Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Tests Paper Handles In Europe
Coca-Cola is piloting paper-based bottle carriers in Austria and Germany as part of a broader effort to cut plastic use in soft drink multipacks. Recyclable handles replace traditional shrink wrap on select Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Mezzo Mix products. Early designs aim to keep multipacks stable and easy to carry while removing about 200 tons of plastic annually. Coca-Cola says the trials will help assess functionality and consumer acceptance before broader rollout.
Coca-Cola HBC Expands Digital Hub In Egypt
Coca-Cola HBC is expanding its Digital Hub in Cairo to support technology development across 27 markets, growing from over 150 IT specialists today to 450 by 2027. Teams are creating tools that improve operations, from AI-driven sales apps to faster customer portals. The facility also explores emerging technologies such as drones, autonomous delivery and blockchain. The investment follows Coca-Cola HBC’s 2022 entry into Egypt’s beverage market and supports production of soft drinks, water and energy beverages.
Coca-Cola Eyes Bolt-On Acquisitions Again
Coca-Cola is preparing to revive its bolt-on acquisition strategy after several quiet years. CEO James Quincey told investors the company expects small, innovation-driven deals to play a larger role, but not until late next year or early 2027. Many potential targets are still too young, as the pandemic slowed new brand development. Coca-Cola also wants clarity on its protracted IRS dispute before committing major capital. Even so, the company says it will remain open to attractive opportunities.
Nestle
Nestlé Modernizes Pakistan Beverage Operations
Nestlé Pakistan upgraded its Sheikhupura and Khanewal manufacturing sites to match global production standards, using greater automation and digital systems, and is also investing in solar and biomass energy, improved packaging and supply-chain technology to cut costs and emissions. During meetings with government officials, Nestlé highlighted its efforts to localize inputs, reducing imports and strengthening ties with Pakistan’s agricultural base. Nestlé Pakistan has in the last three years almost halved import volumes.
Perrier Bottles Held After Well Assessment
French authorities are holding some four million bottles of Perrier mineral water after detecting a bacterial anomaly in one of Nestlé’s wells in Vergèze. Nestlé says follow-up tests showed no contamination and that production continues under regulatory oversight. Two wells were temporarily closed, although one shutdown was due to a power outage. The incident follows months of scrutiny of Nestlé’s mineral water practices in France, including legal challenges and investigations over filtration methods. Despite this, a French court recently confirmed that Perrier can continue using the “natural mineral water” label. Nestlé maintains its bottled products remain safe while it works with authorities on next steps.
Other Companies
Korea To Introduce Label-Free Bottled Water
South Korea will require all bottled water to be label-free from January 2026 to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling. Instead of traditional plastic labels, bottles will display key information on caps or printed directly on the container, with QR codes providing full product details. The change could eliminate more than 2,000 tons of plastic annually. A one-year exception applies to single bottles sold in physical stores to allow time for retailers to update point-of-sale systems. With most producers already using label-free designs for part of their output, the government expects a relatively smooth transition as it works with industry on adoption.
Hop Water Seeks Growth Through Wellness Appeal
Hop water producers are repositioning the sparkling, hop-flavored beverage to reach wellness-minded consumers as growth in the nonalcoholic beer segment slows. Although hop water launched early in the alcohol-free trend, US sales remain modest and recently declined. Brands now highlight features such as zero sugar, no calories and gluten-free formulations. Some companies add adaptogens or nootropics to broaden appeal. Brewers like Sierra Nevada offer multiple flavors to attract new drinkers, while others explore THC-infused varieties where regulations allow.
AriZona Acquires Shuttered California Beverage Plant
AriZona Beverages purchased a former Manna Beverages packing facility in Anaheim, aiming to restart operations and restore local jobs. The site can fill more than 1,100 bottles per minute and capacity for almost 11 million cases. Manna closed the plant in November, leaving it idle until the sale. AriZona, known for its tea and juice drinks, is now working with local and state officials to determine how best to bring the facility back online.
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