Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola System Announces R17.6 Billion South Africa Investment
In South Africa, the Coca-Cola system, comprising Coca-Cola and bottlers Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, announced R17.6 billion in investment through 2030 to support expanded production capacity, distribution and innovation. A study by consulting firm Steward Redqueen found that in 2024 the system contributed R51.2 billion in value-added economic activity in the country, supported over 87,000 jobs, including nearly 8,000 direct roles, and sourced R25.6 billion in goods and services from local suppliers.
CCEP Relaunches Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners relaunched Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar in Great Britain, positioning it for evening consumption occasions. The refreshed black-and-gold packaging spans all existing formats and is designed to help shoppers identify a caffeine-free, no-sugar cola. Rob Yeomans, VP of commercial development at CCEP GB, said the variant is growing at 36% and is worth nearly £10 million. Supporting the relaunch is a partnership with the 007 First Light video game. The can will appear in-game in April and May 2026, and limited-edition packs feature QR codes offering prizes via the Coca-Cola App.
Coca-Cola Invests In Tanzania Water Security Project
The Coca-Cola system announced an almost $2 million investment to strengthen water security in Tanzania, focusing on restoring the Ruvu Basin, which supports approximately nine million people. Activities include tree planting and the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices, with at least 2,000 farmers expected to benefit. The investment is part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, launched in 2024, which commits nearly $25 million toward water-related challenges in 20 African countries by 2030.
Danone
Volvic Launches Vitamin-Fortified Functional Water Range In UK
Volvic Vitamin+ functional waters are rolling out across the UK and Ireland in April 2026, featuring two flavors, Peach and Raspberry. Each is fortified with magnesium and vitamins B6 and C, in 75cl PET bottles made from 100% recycled plastic (excluding cap and label), at an RRP of £2.20. Products are available from April 6 at major retailers after two years of strong performance for a similar range in continental Europe.
Evian Celebrates Bicentenary With Jeff Koons Limited Edition Bottles
Evian partnered with artist Jeff Koons to launch two limited-edition glass bottles, pink for still and blue for sparkling, to mark the brand’s 200th anniversary. Both feature an interpretation of Koons’ Balloon Dog sculpture. Brand ambassadors Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Frances Tiafoe and Céline Boutier appear in a new portrait alongside Koons, set against the French Alps. Regional celebrations across Asia-Pacific include exclusive dining events in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. The anniversary formally opens in early April with a gathering in Évian-les-Bains, France, where guests will explore the protected landscape that shapes the water’s mineral composition.
Keurig Dr Pepper
KDP Expands European Partnership With Suntory
Keurig Dr Pepper and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe announced expansion of their European partnership, effective January 2026, covering 15 countries. It aims to grow Dr Pepper and Canada Dry in established markets, including France and Poland, and enter new markets, such as Switzerland and Iberia. New additions to the portfolio include Dr Pepper Regular, Zero and Cherry, alongside new Canada Dry variants. SBFE’s existing European portfolio includes Schweppes and Orangina.
Nestle
Nestle Launches Inspired By Buxton Peak Functional Water Range
Nestle Waters & Premium Beverages UK launched Inspired by Buxton Peak, a range of three functional flavored waters. Focus combines lemon and mint with vitamin B6, magnesium and caffeine; Immuno blends grapefruit and ginseng with zinc and vitamin B6; and Recharge brings together blackberry and acai with vitamins B3, B6 and B12, plus magnesium. Focus and Recharge both contain 9.2g of sugar and 40 calories per 400ml bottle. Immuno has 8g of sugar and 36 calories. All three use natural fruit flavors.
Private Equity Firms Advance In Nestle Water Business Bidding
Private equity firms CD&R, KKR and PAI advanced to the next round of bidding for a 50% stake in Nestle’s European water business, which would value the business at approximately 5 billion euros. Platinum Equity also expressed interest. Brands involved include San Pellegrino, Perrier and Acqua Panna.
Other Companies
Mash Direct Launches Vegetable-Based Superfood Smoothie Range
Mash Direct, a prepared vegetable brand in the UK, launched a Superfood Smoothie range, marking its first entry into chilled drinks. The range comprises three vegetable-based smoothies: Green Goddess Cabbage Smoothie, Carrot Collagen Boost and Beetroot Detox Blend. According to the company, they are inspired by the “eat your skincare” consumer trend. Each smoothie carries an RRP of £2.60 and is available at retailers now.
Mood Beverages Emerge As Fast-Growing Functional Drinks Segment
Mood beverages are up 42% in dollar growth, according to SPINS data, making them one of the fastest-growing segments in functional beverages. They are distinct from beverages targeting longer-term physical outcomes and consumer interest is being driven by what industry sources describe as growing “cortisol consciousness”, or awareness of how stress hormones affect sleep, mood and energy. Key active ingredients include ashwagandha, holy basil tulsi, lemon balm, l-theanine and chamomile. Brands such as Recess, Trip, Hiyo and Kin Euphorics are building marketing propositions around mood as a central theme.
Varun Beverages Acquires South African Soda Maker Twizza
Standard Bank confirmed completion of the R2.1 billion sale of South African beverages manufacturer Twizza to The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of India-based Varun Beverages. Founded in 2003 in Komani, Twizza produces carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, functional beverages and mixers, distributed across South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana and Namibia. In the financial year ending June 2025, Twizza reported sales volumes of 71 million cases and net revenue of R1.689 billion. Twizza employs more than 650 people and operates three manufacturing facilities.
Costco Launches Kirkland Signature Energy Drinks With Social Buzz
Costco introduced energy drinks under its Kirkland Signature private label, generating significant attention on social media. Sold in mixed cases of 24 12oz cans in tropical, orange and peach flavors, each can contains 200mg of caffeine, seven essential vitamins and no sugar. They are non-GMO and have no artificial food dyes or high fructose corn syrup. Costco represents approximately 10% of energy drink category sales, according to one source, and Google search interest for “Costco energy drinks” spiked during the week of March 23, according to another.
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