-oriented ingredients, with China, the US and Japan among top buyers. The global rise of Korean beverages reflects a growing international appetite for novel and wellness-focused drink options.

Suntory Funds Weather-Resistant Ribena Berries

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is investing £920,000 over five years to breed climate-resilient blackcurrants for Ribena. Partnering with the James Hutton Institute, the program aims to develop berries that thrive in the face of extreme weather, pests and disease. The goal is to maintain Ribena’s signature taste while improving crop reliability and reducing reliance on chemical treatments.

HTeaO Launches Fizzy, Customizable Summer Beverages

HTeaO is adding two carbonated drinks, Lemon Lav and Desert Pear, to its Refresher lineup using Perrier sparkling water. These Fizzy Refreshers are available through August and include CleanBoost Energy, a customizable energy shot with caffeine, B12 and L-Theanine.

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