Coca-Cola buoyed by soda sales abroad as North America lags

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Defence Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Defence Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Defence Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeRetail & MarketingCoca-Cola buoyed by soda sales abroad as North America lagsGrowth in Coca-Cola soda sales have been offset by a decline in consumers buying water, sports drinks, coffee and teaAuthor of the article:The Atlanta-based company reported strong growth in its sparkling soft drinks, with a particular boost from zero-sugar soda. Photo by KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty ImagesCoca-Cola Co. raised its 2026 full-year outlook on strong international demand for soda, but notched lower-than-expected sales volume in North America.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe beverage company now sees organic sales increasing at least five per cent this year, rather than growing about that much. Coca-Cola had already raised its guidance in July, pointing to the company’s increasing confidence in the year’s results.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“The strategy is working in an environment that continues to be very dynamic,” chief executive Henrique Braun said on a call with analysts Tuesday.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe Atlanta-based company reported strong growth in its sparkling soft drinks, with a particular boost from zero-sugar soda. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar saw a 16 per cent increase in unit case volume sales, the company said.However, in North America, growth in Coca-Cola soda was offset by a decline in water, sports drinks, coffee and tea. Sales volume in North America was flat, coming in below the average of analysts’ estimates.Braun said the company raised prices in North America “in line with inflation” and that volumes were dented by the timing of the July 4 holiday.“This is a healthy beat-and-raise release,” Vital Knowledge analysts wrote in a note Tuesday. But “the full-year outlook hike isn’t dramatic, and North America sales were tepid.”Shares of Coca-Cola were little changed Tuesday morning in New York. The stock has gained almost 33 per cent this year through Monday’s close, compared with a 12 per cent increase in the S&P 500 Index. PepsiCo stock declined six per cent over the same period.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Coca-Cola is reaching more shoppers with a widening portfolio of beverages that includes zero-sugar soda and higher-protein Fairlife milk. Coca-Cola has also nabbed some recent wins against rival PepsiCo Inc., including taking over KFC’s United States restaurants.Looking ahead to 2027, “we expect consumer behaviour to remain largely unchanged, with value being a very important consideration across all markets and income groups,” chief financial officer John Murphy said on the call.Murphy said the restaurant industry “continues to be under pressure,” so the company was seeing “a stronger business at home versus away from home.”Braun also said that Topo Chico mineral water is on shelves again in Texas. The glass-bottled sparkling water had been unavailable for months due to supply issues in Mexico. The brand, which has a dedicated fan base, will expand to other areas in 2027, the company said.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.