Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola opened its first permanent “House of Coca-Cola” in Mexico City, marking a new step in its brand engagement strategy. Located in the Polanco district, it combines retail, beverage sampling and exhibitions focused on the brand’s history in Mexico. Unlike temporary promotions, the concept house operates year-round. Mexico was chosen due to its strong cultural ties to Coca-Cola and the country’s high per capita consumption of the beverage.
Coca-Cola confirmed that Diet Coke Cherry will return permanently to shelves across Great Britain from January 2026. First launched in the 1980s, it reappeared as a limited-edition release in late 2025, performing strongly with retailers and consumers. The permanent rollout includes a refreshed design and multiple pack formats, from single bottles and cans to large multipacks. The move reflects continued interest in familiar flavors like cherry within the low- and no-sugar carbonated drinks segment.
Coca-Cola’s corporate restructuring includes layoffs, starting with 75 roles at its headquarters by late February 2026, with additional job cuts expected later in the year. The move comes as Coca-Cola responds to shifting consumer demand away from sugary carbonated drinks toward water and sports beverages, while also preparing for a CEO transition in March. Coca-Cola reported 5% net revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025. Management says the restructuring aims to redirect investment toward growth areas, including digital and AI capabilities.
Turkish competition authorities fined Coca-Cola about $6.65 million after deciding the company obstructed an on-site inspection. Regulators said a manager deleted electronic data at the start of an October 2025 inspection, violating Turkey’s competition law. Authorities stressed that inspections rely on immediate access to records to detect anti-competitive behavior.
Other Companies
Nature’s Own’s new Brown Rice Cereal Drink in Malaysia is designed to be consumed hot and contains added vitamins, minerals and protein, with no “table sugar”. It’s available in original, taro and purple sweet potato, and chocolate flavors. While not a traditional soft drink, the product reflects growing demand for convenient alternatives to sweet carbonated beverages, particularly for breakfast or evening occasions.
Indonesian brand Twizo introduced a dispensing cap that releases matcha powder directly into a drink. The cap keeps the powder separate until use, helping maintain freshness and flavor. Unlike similar products tied to specific bottled waters, Twizo’s cap allows consumers to mix matcha with any beverage they choose. The concept aligns with a broader trend across Asia-Pacific toward customizable and functional hydration.
Pakistan’s Competition Commission fined Mezan Beverages Rs150 million for deceptive marketing linked to its “Storm” energy drink. Regulators found that Storm closely imitated the packaging and overall appearance of PepsiCo’s Sting, creating a risk of consumer confusion. Proceedings began in 2018 but were delayed for years due to legal challenges by Mezan, which courts later dismissed. The Commission ruled that trademark registration does not shield companies from competition law when branding misleads consumers.
ThaiBev
Thai Beverage reported a 14% drop in revenue from Vietnam in fiscal year 2025, citing weak consumer demand and stricter drink-driving regulations. Vietnam remains ThaiBev’s second-largest market after Thailand, accounting for 15% of total revenue. Beer sales, which make up the bulk of its Vietnam business, declined significantly, while spirits sales were flat. The zero-tolerance alcohol driving rule under Decree 100 continues to affect on-premise and retail consumption. Subsidiary Sabeco also posted lower beer sales during the period.