Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola HBC Buys Africa Bottler For $2.6B
Coca-Cola HBC will acquire a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa for $2.6 billion, becoming the world’s second-largest Coca-Cola bottler in a deal that expands HBC’s presence across 14 African markets, including South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia, covering over 450 million people. CCBA’s portfolio is 81% sparkling soft drinks, with Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta leading sales. HBC already operates in Nigeria and Egypt and sees Africa’s young, fast-growing population as a major opportunity. The acquisition will more than double its African volume and integrate two of the region’s strongest bottling systems. The transaction is expected to close by late 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Coca-Cola India Sales Faced Weather Challenge
Coca-Cola reported a decline in beverage volumes in India during the July–September 2025 quarter, citing heavy monsoon rains disrupting sales. Despite the short-term setback, the company said long-term growth potential in India remains strong. Coca-Cola recently sold a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holding Pvt Ltd to the Jubilant Bhartia Group, part of its ongoing refranchising strategy. Globally, Coca-Cola’s Asia-Pacific revenues rose, driven by higher pricing and product mix. CEO James Quincey said India’s affordability-focused strategy and investments in local production will continue, supporting expansion in the world’s sixth-largest soft drink market.
Coca-Cola Bets On Zero Sugar And Protein
Coca-Cola is expanding its zero-sugar and high-protein beverage lines as consumers using GLP-1 appetite-suppressing drugs reduce sugary drink consumption. The company’s “zeros and diets” portfolio, including Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke, showed renewed growth, helping raise global revenues 5% in the third quarter to $12.5 billion. Its protein brands, Fairlife and Core Power, also saw strong demand, prompting a $650-million expansion plant in New York to increase production by 30% in 2026. Coca-Cola plans to apply its protein success model to other markets.
Coca-Cola Tops Forecasts, Sees Cautious Demand
Coca-Cola beat Wall Street expectations in the third quarter, posting 5% revenue growth and higher profits, but noted soft overall demand. Net income rose to $3.7 billion, while organic revenue increased 6%. Volume grew 1% globally, reversing last quarter’s decline, though North and Latin American sales were flat. Strong performance in water, sports drinks and premium brands offset weaker juice and dairy sales. Coke said lower-income consumers are trading down, prompting a focus on affordable pack sizes. The company maintained its full-year outlook, expecting earnings growth of about 3% and organic revenue growth of 5–6%.
Coca-Cola Weighs $1B India Bottler IPO
Coca-Cola is exploring a $1-billion initial public offering for its Indian bottling arm, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages. Discussions with bankers are underway. If approved, the IPO could launch in 2026, joining a growing wave of global companies listing their Indian units. HCCB manages Coca-Cola’s bottling and distribution in one of the world’s fastest-growing soft drink markets. The potential listing would help raise capital for expansion and increase local ownership in the business.
Coca-Cola Cuts Calories In Mexico
Coca-Cola will cut the calorie content of its drinks in Mexico by 30%, starting with larger bottles. The change aligns with a new health agreement with Mexico’s government following tax reforms that raise levies on sugary drinks and introduce a new tax on artificially sweetened beverages. The company aims for 70% of its soft drink volume to meet the new standard soon and will promote zero-sugar options at lower prices. Coca-Cola also pledged to stop advertising to children under 16.
Swire Coca-Cola Opens Smart Factory In China
Swire Coca-Cola opened a new factory in Zhengzhou, central China, as part of its ¥12-billion investment plan for the country. Costing over ¥900 million, it covers 13 hectares and can produce more than one million tonnes of beverages annually. It features more than 30 green technologies, including smart hot water systems, solar generation and automated guided vehicles for logistics. Swire plans further investments in Hainan, Suzhou and Guangdong by the end of next year.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Snapple Reprises Glass Bottles In New York
Snapple is reintroducing its iconic glass bottles to New York City for a limited time. Keurig Dr Pepper, which owns the brand, switched to plastic packaging after the companies merged in 2018. The return is aimed at nostalgic consumers and reinforces Snapple’s connection to its original image. The launch includes classic flavors like Apple, Kiwi Strawberry, Peach Tea, and Zero Sugar Peach Tea, priced at $3.99 in select stores and online retailers. The temporary reissue highlights growing consumer interest in sustainable and premium packaging and could inform KDP’s future beverage strategy in the competitive flavored tea and juice segment.
