Coca-Cola
New Monster Ultra Ruby Red Hits UK Shelves
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners will roll out Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red across the UK in mid-August. First launched in the US in 2024, the zero-sugar grapefruit-flavored energy drink is now available in 500ml cans and multipacks. It has a pink hue and a sweet-tart citrus profile. Retailers can access promotional materials online to support the launch. The release follows a string of successful new variants and is part of Monster’s broader innovation strategy, which has driven significant growth in the energy drink category.
BTS Star V Becomes Coca-Cola Korea Ambassador
Coca-Cola Korea named BTS member V as its latest brand ambassador, for the promotion of Coca-Cola Zero, which is central to the new “Best Coke Ever” campaign. In a statement, V expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and teased future campaigns that will highlight the drink’s appeal. This partnership reflects Coca-Cola’s continued efforts to engage younger consumers through celebrity endorsements and targeted campaigns in key markets like South Korea.
Coca-Cola Exits Nigeria Dairy And Juice Market
Coca-Cola sold its Nigerian dairy and juice business, Chivita Hollandia, to UAC of Nigeria in a move that aligns with Coca-Cola’s strategy to focus on scalable brands and a more asset-light model. Chivita Hollandia, also known as Chi Ltd, produces popular fruit juices under the Chivita brand and dairy products under Hollandia. Coca-Cola fully acquired Chi Ltd in 2019 after an initial minority stake in 2016. Financial terms for the deal were not disclosed.
Coca-Cola May Reduce Stake In HCCB
Coca-Cola and the Bhartia family are reportedly considering listing Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages in India. If the plan proceeds, Coca-Cola’s share in the bottling company could fall below 50% within five years. The Bhartia family, through Jubilant Beverages, acquired a 40% stake in HCCB's parent company in late 2023. They are expected to become the controlling shareholders, reflecting Coca-Cola's global move toward an asset-light, franchised model.
Danone
Danone Sues Chobani Over Cold Brew Labeling
Danone filed a lawsuit against Chobani, accusing it of trademark infringement related to cold brew branding in a dispute centering on Chobani’s use of the phrase “Bright & Mellow,” which Danone claims is too similar to its own Stok cold brew product line. It follows Chobani’s 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, after which it altered product packaging. Danone argues this move mimics its established brand and could mislead consumers. Chobani has yet to respond.
Nestle
Nestlé Adopts Clear Caps For Pure Life
Nestlé Nigeria is replacing colored caps with clear ones across its Pure Life bottled water range to improve recyclability by making sorting and reprocessing easier. Olutayo Olatunji of Nestlé Waters emphasized that the clear cap is part of broader sustainability efforts, including using 50% recycled PET in bottles.
Other Companies
Vital Proteins Debuts RTD Collagen & Protein Shake
Vital Proteins entered the RTD market with its first bottled beverage, the Collagen & Protein Shake. Available in chocolate and priced at $10 for a four-pack, each bottle contains 30g of protein and 10g of collagen. It’s free from added sugar and artificial ingredients, and caters to wellness-focused consumers seeking convenience and functionality. The product launches at Walmart and will expand to Costco later this year.
Lotte Chilsung Sees Profit From Exports
Lotte Chilsung Beverage reported a 3.5% rise in Q2 2025 operating profit, despite a 1.1% dip in overall sales from weaker domestic demand and rising input costs. Sales in South Korea fell in several categories, including carbonated drinks and bottled water. However, export sales grew 6.7%, with brands like Milkis gaining ground in over 50 countries. The company’s overseas operations, especially in Myanmar, Pakistan and the Philippines, showed strong growth. The beverage institutional sector saw Q2 sales down 8.5% from the same period last year. Energy drinks sales were up 4.8%.
Inca Kola’s Success As Peru’s National Soda
Inca Kola, a bright yellow soda born in Peru, has outperformed Coca-Cola locally for decades by connecting with national identity. Created in 1935, the brand gained ground during WWII when Coca-Cola cut ties with Japanese-owned bodegas in Peru. Inca Kola filled the gap, strengthening its position and earning lasting loyalty. Despite eventually selling a stake to Coca-Cola in 1999, the brand retained its domestic presence. Today, Inca Kola remains a symbol of cultural pride and tradition, frequently served alongside local meals and seen as a reflection of Peru’s diverse heritage.
Genius Gourmet Launches Sparkling Protein Drink at Costco
Genius Gourmet introduces a new 30g Sparkling Clear Protein Drink, now available nationwide at Costco. The Blue Raspberry Lemonade beverage offers high protein content without sugar, lactose or artificial additives. It’s designed to be light and refreshing, appealing to consumers who want a more enjoyable alternative to traditional protein shakes.
Matcha Demand Soars Amid Global Shortage
Matcha faces global supply pressures as demand surges, driven by social media trends and tourism to Japan. Retailers report higher prices and limited availability, especially for ceremonial-grade matcha used in lattes and desserts. Japanese producers are struggling to keep up, with yields down due to weather conditions. The boom is also linked to TikTok-fueled interest in matcha’s flavor and health appeal. With supply chains strained and tariffs impacting imports to the US, prices are expected to continue rising.
Uni-President
Uni-President China Reports Strong Growth
Uni-President China Holdings posted solid results for the first half of 2025, with revenue rising 10.6% and profit attributable to shareholders up 33.2%. Gross margin improved to 34.3% and EBITDA was up 23%. Growth was driven by strong performances in both food and beverage segments, supported by continued product innovation and market expansion. Uni-President plans to build on consumer trends and maintain its market position through ongoing investment in innovation and operational efficiency, reinforcing its status as a key player in China's beverage industry.
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