Coca-Cola Shows Signs of Improvement in First Quarter 2015

23 Apr 2015 --- The Coca-Cola Company has reported net revenue growth of 1% and organic revenue growth of 8% for the first quarter of 2015. The company gained global value share in nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages in the quarter.

Global sparkling beverage volume grew 1% with solid performance across most key brands, including 1% growth in brand Coca-Cola, 5% growth in Coke Zero, 4% growth in Sprite and 3% growth in Fanta. Growth in these brands was partially offset by a 6% decline in Diet Coke.

Global still beverage volume grew 1% reflecting growth in ready-to-drink tea, value-added dairy and packaged water. Volume growth in these categories was partially offset by a decline in juice and juice drinks attributable to price increases taken to cover higher input costs and continued industry softness in certain markets.

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company said, "We are pleased with our solid progress on the implementation and execution of our global strategic initiatives. Though we are still in the early stages, we see some initial positive indicators that we have the right strategies in place to accelerate growth. However, we continue to view 2015 as a transition year as the benefits from the announced initiatives will take time to fully materialize amidst an uncertain and volatile macroeconomic environment. We remain committed to leveraging our superior brand portfolio together with our unparalleled global distribution system to continue creating long-term shareowner value."

Coca-Cola also announced that it has taken additional steps toward the implementation of a 21st Century Beverage Partnership Model in the United States.  

As part of this model, The Coca-Cola Company has agreed in principle with three U.S. bottlers to continue granting new, expanded territories. These bottlers are Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and Swire Coca-Cola USA.  

Additionally, The Coca-Cola Company has agreed in principle to the granting of expanded territories to four new expanding U.S. bottlers. These bottlers are Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Chesterman Company, The Odom Corporation and Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company.