Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Mulls Options For Costa Coffee
Coca-Cola is reviewing strategic options for its Costa Coffee chain, including a possible sale. The company, working with investment bank Lazard, held early talks with potential buyers. Coca-Cola bought Costa in 2018 for more than $5 billion to expand in the coffee market, but CEO James Quincey recently acknowledged results have not met expectations. Costa operates in about 50 countries, making any sale a significant divestment. The review comes as global food and drink companies adjust portfolios to manage costs and shifting consumer preferences.
Coca-Cola Expands Retail Training In Odisha
Coca-Cola India and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages are strengthening Odisha’s retail sector through training and infrastructure support for small shop owners. The Super Power Retailer Programme, run with the National Skill Development Corporation, trains kirana store operators in customer engagement, stock planning and financial skills. More than 21,000 retailers have participated, many reporting improved business performance. Coca-Cola also provides equipment such as coolers to ensure chilled beverages are available year-round. Retailers and distributors describe the program as improving livelihoods and consumer access to products such as Thums Up, Sprite and Coca-Cola, reinforcing long-standing partnerships in the state.
Danone
Danone Simplifies Leadership Structure Globally
In a move to streamline operations and improve agility, Danone is restructuring its leadership model, moving from five geographic divisions to three: EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas. Starting in January 2026, Pablo Perversi, Bruno Chevot and Henri Bruxelles will head the new regions, reporting to Deputy CEO Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta. The changes are part of CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique’s “Renew Danone” strategy launched in 2022 to boost performance. Danone reported €27.4 billion in sales last year, with modest growth in earnings. The reorganisation follows recent efforts to expand through acquisitions, including attempts to increase its stake in US-based kefir producer Lifeway Foods.
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP Buys JDE Peet’s Coffee
Keurig Dr Pepper agreed to acquire JDE Peet’s, owner of Peet’s Coffee, for $18 billion, with plans to later split into two listed companies: one focused on coffee and one on soft drinks. The deal gives KDP a stronger global footprint, combining its North American coffee business with JDE Peet’s operations in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. After the separation, the coffee company will have about $16 billion in annual revenue, while the beverage arm, including Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple and energy drinks, will generate around $11 billion. KDP expects $400 million in cost savings and says the move will create more focused growth opportunities across both segments.
Monster
Monster Energy Drives Growth In Australia
Monster Energy is leading Australia’s fast-growing energy drinks market, supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ major local investment. In a category expanding nearly 20% year-on-year, Monster holds almost 40% market share and drives much of the growth. A key trend is the rise of zero-sugar energy drinks, now nearly 40% of sales, where Monster’s Ultra Zero Sugar range dominates. To meet rising demand, CCEP invested AUD75 million in its Richlands, Queensland facility, installing a high-speed canning line producing up to 120,000 cans per hour. This investment, part of nearly AUD900 million spent in Australia over the past decade, strengthens CCEP’s supply chain and supports future growth in the energy drinks sector.
Nestle
Nestlé Opens Coffee Concentrate Line In Malaysia
Nestlé launched its first coffee concentrate production line in Asia at its Sri Muda factory in Malaysia, producing Nescafé Espresso Concentrate for the region’s growing cold coffee market. The facility will serve both domestic and international markets, including Singapore, Oceania and the Middle East, with potential exports to Europe. Cold coffee consumption is expanding rapidly, particularly among younger consumers seeking café-style drinks at home or on the go. Malaysia’s central location allows Nestlé to source coffee efficiently and distribute quickly across Asia. The investment builds on CHF 290 million invested in Malaysia over the past five years, with plans to add CHF 150 million by 2028 to strengthen manufacturing, digital infrastructure and innovation.
Nongfu Spring
Nongfu Spring Faces US Political Backlash
Chinese beverage company Nongfu Spring faces political resistance in the US after purchasing a 23-acre industrial site in Nashua, New Hampshire, for $67 million. Although the company did not acquire water rights, its proximity to a watershed and sensitive infrastructure raised concerns over national security and local water supplies. Critics fear foreign ownership could give China influence over municipal resources. State lawmakers responded by passing new restrictions on land purchases by entities from “hostile nations,” including China. Calls for federal review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US have also grown. The case reflects wider scrutiny of Chinese investments in American land and utilities amid ongoing US–China tensions.
Other Companies
Lucofast Expands Hydration Drink Nationwide
India-based Lucofast Foods & Beverages launched its hydration drink, Lucofast, across the country following initial success in Pune, Lonavala and Ahmedabad. Positioned as a healthier alternative to traditional energy or sports drinks, Lucofast contains electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), B-vitamins and zinc for hydration and recovery, with no artificial sweeteners. Available in Strawberry Lemonade, Peach & Passion Fruit and Orange flavors, the drink targets athletes, fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. The brand is distributed through retail outlets, gyms, supermarkets and online platforms.
Celsius Gains Edge From Relative Price Movements
Energy drink maker Celsius is benefiting as price differences between energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages narrow. While tea, soda and coffee prices have risen sharply in recent years, energy drink prices have increased more slowly, making them a better-value option for consumers. US energy drink sales rose 6.3% in the past year, while tea and coffee drinks saw declines. Celsius’ revenue jumped 84% in the latest quarter, boosted by its acquisition of Alani Nu and new flavor launches. Women and younger consumers are driving growth, with energy drinks seen as alternatives to coffee for a cold caffeine boost. Analysts expect the category’s favorable pricing to support continued expansion.
Nigeria’s Champion Breweries To Acquire Bullet Energy
Champion Breweries, a Nigerian company, plans to acquire the Bullet energy drink brand from Sun Mark International. The deal includes all brand assets and intellectual property, transferring them to a new Netherlands-based entity in which Champion will hold majority ownership. Bullet, led by its Bullet Black product, is a top player in Nigeria’s RTD and energy categories and is available in over 14 African countries. The acquisition is expected to expand Champion’s portfolio into high-demand beverage categories, strengthen its finances and deliver synergies in distribution and logistics. New Bullet product launches are planned for 2026, alongside further African and international market expansion.
Uni-President
Uni-President Supports Taiwan’s Sugar Tax
Uni-President Enterprises backs the Taiwanese government’s proposed sugar tax law, which aims to reduce obesity by discouraging high-sugar drinks. The draft amendment to the Commodity Tax Act would raise taxes on beverages with added sugar while exempting sugar-free alternatives. Over half of Taiwanese adults are overweight, and sugary drinks account for 17% of daily caloric intake, well above World Health Organization recommendations. By supporting the measure, Uni-President signals alignment with public health goals while continuing to operate major retail and beverage outlets such as 7-Eleven, Starbucks and Mister Donut. The proposal forms part of Taiwan’s broader health strategy, including nutrition labeling and food safety improvements.
More...
Copyright 2025 Business360, Inc.