Tapered Deals Haven’t Yet Deterred Soda Consumers, Informal Survey Reveals
June 7, 2022
In an informal BD survey of US beverage bottlers and distributors, Memorial Day holiday pricing was higher than last year as manufacturers and retailers continued to pull back on promotional discounting. Bottlers have faced unprecedented costs this year for everything from labor and transportation to raw materials. One bottler told BD that...
First Look: Program Explores Potential Alternative to ‘One-Way’ Bottles
June 7, 2022
Since late last year, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages has run a pilot test in El Paso, Texas to determine whether the returnable glass bottle can work once again in the US. The reusable package remains a staple in some emerging Coca-Cola markets around world, providing affordability for consumers and flexibility for bottlers. BD visited El Paso this week to get an up-close look at the pilot project.
Boston Beer CEO Says Trial ‘Higher Than I’ve Ever Seen.’ Scarcity, Cross-Border Sales Likely Bolstering Demand. Boston Beer’s Hard Mtn Dew, distributed by PepsiCo’s Blue Cloud unit, has now expanded to...
Expects No. 2 Sports Drink Brand to Double Sales Within Four to Five Years
May 9, 2022
Late last month, former Chobani executive Federico Muyshondt took over as CEO
of BodyArmor, the sports drink and electrolyte water company that Coca-Cola purchased
in full last November. Born in Miami and raised in El Salvador, Muyshondt recalls his early introduction to the shiny US consumer packaged goods market by way of...
PepsiCo's Blue Cloud Aims to Service "All Retail Customers" in Phased Roll Out
March 17, 2022
Hard Mtn Dew has created a stir among some independent liquor store operators in three states where Boston Beer and PepsiCo launched the alcoholic soda one month ago. Operators in Florida, Tennessee, and Iowa told BD that they have so far ...
Two Camps Emerge: One Welcomes New Investment. Other Wants Direct Upside
February 23, 2022
Coca-Cola’s foray into the US alcohol beverage market has spurred mixed feelings from Coke bottlers without alcohol operations as they evaluate what the development means for their businesses. Coke and Molson Coors have steadily expanded distribution and added line extensions for Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, first introduced early last year. Coca-Cola has since licensed...
Margin Discussion Likely Lynchpin for Retailers, Independent Bottlers
February 23, 2022
PepsiCo is considering shifting Gatorade to direct store delivery (DSD) for large format stores in the US following successful market tests, the company has confirmed to BD. “We’ve done some tests,” CFO Hugh Johnston said in an interview. “The tests have been pretty successful.” He added that a decision about whether to go wider and
Incoming CEO Mike Suco Stood Out as Keeper of Atlanta Flame
February 9, 2022
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Coca-Cola’s third largest US bottler, has named Mike Suco as the company’s eighth president and CEO in its 120-year history. Currently an SVP and chief commercial officer, Suco will succeed the retiring John Sherman as head of the Birmingham, Alabama-based bottler whose territory includes...