Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Pilots DRS In Scotland
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners completed a trial of a Deposit Return Scheme at New College Lanarkshire campuses in Scotland. Students earned 20p per can or bottle recycled through reverse vending machines, redeemable at campus canteens. The month-long trial, extended by a week, explored how financial rewards influence recycling behavior. Early feedback suggested strong student engagement, with half saying incentives encourage them to recycle more. The project builds on previous behavioral studies run with Keep Scotland Beautiful and the University of Strathclyde.
Coca-Cola Launches Mini Cans And Cane Sugar Option
Coca-Cola will launch 7.5-ounce mini cans of its main sodas in US convenience stores next year, offering a lower-cost, lower-calorie option at $1.29 each. The move targets budget- and calorie-conscious consumers and broadens access to smaller formats of popular brands and flavors. Later this year, Coca-Cola plans to introduce glass bottles of soda sweetened with cane sugar, responding to long-standing consumer interest in alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup.
Danone
Danone, Bonafont Face Supplier Debt Allegations
Mexican producers accused Danone and its water brand Bonafont of not paying for raw materials and services, leaving small producers facing liquidity problems. Industry groups warn that the controversy exposes power imbalances between multinational companies and rural suppliers. The allegations are now drawing public and official attention, in an era when ethical sourcing is increasingly important to consumers. Producer organizations are seeking both payment and penalties, calling for stronger oversight and clearer rules to ensure fairness in global supply chains.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Starboard Value Takes Stake In KDP
Activist investor Starboard Value’s stake in Keurig Dr Pepper follows KDP’s company’s $18 billion deal to acquire European coffee maker JDE Peet’s. The acquisition, which is expected to lead to a split between coffee and soft drink operations into separate US-listed firms, has drawn mixed investor reactions. Starboard held private discussions with management about improving performance and restoring confidence. Shares rose 3% after news of Starboard’s involvement, partly offsetting losses since the August deal announcement.
7Up Revives Shirley Temple Flavor For Holidays
Keurig Dr Pepper is relaunching its limited-edition 7Up Shirley Temple soda from mid-October through December. The flavor combines 7Up’s citrus-lime base with notes of cherry, pomegranate and grenadine, inspired by the classic non-alcoholic drink. It will be sold in two-liter bottles, 12-can packs and a Zero Sugar version. The company describes the return as a nostalgic but modern twist aimed at holiday gatherings. Marketing chief Andrew Springate said the release blends tradition with innovation to capture seasonal demand for special-edition beverages.
Nestle
Nestlé Moves Bottled Water Toward Premium Market
Nestlé is steering its bottled-water business upmarket with premium brands such as Maison Perrier, supported by high-profile campaigns. Environmental pressures, including droughts and pollution risks, are making sourcing mineral water harder, while consumer tastes shift toward flavored and functional waters. Rival Danone is pursuing a similar approach with its Mizone brand in Asia. By emphasizing glass and canned formats, the companies aim to balance sustainability with profitability. However, analysts caution that rising marketing and production costs could limit margins.
Other Companies
Nakoda Group Enters Beverage Market With NO CTRL
India’s Nakoda Group of Industries enters the beverage market with its new brand “NO CTRL,” offering energy and flavored carbonated drinks. Known for its food and agri-based products, the company is diversifying into FMCG to reach younger consumers and retail markets. Managing Director Pravin Choudhary said the launch marks a strategic shift from B2B to D2C sales. The initial rollout begins in Maharashtra, with plans for national expansion. Nakoda sees the new line as combining energy, freshness and innovation to strengthen brand visibility and long-term growth.
Highland Spring Expands With New Flavored Waters
Scottish bottled-water producer Highland Spring recorded 13.5% sales growth in 2024, reaching £148.2 million as it moves toward its goal of £200 million in turnover. Performance was boosted by its new flavored-still-water range, launched to meet demand for healthier hydration choices. The company invested about £10 million to expand capacity at its Blackford site, enabling further growth. Managing Director Simon Oldham said the brand remains focused on innovation, sustainability and provenance while positioning Highland Spring as the UK’s top water brand.
Jumex And AriZona Launch Fruit Energy Drink
Grupo Jumex and AriZona Beverages expanded their partnership with the launch of Jumex Energy™, a new line of lightly carbonated fruit-based energy drinks combining Jumex’s mango and strawberry nectars with caffeine, vitamins, taurine, guarana and ginseng to support energy and focus. Available initially in the US, the line targets consumers seeking functional drinks made with familiar fruit flavors. Both companies describe the launch as a natural next step after their collaboration on Jumex Hard®.
Franklin & Sons Adds Yuzu Soda To Range
Franklin & Sons added Yuzu Soda to its premium soft-drink range, highlighting the growing demand for Asian-inspired flavors in the UK. Made with yuzu juice and Lake District spring water, the soda delivers a balance of sharp and sweet citrus notes. It can be served alone or used as a mixer, appealing to both soft-drink and cocktail consumers. The company notes that yuzu-flavored products have grown nearly 60% year-on-year in the UK.
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