Coke bottler Coca-Cola HBC has increased revenues and profits as demand for energy drinks continued to soar.
Organic volumes rose 2.8% in the year to 31 December, helping revenues jump 7.9% to €11.6bn, with organic growth of 8.1%.
The group singled out its energy portfolio as a standout performer in the year as volumes shot up 28.3%. It is the tenth consecutive year of strong double-digit growth in the category, supported by innovations of Monster in established and developing markets, and Predator and Fury in Africa.
Coffee volumes increased 26.5% in the out-of-home channel, driven by Costa Coffee and Caffè Vergnano, as the group grew in existing outlets and recruited 2,100 new outlets. However, total coffee volumes declined 19.8% in line with the strategy to shift focus away from at-home consumption.
Sparkling volumes at Coca-Cola HBC also rose by 2.5% last year, with trademark Coke up by low single digits and Coke Zero by low double digits.
In its established markets, such as Greece, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy and Austria, the group registered organic sales growth of 2.4%, while developing markets, such as Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, rose by 6.1% as the company benefitted from positive movements in the Polish zloty.
Emerging markets in Nigeria, Egypt, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine were up 12%, with strong organic growth partially offset by currency headwinds from the Nigerian naira and Egyptian pound.
Group underlying profits rose by 11.5% in 2025 to €1.4bn.
“I am proud that we have delivered strong growth for the fifth consecutive year, driven by focused execution of our strategic priorities. Through intentional choices to strengthen our 24/7 portfolio, we achieved share gains and volume growth in our strategic priority categories of sparkling and energy,” said CEO Zoran Bogdanovic.
“In 2025, we also announced the milestone acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. Having established our business in Nigeria nearly 75 years ago, and with our addition of Egypt four years ago, we have a deep understanding of Africa and are very excited about the long-term potential for growth and value creation.
“While we expect the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment to remain challenging in 2026, we are confident in our capable people, unique 24/7 portfolio and bespoke capabilities, and expect to make further progress against our medium-term targets.”
Coca-Cola HBC forecast organic revenue growth of 6% to 7% in 2026, with expectations that organic EBIT would increase by 7% to 10%.
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