Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola HBC Expands Plant In Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Coca-Cola HBC is investing £26 million in a new recycled plastic bottling line at its Knockmore Hill facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. It will produce 500ml and two-liter bottles using 100% recycled plastic and is scheduled to begin operations in May 2026. This is the site’s largest single investment since opening in 2008 and it builds on previous upgrades, including a warehouse and Monster Energy canning line. Coca-Cola HBC says the move will enhance production flexibility and supply chain efficiency while supporting local employment and sustainability goals across the whole island of Ireland.
Coke Buddy Digitizes India’s Corner Stores
Coca-Cola India’s AI-powered Coke Buddy app is transforming how kirana stores manage their operations. Used by over one million shopkeepers, Coke Buddy simplifies ordering, tracks deliveries and provides real-time pricing and promotions. Features like product recommendations, voice search and suggested orders help stores avoid out-of-stocks and reduce waste. The company says Coke Buddy strengthens ties with local merchants while ensuring beverage availability for consumers. The tool also generates data insights that improve service efficiency.
Danone
Danone Criticized Over Product Health Claims
Danone is coming under fire from the creators of Nutri-Score for allegedly promoting a misleadingly healthy image of some drinkable yoghurt and protein products. Once an advocate for the Nutri-Score nutrition label in Europe, Danone stopped using it after the system reclassified dairy drinks as beverages, lowering their scores due to sugar content. Nutri-Score’s developers argue Danone hides added sugars in small print while emphasizing protein and vitamin content online. Danone disputes the classification change, saying it misrepresents the nutritional value of dairy drinks, and other major brands in the EU, most notably Nestlé, are pulling back from using the labelling scheme.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper Plans Supply Chain Savings
Keurig Dr Pepper expects to save about $200 million in supply chain costs over three years after spinning off its coffee business following its planned acquisition of JDE Peet’s. The new standalone coffee company will focus on supply chain efficiencies through improved procurement, manufacturing consolidation and logistics optimization. Executives say the integration will strengthen resilience against tariffs and commodity fluctuations while lowering procurement and transport costs. The remainder of the projected $400 million savings are expected to come from administrative and technology savings. The acquisition is set to close in early 2026.
Monster
Monster To Unveil Female-Focused Brand FLRT Next Year
Monster Beverage will launch FLRT, a zero-sugar, female-oriented energy drink brand, early next year as part of Monster’s broader strategy to diversify its audience. FLRT will debut with four flavors: Strawberry Fling, Guava Lava, Berry Tempting and Sunset Squeeze. Rising coffee prices have helped shift consumers toward energy drinks, which Monster is promoting as a convenient, affordable source of energy. CEO Hilton Schlosberg said innovation remains key to long-term growth, supported by ongoing product launches and global expansion.
Monster Broadens Appeal Through Innovation
Monster Beverage is expanding its product range and redefining energy drinks as affordable, functional beverages. CEO Hilton Schlosberg highlighted upcoming releases such as Monster Energy Ultra Wild Passion, Monster Electric Blue, Monster Orange Dreamsicle, as well as a new female-focused line called FLRT, debuting in early 2026. There will also be some limited-time-offerings next year to celebrate United States’ 250th anniversary. The company is positioning energy drinks as a value alternative to coffee amid rising café prices.
CCEP Installs Reverse Vending Machines At Production Sites
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia is installing consumer recycling stations at its major production sites to make beverage container recycling more accessible. The first Reverse Vending Machine opened at CCEP’s Moorabbin facility in Victoria in partnership with Return-It, the operator for the state’s container deposit scheme. CCEP’s initiative aims to increase public participation in recycling and strengthen community engagement.
Monster Beverage Reports Strong Q3 Sales
Monster Beverage recorded a 17% rise in third-quarter sales to $2.2 billion, driven by growing demand for energy drinks. Sales in the flagship Monster Energy segment rose 18%, while sugar-free options performed strongly. Monster cited expanding consumer interest, affordable pricing compared with coffee and new product introductions as key factors. Profit rose to $524.5 million, with adjusted earnings per share above analyst expectations. Despite some cost pressure from aluminum tariffs, Monster maintained strong margins and continued global expansion.
Other Companies
Radnor Hills Launches Sparkling Soft Drink
UK-based Radnor Hills is expanding its portfolio with Radnor Spring, a low-calorie sparkling soft drink available from January 2026. The drink includes added B vitamins and comes in four fruity flavors: Black Cherry & Blackcurrant, Mango & Passion Fruit, Pineapple & Grapefruit and Strawberry & Raspberry. They are bottled in recyclable packaging made from 30% recycled plastic, Radnor Spring targets retail, vending, leisure and workplace markets. The company says consumer research showed strong interest among young adults seeking refreshing, functional drinks. With listings already secured with national distributors, Radnor Hills aims to grow its presence in the UK’s £10.2 billion carbonated drinks market.
TRIP Raises $40 Million For Expansion
Calming drinks brand TRIP raised $40 million from investors including celebrities Joe Jonas, Alessandra Ambrosio and Paul Wesley, along with Coefficient Capital. TRIP expects $100 million in revenue this year and aims to double that in 2026. TRIP’s beverages, designed to promote relaxation, are now sold in 10,000 US stores including major retailers like Target and Whole Foods, and 50,000 globally. Its success reflects growing consumer interest in stress-relief and alcohol-free options. CEO Olivia Ferdi said TRIP aims to make “daily calm” accessible to everyone. The funds will support product innovation and expansion in the fast-growing functional drinks market.
Red Bull Prepares Cherry Sakura Release
Red Bull will launch a new limited-edition Cherry Sakura flavor in the US in March 2026. The release, inspired by the Sakura Cherry Blossom edition sold in Japan in 2016, will be available in both regular and sugar-free varieties and two can sizes. Early online reactions have been mixed, with some consumers eager to try the floral flavor and others questioning its taste. The launch follows a string of seasonal editions as Red Bull continues to refresh its product line and engage fans with new flavors. The Cherry Sakura edition will be sold at select retailers nationwide for a limited time.
Uni-President
Uni-President Sets Record Revenue
Taiwan-based Uni-President achieved record revenue of NT$569.4 billion (US$18.4 billion) for the first ten months of 2025, driven largely by strong 7-Eleven performance. Despite softer beverage sales in China and currency impacts, the company’s membership programs and promotions supported steady growth across its retail and food operations. 7-Eleven’s October revenue rose 4.5% year-on-year to NT$29.9 billion, helped by network expansion and seasonal campaigns. The convenience chain now operates more than 8,200 stores in Taiwan. Uni-President plans to leverage holiday demand and new product launches to boost fourth-quarter results. Its other subsidiaries, including Starbucks Taiwan and Cosmed, also contributed to growth.
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