Coca-Cola eyes top-end of 2024 sales view on resilient soda demand in US
Business
Coca-Cola eyes top-end of 2024 sales view on resilient soda demand in US
(Reuters) - Coca-Cola is aiming to hit the higher end of its organic sales forecast for 2024 as growing demand for its higher-priced sodas and juices in the U.S. helped it post a surprise rise in third-quarter sales on Wednesday.
Shares of the Sprite and Fanta maker, however, fell 2% as CEO James Quincey flagged decline in volumes in China and the Middle East.
Demand in China has taken a hit from a slow post-pandemic economic recovery caused largely by a protracted property downturn, while the Middle East conflict has impacted supply in the region.
But North America revenue jumped 12% as the company's efforts to offer 12-ounce slim cans to attract customers with tight budgets in the U.S. drove demand.
"Coca-Cola has shown some pretty fancy footwork to persuade drinkers to keep shelling out premium prices for its products," said Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell.
"The team have doubled down on delivering the right product in the right places to the right people."
The beverage company expects annual organic sales to grow about 10% compared with a prior view of 9% to 10% rise. Its average selling price rose 10%, while unit case volumes fell 1%.
Coca-Cola's revenue in Europe, the Middle East and Africa fell 7% and in the Asia Pacific region it dropped 4%.
