The Coca-Cola Co will report its third-quarter and year-to-date results tomorrow (15 October). Here just-drinks takes a look at the company’s highs and lows in the three months to the end of September.
- Coca-Cola expanded the launch of its 25cl “slimline” can as the packaging innovation was unveiled in the UK. The move was part of a number of steps the company has taken in the UK this year to reduce calories in its sugared products, including reformulating Sprite to contain stevia.
- In July, an analyst questioned whether Coca-Cola H2 results will improve after a disappointing first half. Bernstein’s Ali Dibadj said improving weather is unlikely to make up for any increase in “macro weaknesses” and “competitive pressure”.
- A US federal judge in July recommended Coca-Cola face a class-action lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading consumers over the health benefits of its Vitaminwater. The lawsuit, which is unable to claim money, still has to have approval from a district judge.
- Coca-Cola Co appointed the head of bank Santander’s UK operations to its board of directors. Ana Botín, 52, took on the role immediately, the company said in July.
- Coca-Cola faced a recall of its Minute Maid brand in China in August after its New Zealand supplier confirmed it had exported tainted ingredients.
- Coca-Cola launched an ad campaign in the US to address fears over artificial sweetener aspartame. However, an analyst warned the move could backfire.
- Coca-Cola’s Thai unit launched the company’s first herbal product in August. Habu mixes four herbs – rosella, licorice, monk’s fruit and cogongrass – and is designed to suit Thailand’s tropical climate. But is this the start of Coca-Cola’s move into health foods?
- Gay rights activists poured bottles of Coca-Cola down New York drains in August in protest at the company’s sponsorship of the Winter Olympics, due to be held in Russia next year. In response, Coca-Cola said it “values and celebrates diversity”.
- In September, an analyst warned that Coca-Cola is losing out to PepsiCo in its race to capture the Chinese bottled water market.