The Coca-Cola Co will report its first-quarter results tomorrow. Here, just-drinks takes a look at the company's highs and lows in the three months to the end of March:
- In January, the company said it would axe up to 1,800 jobs across the world as part of a cost-cutting programme designed to save US$3bn over the next four years.
- In the same month, Coca-Cola's Canadian unit announced plans to reduce the calorie count of its flagship cola brand by 8%.
- In February, Coca-Cola denounced "pervasive online negativity" after a marketing campaign on Twitter was hijacked into retweeting extracts from Mein Kampf.
- Also in February, the soft drinks maker completed its stake increase in Keurig Green Mountain to 16%.
- Later in the month, two long-standing Coca-Cola Co directors – James Robinson and Peter Ueberroth – announced they were to stand down from the board at the company's next AGM.
- In March, Coca-Cola said it would introduce a "one-brand" strategy for its four main brands across several Western European markets.
- In the same month, the company appointed a new chief technical & innovation officer. Ed Hays will replace Guy Wollaert in the role.
- Coca-Cola's CEO, Muhtar Kent, turned down a US$2.5m bonus in March because of the company's poor recent performance, however his pay packet still increased.
