Coca-Cola
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Coca-Cola Redundancy Restructuring
The Philippine Supreme Court upheld the legality of a restructuring program implemented by Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, reversing a Court of Appeals ruling that had found hundreds of dismissals illegal. Implemented in 2008, the program initially affected 1,246 workers; 636 were redeployed and 610 declared redundant. The Supreme Court ruled that the company acted in good faith and that separation packages reached up to 200% of statutory pay with extended healthcare.
CCEP Launches Monster Ultra Vice Guava In UK
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners launched Monster Ultra Vice Guava, a zero-calorie, zero-sugar energy drink, expanding its presence in the zero-sugar energy category. Available in plain and price-marked 500ml cans, it features Miami-inspired packaging designed to stand out on shelves. According to the company, guava flavors grew over 22% in the past two years, and Vice Guava is already the best-selling Monster Ultra variant in the US.
Solar Coca-Cola Plans R$500m Mato Grosso Expansion
Bottler Solar Coca-Cola’s planned R$500 million investment in Brazil through 2029 is to expand production and distribution in Mato Grosso state. Projects include two new distribution centers, expansion of another facility, a new PET bottle line in Várzea Grande and a new canning line scheduled for 2028. In 2025, Solar Coca-Cola posted revenue of R$17 billion, up 10.9%.
Coca-Cola Tells Wall Street Argentina Remains Hyperinflationary
Coca-Cola stated in an official earnings document that Argentina meets international accounting criteria for a hyperinflationary economy, with accumulated inflation over the past three years exceeding 100%. It warned that this condition could negatively affect its financial situation and operating results, placing Argentina alongside Algeria as the only two countries with this classification in its global portfolio. Given Coca-Cola’s credibility on Wall Street, this undermines the Argentina Government’s celebration of the Buenos Aires Consumer Price Index reading of 2.5% and highlights again the possibility of a peso devaluation.
Monster
Monster Staggers 2026 Innovation Launches Across Many Months
Monster Beverage is staggering its 2026 product and flavor releases to maintain year-long consumer interest beyond traditional first-quarter launches. This month the company released its updated wellness-focused energy drink Storm, while FLRT, its entry into the female-focused energy segment, debuted in late March. Q1 rollouts included Monster Ultra Punk Punch, Juice Monster Voodoo Grape, Monster Energy Strawberry Shots and Lando Norris Zero Sugar. Net sales for the quarter grew 27% to $2.35 billion, its first Q1 sales result above the $2 billion mark.
Nestle
Nescafé Launches RTD Iced Latte Cans In The UK
Nestlé launched Nescafé Iced Latte RTD cans across the UK and Ireland in a 250ml slimline aluminum format, marking an expansion of its top-selling instant coffee brand into the chilled aisle. Two initial SKUs – a standard Iced Latte and an Iced Caramel Flavour Latte – are priced at an RRP of £2.00. According to Ingrid Hayes, marketing director for Nescafé UK and Ireland, the launch responds to consumer data showing rising demand for iced coffee as part of everyday routines. Product claims include 100% responsibly sourced coffee beans, a source of calcium and high protein content.
Other Companies
Thai Coco UAE Expands Coconut Water Retail Presence
Thai Coco UAE is expanding its market presence by offering premium Thai coconut water nationwide, with products now available in major supermarket chains including Lulu Hypermarket and VIVA Supermarket. Thai Coco achieved 33.8% value growth in 2025 in the UAE coconut beverage segment. Imported from Thailand, the range includes 100% coconut water, 100% organic coconut water, 100% Nam Hom coconut water and coconut water with pulp. Products contain no artificial colors or preservatives, and selected variants have no added sugar.
WALOVI Enters 10 New Markets With Herbal Tea
Chinese herbal tea brand WALOVI signed distribution agreements with partners in 10 countries across South America, Africa and Central Asia. Sparkling and sugar-free canned formats launched in August last year. Chairman Fang Dafeng of Wanglaoji Great Health said the goal is to integrate Eastern health wisdom into daily life worldwide. WALOVI targets more than 60 additional markets along the Belt and Road network, supported by regional exclusivity arrangements, marketing assistance and tiered incentives.
Dewji To Invest US$50.4m In Mombasa Soft Drinks Plant
Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji is set to invest Kes 6.5 billion (US$50.4m) through Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited in a new carbonated drinks plant in Mombasa, marking the company's first major expansion into Kenya's beverages market, with the land secured and expectations that construction will start within 12 months. Once operational, the plant will produce Mo Cola, Mo Xtra and Mo Malto, which have gained popularity in Tanzania through affordable pricing aimed at mass-market consumers. Mo Cola is named after Dewji, who said MeTL Group is also exploring opportunities in Kenya's energy and hospitality sectors.
Califia Farms Adds Blueberry Matcha Latte In The UK
Califia Farms is expanding its UK RTD range with Blueberry Matcha Almond Latte, building on its original Matcha Latte. Positioned as a first-to-market flavor innovation for the UK, it combines 0.4% single-origin Japanese matcha with a blueberry profile and almond milk. Designed as a lighter RTD option, it contains 93kcal per serving and low sugar. A 750ml multi-serve pack rolls out exclusively at Tesco for three months from 18 May at an RRP of £3.25.
Korea's High-Caffeine Drink Market Grows As Europe Restricts
South Korea's high-caffeine beverage market is expanding rapidly, with coffee franchises launching large-size formats and beverage firms expanding energy-drink lineups. Lotte Chilsung Beverage said Q1 energy-drink sales rose 8.7% year-over-year. By contrast, the UK is advancing a bill to ban sales of drinks containing 150mg or more caffeine per liter to those under 16, and Spain also seeks restrictions. Professors Kang Jae-heon and Kwon O-ran called for clearer labels and stronger youth education rather than sales bans.
India's Cola War Drives Visi-Cooler Sales Surge
India's cola war between Reliance's Campa Cola, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo is boosting sales of commercial refrigerators as beverage giants install coolers across small retail stores. According to IMARC Group, India's commercial fridges market is expected to expand to $3.9 billion by 2034 from $2.8 billion in 2025. Campa achieved over 47 billion rupees in sales in the year ended 31 March, ranking fourth in the country’s carbonated soft drinks category.
Yeo's Adds Sugar-Free Oolong Tea In Singapore
Yeo Hiap Seng’s new sugar-free Oolong Tea in Singapore is targeting demand for healthy unsweetened beverages. Available in a 330ml format, it accompanies Yeo's sugar-free First Harvest Green Tea, both of which carry the Healthier Choice Symbol. Alex Chen, head of marketing and business development, said unsweetened tea has steadily become part of everyday life for many consumers. Yeo's also launched a gamified online consumer awareness experience.
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