Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Files Trademark For New Spricy Drink
Coca-Cola submitted a trademark application for the name “Spricy”, suggesting a “bona fide intention” of using the term for its soft drinks, possibly for the Sprite brand. Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben noted in a blog post that such filings are a common way for companies to secure a brand name ahead of a product launch. Coca-Cola discontinued Coke Spiced, a raspberry-flavored “spicy’ soda introduced in 2024, after seven months.
South Africa Regulator Backs Coca-Cola HBC Bottling Deal
South Africa’s Competition Commission recommended approval of Coca-Cola HBC’s planned acquisition of a majority stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. UK-listed Coca-Cola HBC agreed in October to buy a combined 75% of the bottler from The Coca-Cola Company and Gutsche Family Investments for $2.6 billion. Commission officials said the deal is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market. Both companies agreed to conditions tied to public interest concerns, including a moratorium on job cuts in South Africa. Coca-Cola HBC previously said the acquisition would expand its presence into 14 additional African markets, including Ethiopia and Kenya. Final approval rests with the Competition Tribunal.
Other Companies
Nichols And Myprotein Debut Whey Protein Water
Soft drinks company Nichols partnered with Myprotein on a clear whey protein water aimed at the functional beverage market. Launching in September in Vimto and raspberry lemon flavors, it’s priced at £2.99 for a 500ml bottle and contains 15g of sugar-free whey protein. The product builds on demand for Myprotein’s existing Vimto range, which already spans creatine, collagen and gummy formats. THG Nutrition CEO Neil Mistry called the launch “a statement of intent” reflecting Myprotein’s expansion into RTD products. Nichols will manufacture and distribute the drink through its established UK distribution network under a multi-brand licensing agreement.
Cawston Press Launches Functional Juice Shot Range
UK-based Cawston Press expanded its ambient juice portfolio with Fiery Ginger and Beetroot & Ginger juice shots, priced at £4.99 for a 500ml carton and launched in Waitrose in July. An online rollout through Ocado is to follow. The shots contain 20% organic pressed Peruvian ginger juice and are manufactured in the UK. Cawston Press says the launch responds to consumer demand for smaller, more potent versions of the brand’s 1 liter juice range.
Bogo Beverages Opens N20bn Nigerian Plant
Bogo Beverages commissioned a new manufacturing plant in Ikorodu, Lagos, following a N20 billion investment. It will produce carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, spirits, bitters and bottled water. CEO Godwin Oche described the investment as reflecting long-term confidence in Nigeria’s economy and consumer resilience in the country. The plant will include automated production lines and energy-efficient systems. It will serve as a distribution hub for Lagos as well as the company’s operations in Ghana and Kenya.
Highland Spring Expands Flavored Still Water Line
Highland Spring added Orange & Passion Fruit and Summer Berries to its flavored still water range. New variants join existing Apple & Blackcurrant, Lemon & Lime and Strawberry. Highland Spring’s largest-ever summer campaign, ‘Make Your Day Fruitier,’ is backed by a combined £3.6 million investment alongside its earlier ‘Nature Makes Us’ masterbrand campaign. Marketing director Nic Yates said the campaign aims to reach 23 million on-the-go shoppers. Highland Spring describes itself as the UK’s number one water brand, spanning still, sparkling and flavored water categories.
Korean Wellness Drinks Gain Ground In Vietnam
Woongjin Foods’ rice-based drink Morning Sunshine, exported from South Korea, sold 10 million bottles in Vietnam during the first half of 2026, a jump of more than 40% year over year. It retails for about 30,000 VND, three times the local price of Coca-Cola, reflecting its positioning as a meal-replacement alternative to carbonated soda.
Varun Beverages Acquires Devyani Kenya Business
Varun Beverages’ Kenyan subsidiary agreed to acquire the dairy beverages, juices and packaged water business of Devyani Food Industries Kenya for $32 million. The deal is expected to close by August 1 and strengthens Varun’s manufacturing footprint across East Africa. Varun Beverages also disclosed plans to begin producing carbonated soft drinks at the Nakuru site, which is part of the deal.
ITC Launches Sugar-Free Coconut Cola In India
ITC debuted in India’s carbonated soft drinks market with a premium sugar-free Coconut Cola under its B Natural brand, in direct competition with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Reliance’s Campa brand. ITC will initially sell the product through quick commerce platforms ahead of a wider national rollout. Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said growth would be driven “across ecommerce, modern trade and traditional channels,” with a focus on the premium end of the market.
Palestine-Linked Salaam Cola Debuts In Pakistan
Salaam Cola, a halal-certified soft drink founded by British-Pakistani entrepreneur Aykiz Shah, launched in Pakistan as part of ongoing international expansion. The brand first entered Ireland in late 2023 before expanding to the UK, US, France, Germany, Singapore and Malaysia. It’s made using cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup and positioned as an ethical alternative to mainstream cola brands. Manufacturing currently takes place in Turkey, with regional production centers under consideration to support future supply chains. Salaam Cola allocates 10% of earnings to relief efforts in the Middle East.
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