Bisleri
Bisleri Expands, Rules Out IPO
Bisleri International will remain privately held, with Vice-Chairperson Jayanti Chauhan confirming there are no plans for an IPO or stake sale. Instead, the company will invest ₹600 crore this year to add six plants, expand distribution to 400,000 outlets and grow its fizzy drinks portfolio with brands like Limonata and Spyci. Bisleri also plans to expand premium offerings such as Vedica Himalayan spring water. Chauhan raised concerns about counterfeiting in the packaged water industry, urging stronger regulation. The company partnered with Dubai-based Apparel Group to enter the UAE, Oman and wider MENA markets, reinforcing its leadership in India’s packaged water sector.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Rolls Out AI Vending Machines To New Zealand
Coca-Cola launched Coke&Go, an AI-powered vending machine, in New Zealand with plans to expand distribution further in the country and in Australia. The cooler machines use computer vision to recognize products, while consumers unlock them via QR code or credit card. Purchases are finalized through connected payment systems, making the process faster and more convenient. The technology also tracks inventory in real time, reducing out-of-stock issues and ensuring efficient restocking. Following a successful trial at Sydney Airport, several hundred units will be deployed over the next two years, aligning Coca-Cola’s vending services with evolving consumer lifestyles.
Coca-Cola Launches Citrus Energy Drink Lift In Philippines
Coca-Cola Philippines introduced Lift, a citrus-flavored energy drink enriched with Vitamin B3, Zinc and Caffeine with a launch in Bacolod City featuring a large public event with interactive booths, performances and brand ambassador Ruru Madrid. Lift is positioned as a functional drink for young, active consumers seeking energy and confidence throughout the day. The rollout included street caravans and local activations to build excitement. Now available in sari-sari stores and retail outlets across Western Visayas, Lift marks the start of Coca-Cola’s nationwide campaign to promote the product, with further launches and promotional activities planned.
Nestle
Nestlé Denies Microplastics Exist In Its French Waters
Nestlé rejects allegations that its Contrex and Hépar bottled waters in France contain microplastics. The claims originated from an investigation by the French Office for Biodiversity, which linked nearby landfills to possible contamination of wells. Nestlé argues the testing methods used were flawed and conducted by a non-accredited laboratory. The company cited results from accredited labs showing no presence of microplastics in its sources. While Nestlé maintains its waters are safe, the case has drawn public scrutiny.
Other Companies
Water Kefir Emerges As Growth Segment
Water kefir, a dairy-free probiotic drink made by fermenting sugar water, is gaining attention as a functional beverage with strong growth potential. Market researchers predict it will expand at a CAGR of 9.5% between 2026 and 2033, reaching $2.5 billion globally. Popular in North America and Europe, water kefir appeals to consumers seeking plant-based, lower-calorie, gut-friendly drinks. It offers probiotic benefits similar to dairy kefir but suits vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers. Challenges include higher production costs and short shelf life, but innovations in packaging and flavor are driving interest in this refreshing, fizzy alternative to soda.
Coopers Brewery Launches Non-Alcoholic Beer
Australia’s Coopers Brewery introduced Coopers Zero, its first non-alcoholic beer, to meet rising demand for low- and no-alcohol beverages. Containing less than 0.5% ABV, the beer is brewed with pale, crystal malt and wheat, offering a balanced flavor with moderate bitterness. Each 375ml can contains 49 calories. It’s targeted at younger consumers seeking healthier choices and will be distributed nationwide.
ORSL Introduces Zero-Sugar Mango Electrolyte Drink
Electrolyte drink brand ORSL brings ORSL ZERO Mango to market, combining real mango pulp with electrolytes and no added sugar. Developed under Kenvue India, the drink caters to consumers seeking low-calorie hydration solutions. Positioned for everyday wellness, it supports hydration needs for people managing diets, fitness routines or lifestyle-related conditions. Calories come from natural sugars in the fruit pulp. Available across pharmacies, self-service outlets and quick-commerce platforms, ORSL ZERO expands the brand’s range of science-backed hydration beverages, while offering a flavor popular with Indian consumers.
Reliance Buys Stake In Naturedge Beverages
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd entered India’s herbal beverage market by acquiring a majority stake in Naturedge Beverages, maker of the Shunya brand, a zero-sugar, zero-calorie drink infused with herbs like ashwagandha, brahmi, kokum and green tea. Reliance aims to scale Shunya across India using its distribution network. Naturedge, founded in 2018, will benefit from Reliance’s reach, while Reliance strengthens its beverage portfolio as part of its broader strategy to expand in fast-growing health-focused categories.
Maltese Startup Launches Energy Drink MEYN
A Maltese entrepreneur, Matthew Cassar, launched MEYN, a natural energy drink developed to help manage his ADHD. Containing lion’s mane mushroom, ginseng, maca root and natural caffeine, MEYN sold or pre-sold over 11,000 cans in its first weeks. Initially developed in Cassar’s kitchen, the formula was refined with experts in Austria and now comes in tropical passion and sour berry flavours. MEYN positions itself as a healthier alternative in the competitive energy drink market.
Otsuka Expands POCARI SWEAT In Asia
Otsuka Pharmaceutical is expanding its POCARI SWEAT electrolyte drink business across Asia, recently launching in India and extending reach in the Philippines. The brand is seeing growth in these markets, though sales in China and Indonesia have slowed due to competition and weaker economic activity. Products for India are produced in Indonesia and sold in 350ml and 500ml PET bottles.
ThaiBev
ThaiBev Reports Lower Nine-Month Earnings
Thai Beverage posted a 4% decline in nine-month operating earnings, mainly due to weaker performance in its spirits division and weaker results from non-alcoholic beverages. Increased marketing costs and slow consumer spending weighed on profits, while sales in Vietnam also declined. Beer earnings rose slightly thanks to lower raw material costs and efficiency gains, but food sales dropped. Overall revenue remained steady but EBITDA slipped as the company continues to face post-pandemic challenges.
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