Ambev
Ambev Reports Higher Q1 Sales In 2025
Ambev S.A. released its earnings for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, showing a rise in sales but a slight dip in net income versus the year-ago period. Sales were up 11% to BRL 22,497.38 million but net income declined 0.2% to BRL 3,693.95 million. Basic EPS from continuing operations increased to BRL 0.23582 from BRL 0.23496; diluted EPS also rose.
Asahi
Asahi Launches High-Speed Canning Line
Asahi Beverages unveiled a $60 million canning line at its Yatala brewery in Queensland, Australia, to meet rising demand for aluminum cans over stubbies. The new production system can produce over two million cans daily, supporting major brands like Victoria Bitter, Great Northern and Carlton Dry. With a 400 million annual can capacity, this investment strengthens local manufacturing and creates 28 full-time jobs. Cans now account for 52% of Asahi’s packaged beer in Australia, up from 46% five years ago.
Brands
RTD Cocktail Brand Launches First Canned Sparkling Cocktails
On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails, known for bartender-crafted RTD cocktails, introduced its first canned format: On The Rocks Sparkling Cans. This new line features bar-quality, carbonated cocktails in Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule flavors. Each 10% ABV cocktail blends classic flavors with a modern, effervescent twist. Sparkling Lime Margarita uses Tres Generaciones® Plata Tequila; Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule is made with EFFEN® Vodka; and Mango & Mint Mojito combines dark and white Cruzan® Rum. They are available nationwide in 4-packs.
Britvic
Carlsberg Britvic Expands Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
Carlsberg Britvic is boosting take-home RTD iced coffee sales with a new 500ml glass bottle of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Original, launching in Waitrose on 28 May. Targeting at-home consumption, the move taps into the UK's £367 million RTD coffee market, the sixth fastest-growing soft drinks segment. Multi-serve formats, now worth £31 million, offer retailers a key growth opportunity beyond on-the-go sales. The premium glass bottle, priced at £2.50, is designed to attract new consumers and deepen engagement with existing fans.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Malaysia Grows Profit Despite Lower Sales
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd posted a 7.5% rise in net profit for Q1 2025, reaching RM94.52 million, despite an almost 9% drop in revenue after festive sales in December 2024 and a strong sales base in March 2024 ahead of a price hike. Malaysia’s revenue fell by 8.6%, though operating profit edged up 1.4% due to reduced spending. Singapore saw an 8.8% revenue drop and a 36.1% decline in operating profit. The group remains focused on brand premiumization, innovation and digital transformation to navigate macroeconomic challenges.
Carlsberg, PepsiCo To Build Plant In Kazakhstan
Carlsberg Group and PepsiCo will jointly invest over $250 million to build a new soft drink production plant in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region. Announced via Kazakhstan’s government website, the facility is expected to produce up to 340 million liters annually and create 500 jobs. The move aligns with Carlsberg’s broader regional restructuring, following its exit from Russia and sale of Baltika. As part of the exit, Carlsberg is acquiring Baltika’s operations in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. However, a Russian court has banned Carlsberg from using the Baltika brand in Kazakhstan and several CIS countries.
Companies
Carlsberg Britvic Eyes Growth In Emerging Drinks
Following the recent £3.3 billion merger, Carlsberg Britvic plans to explore emerging opportunities in the drinks market, once a long-term strategy is finalized. Leaders from both legacy businesses emphasized leveraging their combined brand portfolios across licensed and non-licensed channels, with future growth potentially coming from either acquisitions or in-house brand development. The company’s Soft Drinks Review 2025 highlighted rising Gen Z demand for refreshment, indulgence and functional benefits, advising venues to elevate soft drink offerings to match alcoholic ones. With UK soft drink sales growing 2% to £2.9 billion in 2024, Carlsberg Britvic sees strong potential in innovation, brand diversity and experience-driven marketing.