Monster
Monster Launches Lando Norris Drink In US
Monster Energy is releasing its Lando Norris Zero Sugar flavor in select US markets after strong demand in Europe. The limited-edition drink features melon and yuzu flavors and is packaged in a lime-green can inspired by the Formula 1 driver’s helmet. The launch coincides with the Austin Grand Prix and includes fan events, pop-up stores and exclusive merchandise. Each can contains 160 mg of caffeine and no sugar, consistent with Monster’s Zero line. The rollout in states including California, Nevada and Texas, reflects the brand’s effort to merge motorsport culture with its expanding low-calorie energy drink portfolio.
Nestle
Nestlé Cuts 16,000 Jobs, Stock Surges
Nestlé announced plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs worldwide over two years as part of a cost-cutting program to save up to CHF 3 billion by 2027, in a move that follows a CEO change. The restructuring aims to create a leaner organization amid rising raw material costs and new US tariffs on coffee and cocoa. Nestlé reported third-quarter organic sales growth of 4.3%, driven by strong performance in coffee and confectionery. Investors welcomed the plan, sending shares up 8%, the biggest one-day rise since 2008. The company reaffirmed full-year earnings guidance despite continued economic headwinds.
Other Companies
Muscle Nation, Raw C Launch Protein Water
Australian fitness brand Muscle Nation and coconut water maker Raw C launched a Coconut Pineapple Protein Water combining hydration and recovery. Each serving offers 22g of protein, zero sugar and 101 calories, naturally sweetened with monkfruit and stevia. The drink blends coconut water, collagen, whey protein, electrolytes and vitamin C to support muscle repair. Available through Muscle Nation’s online store and Woolworths supermarkets, the product targets active consumers looking for a light, functional beverage.
Pocono Maple Water Highlights Natural Hydration
Pocono Maple Water, a Pennsylvania-based brand, is promoting pure maple sap as a naturally hydrating, nutrient-rich alternative to processed beverages. Made from organic maple trees, the drink contains electrolytes and manganese with no additives. Founder Nicole Bentler positions the product as part of a return-to-nature movement emphasizing transparency and sustainability. The beverage, harvested during a short spring season, is bottled in small batches and sold to subscribers and select retailers. With subtle sweetness and natural sourcing, maple water appeals to consumers seeking clean-label hydration. The brand’s storytelling and seasonal authenticity have helped it gain traction in the premium wellness market, priced at $42 for a 12-pack in Northeast US cafés, boutique hotels and natural grocers.
Ordinary Soda Expands To New Zealand
Australian craft soda brand Ordinary Soda entered the New Zealand market through an exclusive deal with premium grocer Farro Fresh. The launch lineup includes Pear & Cardamom, Yuzu Lemon and White Grapefruit flavors, all made with real juice and raw sugar. Known for its bold design and clean ingredients, the brand appeals to consumers seeking natural, flavorful alternatives to traditional soft drinks. Farro Fresh’s focus on artisanal and better-for-you products aligns with Ordinary Soda’s positioning. It’s the brand’s first international expansion.
Qatar Withdraws Contaminated Bottled Water
Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health ordered the withdrawal of Lebanon’s “Tannourine” bottled water brand after tests detected contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Consumers were advised to return or dispose of the product safely. Authorities instructed importers and retailers to remove all affected items. Inspectors verified compliance across outlets. The ministry is conducting further testing to confirm food safety standards. The bacterium is common in soil and water and poses limited risk to healthy people but can cause infections in those with weakened immunity.
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