Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Faces Water Access Controversy In Colombia
Coca-Cola is under scrutiny in Colombia after allegations of cementing over natural springs in La Calera, near Bogota, to secure water for bottling operations. Residents and environmental advocates say the company’s actions threaten local water supplies and violate public resource protections. Although Coca-Cola claims responsible water use, critics highlight expired or improperly extended extraction permits and water scarcity concerns in the community, especially given recent rationing measures there. Legal and regulatory reviews are ongoing, with growing calls for transparent studies and broader public input.
Coca-Cola South Africa Plant Closures Loom
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa plans a major restructuring that may result in factory closures in Bloemfontein and East London, potentially affecting over 600 jobs. Local unions criticize the company for bypassing formal negotiations and promised to challenge the layoff process. CCBSA states consultations with impacted staff and unions are ongoing and no final decisions have been made. The move is part of efforts to address financial challenges in a changing market and the news follows recent corporate investments in new bottling infrastructure elsewhere in southern Africa, highlighting regional shifts in Coca-Cola's operations and market strategy.
Coca-Cola’s Winning Global Strategies
Coca-Cola’s continued domination of the global beverage market comes from leveraging strong brand equity, a highly diversified product portfolio and a strategy that adapts offerings to local preferences. Its global recognition delivers prime shelf positioning, loyalty and premium pricing power, while diversification into energy drinks and health-oriented beverages is offsetting slower soda sales. Coca-Cola’s ability to tailor products and marketing for different regions creates emotional connections with local consumers. Financially, the company maintains steady margins and incremental growth, supporting long-term investment appeal, and strategic digital and product innovations are helping Coca-Cola respond to changing consumer expectations and competitive pressures in 2025.
ABARTA Builds Major Coca-Cola Facility
ABARTA began constructing a new $100 million Coca-Cola sales and distribution center in South Lebanon Township, Pennsylvania. Spanning 240,000 square feet, the facility should be completed by July 2027, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of ABARTA Coca-Cola. Set on a 52-acre parcel, it will include state-of-the-art automation and represents a significant milestone for the family-owned company, which distributes Coca-Cola products throughout several northeastern states.
Danone
Danone Rethinks Lifeway Investment
Danone ended efforts to acquire Lifeway Foods after two rejected bids and ongoing legal disputes and now plans to review its options regarding its minority stake in the US dairy brand, which has seen persistent growth but is embroiled in a boardroom battle led by major family shareholders. Both companies accuse each other of breach of agreement or hostile actions, further complicating talks. Lifeway intends to focus on its strategic plan and explore alternatives. Danone is considering whether to support proposals to overhaul Lifeway’s board, signaling potential continued influence in the company’s future direction.
Nestle
Nestlé Faces Greenwashing Lawsuit In Poland
Nestlé Poland faces legal action from NGO ClientEarth, which accuses the company of misleading environmental claims on its bottled water products. ClientEarth argues that slogans like “100% made of recycled PET plastic” create a false impression of environmental neutrality, given that caps and labels are not fully recycled and that most plastic waste in Poland isn’t recycled. The lawsuit follows broader European scrutiny of beverage companies’ recycling claims, prompting label updates and further transparency efforts.
Other Companies
Raw C and Pistachio Papi Launch Novel Coconut Drink
Pistachio Papi and Australian coconut water company Raw C partnered to create a limited-edition coconut water infused with natural pistachio and white chocolate, available nationally at Woolworths. Released under the “Sip The Spread” campaign, it contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives, following both brands’ clean label focus. The collaboration marks Pistachio Papi’s first foray into beverages and is designed to attract younger shoppers seeking innovative, healthier drinks.
Suntory Oceania Launches Zero-Sugar V Energy
Suntory Oceania’s zero-sugar version of its V Energy drinks targets Australia and New Zealand with three nostalgic, Y2K-inspired flavors: Strawberries & Cream, Watermelon Candy and Cotton Candy. Sold in 250ml cans, the new range aims to appeal to health-aware consumers looking for bold, expressive products that reflect lifestyle trends. The marketing emphasizes both nostalgia and innovation, and builds on V Energy’s earlier introduction of slow-release energy drinks.
Hydrology Debuts Sugar-Free Wellness Drink Beads
Hydrology, a new wellness beverage brand in France, offers dissolving lozenges that transform plain water into functional drinks with added micronutrients and natural flavors, but without sugar, sweeteners or artificial colors. Each lozenge targets specific wellness goals, such as energy, immunity or relaxation and dissolves in 500 ml of water. The product aims to encourage hydration and reduce single-use plastic by making water consumption more appealing and customizable. Inspired by a personal health journey, Hydrology’s approach addresses consumer interest in healthier beverages and sustainable packaging practices.
Regal Foods Acquires Suncrest Drinks Brand
Regal Food Products Group acquired Suncrest, a UK-based soft drinks brand known for flavors like mango and lychee, from KTC Edibles. The purchase covers branding and trademarks, expanding Regal’s reach in the international drinks market and adding to its lineup of world foods. A new bottled Suncrest line launches at Asda to coincide with Diwali, supporting the brand’s broader relaunch. Regal Foods aims to transform Suncrest into a global beverage brand. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Kerala’s Hilly Aqua Bottled Water Sells Out In Dubai
Kerala’s Hilly Aqua bottled water achieved strong sales in Dubai, selling 51,228 liters during its first export month, selling out its inventory. This success follows a partnership with UAE-based Arona General Trading and reflects growing GCC demand for bottled water from India. Dubai municipal inspectors reviewed and approved Hilly Aqua’s regional plants to ensure quality. Kerala is the first Indian state to export bottled water to the UAE, and Hilly Aqua is preparing to boost production capacity and expand exports to more Gulf markets.
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