Suntory Cuts Sugar Across European Drinks
Suntory Beverage & Food Europe claims it reduced added sugar in its drink portfolio by 30% over the past decade, approaching its goal of 35% by 2025. Since 2015, SBFE reformulated over 300 beverages, including iconic brands like Orangina, Oasis and Ribena to balance taste and health. It invested in R&D, opened a €2 million lab in France and adopted a consumer-centered approach called Gemba with Seikatsusha to understand real-life drinking habits. Despite challenges with consumer expectations and market differences, SBFE expanded its range to include lower- and no-sugar options and improved labeling. Looking ahead, the company aims to reduce sugars by over 35% by 2030, continuing to prioritize innovation and healthier choices without compromising on flavor.
Carlsberg Plans Expansion In India With New Breweries
Carlsberg aims to boost its market share in India from 25% by opening up to three new breweries, following a ₹350 crore investment in a Mysuru facility. India currently accounts for 5% of Carlsberg’s global volume, with its large, youthful population and growing affluence offering strong growth potential. CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen confirmed ongoing supply chain projects, noting the brewer’s focus on strengthening capacity to meet surging demand across states. Despite challenges such as complex regulations, limited alcohol retail outlets and state-specific tax structures, Carlsberg sees promise in India’s rising beer consumption. The company now owns 100% of its Indian operations after resolving a longstanding dispute with former partner Khetan Group and plans to increase both capital and marketing investments.
Varun Beverages Beats Profit Estimates
Varun Beverages reported a first-quarter net profit of ₹7.26 billion ($85 million), surpassing analyst expectations. Revenue rose 29% to ₹56.8 billion, driven by a 30.1% volume increase. Growth was led by India (+15.5%) and contributions from South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite strong demand, gross margins fell 171 basis points to 54.6%, impacted by lower-margin own-brand sales in South Africa. Chairman Ravi Jaipuria highlighted growth potential through rising incomes, urbanization and improved distribution infrastructure. The company plans to expand PepsiCo’s portfolio further in India.
Lotte
Lotte Chilsung Beverage Faces Profit Dip, Focuses On Exports And Innovation
Lotte Chilsung Beverage posted a 31.9% drop in Q1 2025 operating profit, impacted by rising raw material costs and a strong won. Beverage sales fell 5.4%, but beverage exports rose 7%. Alcoholic beverage profit rose 12% despite a 10.2% revenue dip, driven by “Soonhari” exports. Global segment sales grew 9.4%, though profit fell 74.2%. The company aims to restore profitability through zero-calorie drinks like “Pepsi Zero Sugar” and “Chilsung Cider Zero”. Expansion of production and distribution in emerging markets will also support long-term growth.
RJ Corp
Varun Beverages Targets 50% Stake In Everest Industrial Lanka
Varun Beverages Limited plans to acquire a 50% stake in Everest Industrial Lanka Private Limited for US$3.75 million. EIL manufactures and distributes commercial visi-coolers and accessories. VBL hopes the acquisition will improve its supply chain by enabling internal sourcing of visi-coolers, potentially reducing costs over time. The deal has been approved by VBL’s investment and borrowing committee and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.
Suntory
Suntory Relaunches Boss Coffee Iced Mocha
Suntory Boss Coffee reintroduced its popular Iced Mocha flavor across Australia and New Zealand in response to strong consumer demand, using a revamped recipe that blends flash brewed coffee with rich chocolate, balancing boldness and indulgence. Since its 2019 launch, Suntory Boss Coffee dominated the RTD coffee market, holding over 52% market share in Australia and nearly 70% in New Zealand. The range also includes several other flavors, such as Iced Double Espresso and Iced Caramel Latte.
Suntory Raises Product Prices In Japan Amid Rising Challenges
Suntory Beverage & Food Limited announced it will raise product prices in Japan starting October 1, due to increased manufacturing, logistics and operational costs. Prices for PET bottle products will rise by 6% to 25%, while canned goods will see increases of 10% to 24%. Suntory cited Japan’s economic challenges, including an aging population, shrinking workforce and tariffs imposed by the US under President Trump, as key factors. The company aims to continue innovating and improving productivity to offer high-quality products.
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