Coca-Cola sees global profits rise 17% in 2009
Coca-Cola has reported a 17% increase in sales and profits globally for 2009, following a strong performance in developing markets.
The world’s largest soft drinks company reported profits of $6.82bn (£4.36bn) for 2009, a rise of 17% on the previous year.
It also saw a strong end to the year with fourth-quarter profits up 55%, and global sales up 5%.
Sales grew sharply in developing markets including China, India and Brazil, helping to increase the profits despite a small fall in sales in North America.
Coke Zero was a particular success for the company, increasing its sales by more than 10%. The brand was only introduced in the last two years. Global sales of the Coca-Cola drink itself rose 4% in the fourth quarter.
Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive of the Coca-Cola Company, says:
“We ended this year on a high note,” commented He added that the company’s leading brands allowed it grow even under “challenging economic conditions”.
Coca-Cola Great Britain recently announced it is bringing back its “Open Happiness” campaign, as part of its latest multi-million pound marketing push for 2010 in a bid to bring to life the idea ’Open a Coke, Open Happiness’.
