Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Partners With Sazerac On RTDs
Coca-Cola is expanding its presence in the alcoholic RTD market under a partnership with Sazerac, which will handle production and distribution of key brands, including Fresca Mixed and Minute Maid Spiked. Coca-Cola says the collaboration will help reach more consumers, maintain ties with independent distributors, and launch Fresca Hard, a new zero-sugar flavored malt beverage. The move reflects Coca-Cola’s strategy to capitalize on the fast-growing alcohol RTD category and to introduce products that appeal to younger, legal-drinking-age consumers seeking convenient alcoholic beverage options.
Coca-Cola JV Building Largest Philippines Plant
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ joint venture in the Philippines started building its largest factory in the country, located in Tarlac City. It will supply products to the domestic market and is expected to begin production within 18 months. Full construction will take 10 years. Coca-Cola owns 60% of the joint venture, created after acquiring Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines in 2023. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, a Philippines conglomerate, holds the rest. The project follows double-digit sales growth in the Philippines, driven by Coca-Cola’s core soft drinks, Sprite, and water products.
Coca-Cola Expands Jugos del Valle Plant
Coca-Cola’s Mexican division is investing US$85 million to expand its Jugos del Valle–Santa Clara plant in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, adding two production lines for juices and non-carbonated drinks. It’s expected to create 700 jobs and strengthen local agricultural supply chains. Coca-Cola says the project supports packaging, logistics and ingredient suppliers and reflects collaboration with all levels of government.
Danone
Danone Settles Plastic Packaging Lawsuits
Danone settled two US lawsuits challenging its marketing of plastic packaging and recyclability claims. The company will update its website to clarify recycling limitations and commit funds over three years to develop packaging reduction and plastic-free alternatives for Evian in the US. The settlements follow legal challenges by Earth Island Institute and Plastic Pollution Coalition, one in Washington DC and one in California, which alleged Danone misled consumers about its environmental claims. Danone denied wrongdoing but agreed to support initiatives to reduce plastic waste.
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP To Distribute Cove Soda In Canada
Keurig Dr Pepper Canada signed a deal to distribute, market and sell Cove Soda nationwide. The probiotic, sugar-free soda brand, founded in Halifax in 2016, will benefit from KDP’s retail partnerships and logistics network. KDP says the agreement strengthens its soft drink portfolio and supports consumer demand for healthier, functional beverages. Cove Soda currently sells in more than 2,250 stores and has recently expanded into the US. Financial details were undisclosed.
Other Companies
Korea Mandates Recycled Plastic In Bottles
South Korea will soon require beverage companies to use at least 10% recycled PET in bottled water and nonalcoholic drink packaging starting in January 2026. The rule applies to major producers using over 5,000 tons of PET annually and aims to create a “bottle-to-bottle” recycling system, cut plastic waste and align with international targets. The government plans to raise the requirement to 30% by 2030 and expand coverage to smaller producers.
Olvi Acquires Estonian Water Producer Värska Originaal
Finnish beverage company Olvi Group is to acquire Estonian mineral water maker Värska Originaal, expanding its non-alcoholic portfolio and export capabilities. The deal, expected to close in early 2026 pending competition authority approval, adds 45 million liters of production capacity and around 70 employees to Olvi’s operations. Värska Originaal’s products are sold in multiple European countries. Olvi is focusing on acquisitions to boost its share of non-alcoholic beverages, which already account for more than 40% of its sales volume. The purchase follows other recent acquisitions in Bosnia and Latvia.
Japan’s Extra-Carbonated Sparkling Water Hits US
MTN WTR is introducing EXTRA STRONG Sparkling Water to the US, a product inspired by Japan’s trend for ultra-carbonated beverages. Made with naturally alkaline spring water from Mount Fuji, the drink contains nearly double the carbonation of regular sparkling water, delivering a sharper, more intense fizz. The product is designed to enhance cocktails, cleanse the palate and offer a more exciting alternative to standard seltzers. Single cans launched in August 2025, with multi-packs rolling out in September through Amazon, distributors and retailers such as Erewhon and H Mart.
One Water Launches Interlocking Bottle System
One Water’s premium bottled water is sourced from the Canadian Rockies and packaged in the world’s first interlocking bottle system. The patented design allows bottles to connect, making storage, transport and display more efficient while reducing carbon emissions by up to 35%. The company says the innovation creates a new standard in bottled water by combining luxury, functionality and sustainability.
Lawsuit Alleges Contaminants Found In Mountain Valley Water
A class action lawsuit filed in Florida accuses Primo Water and its Mountain Valley Spring Water brand of false advertising. Plaintiff Jeffrey Nadel alleges the water, marketed as pure and pollutant-free, contains carcinogens including arsenic, uranium and bromoform. Independent testing in July 2025 reportedly found these contaminants despite claims of natural purity and premium quality. The complaint seeks to recover premium prices consumers paid and stop the alleged misleading marketing.
Sam’s Club Pilots Label-Free Water In China
Sam’s Club China launched label-free bottled water in China under its Member’s Mark brand, aiming to reduce plastic and improve recyclability. The bottles are sold in multi-packs with product information printed on case packaging. The initiative is part of a broader packaging revamp that includes switching to recyclable coatings and reducing unnecessary plastic. Consumer feedback will help determine whether the label-free concept expands to more products or markets.
Wahaha
Wahaha Considers Changing Its Brand Name
Chinese beverage company Wahaha is reportedly planning to rebrand as “Wa Xiao Zong” starting in 2026, according to an internal document shared online. The decision is said to address legal and historical issues linked to the use of the “Wahaha” name following the death of founder Zong Qinghou. The rebrand aims to mitigate potential legal risks, though the change has sparked strong reactions on Chinese social media, with many consumers expressing resistance and emotional attachment to the existing brand.
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