despite rising prices, sales continue to grow

Coca-Cola, the famous soda brand, has published its results for the first quarter of 2024: despite inflation and the rise in raw materials, they are better than expected. The iconic brand is well anchored in French homes.

Even in times of crisis, the famous soft drink, invented by a pharmacist from Atlanta, United States, in 1886, sells very well. In the 1st quarter, the turnover of the American company increased by 3% worldwide. Coca-Cola has revised its sales forecast upwards to 8-9% compared to 6-7% initially forecast.

However, with inflation, Coca-Cola had to increase its prices. The firm explains that it was necessary to compensate for the increase in the price of sugar, plastic, and wages too. In France, the group increased its prices by 3-4%, but this increase was reflected differently, depending on the products. Coca-Cola actually has several brands in its range, such as Sprite, Fanta or Minute Maid.

Products manufactured locally

The increase had no impact on volumes. Today, Coca Cola estimates that eight out of 10 French households consume its products! Even though they are accused of promoting obesity, the group defends itself, advocating “responsible consumption” and by offering more and more sugar-free drinks.

In the balance, we can be pleased that 95% of the products marketed by Coca-Cola in France are manufactured in France. The group has five factories there: in Dunkirk, Marseille, Toulouse and two near Paris. The oldest of its French factories, in Clamart in Hauts-de-Seine, must also close in 2025. Located in the city, it can no longer expand and there are nuisances for local residents. Coca-Cola is therefore planning to bring together all its Ile-de-France production lines on the Grigny site, in Essonne.

Coca campaigns for the return of deposits to fight against plastic pollution

On the other hand, there is cause for sadness when we learn that the firm is at the origin of one in ten waste found in nature, according to an international study published in Sciences Advances. With its plastic bottles which remain in the environment for years, the brand is one of the biggest polluters on the planet and therefore finds itself in the sights of associations. For example, next week, May 8 in Marseille, the NGO “Clean my Calanques” has already warned: as Coca Cola is an official partner of the Olympic Games, there will be no question of carrying the Olympic flame.

The brand says it is using more and more recyclable materials, and it is also campaigning for the return of deposits. Like in Germany or Norway, where, thanks to financial incentives, 95% of bottles are recycled. In France, we are barely at 60% recycling.