Consumers Expanding Tastes outside of Carbonates

Consumers are constantly expanding their soft drink consumption outside of carbonates. Ready-to-drinks tea, bottled water and juices are just as prevalent to consumers as soda. As a result, companies are increasingly expanding their product portfolios outside of traditional carbonates categories. Coca-Cola, for instance, acquired Culiangwang, manufacturers of a plant-based protein drink in China and Chi Limited, a juice manufacturer in Nigeria. These acquisitions are proof that companies not only need to expand their product portfolios, but also cater to local tastes and preferences.