Danone’s New Plant-Based Sports Drinks, Powders Debut In China

Danone is targeting sports enthusiasts and exercise fans in China with a new plant-based sports nutritional beverage Vega One Sport and other Vega One plant protein powders sold online. Vega One has no artificial colors or artificial sweeteners, carries a U.S. non-GMO Certification, and has passed NSF Certified Sport international sports banned substance testing. Danone depends on China for at least ten percent of its global sales achieved a revenue growth of around 2.6 percent worldwide in 2019, The company hopes to increase plant-based sales worldwide from $2.19 billion in 2019 to around $5.5 billion by 2025. According to Nielsen, Danone led the world’s plant-based products in 2018.

"Danone launching plant-based sports beverages in China", ihsmarkit.com, May 21, 2020

Coca-Cola Expands High-Speed Bottling Capacity In Southwest China

Coca-Cola continues to lay the groundwork for expansion in the Chinese market with the opening of a high-capacity bottling facility in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. The new COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd (CBL) facility can make 120,000 cans an hour, making it the fastest fully automatic production line in the world, according to the company. The current industry average is between 66,000 cans and 90,000 cans every hour. The bottling line is also the only automatic production line in the global Coca-Cola system that can produce a variety of different packaging specifications at the same time. The company's first plant in China was built 21 years ago in Chengdu, where three new lines were built last year. CBL plans to accelerate production when the COVID-19 pandemic eases, increase investment in equipment renewal and technical transformation, and optimize and upgrade industrial capacity.

"Coca-Cola sets up fastest bottling factory", English.Eastday.Com, May 19, 2020

Coke Sets Up JV With Chinese Dairy Giant To Sell Chilled Milk

Coca-Cola has set up a joint venture with China’s Mengniu Dairy Co to produce and sell chilled milk in the country. The JV is “a reaffirmation of its long-term commitment to the Chinese market” the company said. It will look to make full use of the advantages of both companies, including dairy development and processing techniques, brand influence, and distribution channels. The partnership will create a portfolio of consumer-centric beverages, according to a Coca-Cola statement.

"Coca-Cola, Mengniu's JV to sell chilled milk", ECNS.cn/China Daily , May 13, 2020

Luckin Coffee Fires CEO, COO Over Fabricated Sales Reports

Following an ongoing internal investigation that uncovered evidence of fraud by two of its top executives, Beijing-based Luckin Coffee Inc., a coffee company and coffeehouse chain with 4,507 locations in China, announced changes to its board of directors and senior management, effective May 11. The investigation shed light on “fabricated transactions described in the press release issued by the company on April 2, 2020.” Luckin fabricated sales last year of as much $310 million, according to a Bloomberg report. The company terminated CEO Jenny Zhiya Qian and COO Jian Liu, and forced their resignations from the board. The company said it also suspended six other employees “who were involved in or had the knowledge of the fabricated transactions.” 

"Luckin Coffee Announces Changes to Board of Directors and Senior Management", Luckin Coffee , May 12, 2020

Coke’s Costa Coffee Chain Will Introduce New RTD Coffees In China This Year

U.K.-based coffee chain Costa Coffee will debut its RTD Black Americano and Classic Latte drinks this year in China, in what is seen as a crucial market for the Coca-Cola-owned firm. The launch marks an important step in its multi-category expansion strategy, which was accelerated after Coca-Cola acquired the company last year. According to Chief Operating Officer Shakir Moin, China is a priority target because the coffee market is growing, with RTD coffee expected to increase the fastest though it is increasingly competitive. The mission is to offer busy consumers both high-quality coffee and convenience. The company plans to distribute the RTD products into Tier-1 and 2 cities first, which Moin cited as “high-potential markets,” before gradually entering other cities. The products will be available on e-commerce platforms, as well as in retail channels such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, traditional grocery stores, and vending machines in the country.

"Coca-Cola-owned Costa Coffee seeks to crack China’s booming ready-to-drink market", Beverage Daily, April 30, 2020

Nestlé Unveils Q-Cup Machine That Makes “Superfood” Smoothies, Shakes

Nestlé has launched a new Q-cup machine that enables people to create healthful drinks from natural ingredients at home or in the office. nesQino, launched in China, comprises a silent, digitally connected Q-cup machine, superfood sachets, and three base sachets: smoothie, oat shake, and milk shake. Users can make 21 “superfood” drink recipes designed by nutritionists using fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, roots, microalgae, and probiotics. Complementary base sachets are made from dairy milks, cereals, and plant-based ingredients. The company uses advanced flash-freezing and drying techniques, and patented powder technologies, to naturally preserve ingredients without additives, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. The packaging is recyclable in China.

"Nestlé launches nesQino to create healthy, customizable superfood drinks", Nestlé , April 27, 2020