Coca-Cola HBC AG, a key bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company, reported a strong start to 2025, with organic revenue up 10.6% in the first quarter. The growth was driven by price increases, a 1.8% rise in volumes, and strong momentum in emerging markets and the energy drinks category.
Emerging markets saw the most notable performance, with 20.3% organic revenue growth and a 3.5% volume increase. This was supported by sustained demand and pricing strategies to manage inflation and currency pressures, particularly in Nigeria and Egypt. Developing markets recorded a 4.6% organic revenue rise despite a 2.5% volume decline, while established markets remained flat in volume but grew revenue by 2.1%.
The energy drinks segment led category growth, posting a 25.5% increase in volumes across all regions. New variants of Monster Energy and local activations, including football-themed campaigns in Nigeria and Egypt, contributed to the gains. Sparkling beverages grew modestly, while coffee volumes declined 8.3% due to a strategic shift toward the out-of-home channel.
“We continued the positive momentum for our business as we report a strong start to the year,” said CEO Zoran Bogdanovic. “The strength of our 24/7 portfolio and consistent investment behind our bespoke capabilities… have enabled us to deliver further revenue-per-case growth.”
Coca-Cola HBC reaffirmed its 2025 guidance of 6–8% organic revenue growth and 7–11% EBIT growth, despite a challenging global economic environment.
In terms of sustainability, Coca-Cola HBC launched a Deposit Return Scheme in Austria and opened a plastic bottle recycling facility in Nigeria with an annual capacity of 13,000 tonnes.
“We have a proven track record of navigating periods of volatility,” Bogdanovic added, “supported by our portfolio, capabilities, and people.”