Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Expands In Kazakhstan With Fourth Plant
Coca-Cola İçecek Kazakhstan will build a new production plant in Aktobe in 2026, its fourth in the country, creating more than 120 jobs. The investment builds on Coca-Cola’s 30-year presence in Kazakhstan and over 106 billion tenge (about $200 million) investment. A subsidiary of Turkish-based Coca-Cola İçecek, the company already runs plants in Almaty, Astana and Shymkent, producing and distributing Coca-Cola beverages across 12 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Coca-Cola Tests Cardboard Handle For Multipacks
Coca-Cola HBC, packaging company DS Smith and machinery manufacturer Krones developed Lift Up, a recyclable cardboard handle that replaces plastic shrink wrap on 1.5-litre bottle multipacks. The fiber-based design reduces single-use plastics and energy use during production, while improving comfort and brand visibility. Coca-Cola HBC tested the packaging in Austria.
Coca-Cola Faces Criticism Over AI Christmas Ad
Coca-Cola’s 2025 Christmas ad is drawing criticism for using AI and not traditional animation. It revisits the classic Holidays Are Coming theme, but many social media users said it lacked warmth and authenticity. Critics urged Coca-Cola to “pay real animators,” while others defended the use of AI as part of technological progress. Coca-Cola stands by its decision, saying the ad reflects its ongoing effort to use emerging technology to “rethink how we create and scale content.”
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP Outlines Growth And Split Plans
At its 2025 Investor Day, Keurig Dr Pepper detailed plans for acquiring JDE Peet’s and later splitting into two companies: a global coffee business and a North American beverage company. The firm announced $7 billion in new investments co-led by Apollo and KKR to support the deal and reduce debt. CEO Tim Cofer said the move will create two focused, financially strong businesses. The company aims to complete the separation by the end of 2026, with leadership and governance structures already in development, forming Global Coffee Co. Pod Manufacturing JV, involving a $4 billion investment, and Strategic Beverage Co. Investment.
Monster
Monster Energy Relaunches In Botswana
Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana relaunched Monster Energy after a one-year pause, adding new flavors and promotional campaigns. The reintroduction includes Monster Zero and Aussie Lemonade as well as the lower-priced Predator brand. A national rollout aims to expand Monster’s presence in Africa’s fast-growing energy drinks market, valued at about US$3.65 billion in 2025. Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana said the relaunch reflects its goal to make energy drinks accessible nationwide.
Monster Energy Adds Two Full-Sugar Flavours
Monster Energy introduced two new full-sugar drinks as part of its new Flavors line. Electric Blue and Orange Dreamsicle both contain 160mg of caffeine per 16oz can and use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Electric Blue offers a blue raspberry taste; Orange Dreamsicle blends citrus and vanilla for a nostalgic twist. The new range will be available across the US from October 2025.
Nestle
Nescafé Targets Gen Z In India With Cold Coffee
Nestlé India is expanding its Nescafé RTD cold coffee line as demand grows among Gen Z consumers and small-town markets. Cold coffee makes up just 0.2% of India’s ₹1 trillion cold beverage market but is growing at 23% annually. Priced between ₹50–₹70, depending on the format, Nescafé’s café-style range aims to make indulgence accessible. Quick-commerce platforms like Zepto and Blinkit are driving impulse sales, while 88% of Nescafé’s marketing now focuses on digital and gaming channels. The brand sees strong growth beyond metros, supported by India’s milk-based beverage culture. Nestlé plans to introduce healthier and protein-enriched variants in the future as consumer interest in functional drinks rises.
Nestlé Nigeria Reaches 50% Recycled PET Goal
Nestlé Nigeria became the first company in the country to use 50% recycled PET in its bottled water packaging. Working with partners including FBRA, Chanja Datti and Wecyclers, Nestlé diverted more than 61,000 metric tons of plastic waste from landfills. Through its Plastic Advantage Programme, Nestlé empowers 43 mini-aggregators with training and recycling equipment, while its employee collection scheme encourages workplace participation in waste reduction.
Other Companies
Tenzing Launches Larger Winter Energy Drink
Natural energy drink maker Tenzing reintroduces its Super Natural Fiery Mango Winter Edition in a new 500ml can with a reformulated blend including natural ingredients such as vitamins D and C, magnesium and Lion’s Mane mushroom, designed to boost energy and mood during the darker winter months. It will roll out across 523 Tesco stores and additional retailers from late November, priced at £2.99. Tenzing founder Huib van Bockel said the larger format and improved taste respond to consumer demand for functional, plant-based energy options.
The Gut Stuff Expands Gut-Health Drinks
UK-based The Gut Stuff is scaling its gut-health-focused snacks and drinks after nearly doubling revenue in 2024. Twin sisters Lisa and Alana MacFarlane, the founders, aim to make fiber-rich, gut-friendly products mainstream and affordable. They are sold in Tesco and The Co-op. A new high-fiber drink line is expanding into European and US markets. Growth is supported by a digital ecosystem of wellness education, an app and corporate programs.
Plezi Builds Healthier Drink Brand With Purpose
Plezi Nutrition, co-founded by Michelle Obama, aims to change America’s sugary drink habits with low-sugar, nutrient-rich beverages. Its flagship product, Plezi Hydration, developed with NBA player Stephen Curry, contains electrolytes, vitamins and no added sugar. Targeted at consumers aged 15–25, the drinks compete in the hydration and sports beverage market. COO Anup Shah says Plezi’s approach combines “big-company discipline” with start-up agility. It’s stocked by retailers including Walmart and Amazon, and the range includes Lemon Lime, Tropical Punch, and Orange Mango flavors. Plezi positions itself as a purpose-driven brand blending wellness, accessibility and flavor.
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