CEO Muhtar Kent's take on global markets
Europe: smooth(ie) moves from innocent
A bright spot in Europe was double-digit growth of the innocent brand (which Coca-Cola bought between 2009-2013, reaching a 90% stake). The company – which has traditionally been associated with smoothies and fruit juices – has recently expanded into coconut water, sparkling water, and functional smoothies.
Speaking about the European market in general, Kent said: “I think there are also some green shoots on the back of monetary easing, but it's early days. That just started. Deflation still remains a concern this year, and overall, consumer spending in Europe I would say is still sluggish, as it will take time for monetary easing to flow to the consumer pocket and translate into increased consumer spending, and then risk to recovery [remains].
“Then of course you have the possible Greece exit issues lingering on.”
