Coca-Cola HBC is standing firm on its financial guidance after a “strong start” to 2025, buoyed by a strong performance in emerging markets and soaring energy drinks volumes.
Organic revenue increased by 10.6% in the first quarter of 2025 to €2.4bn, with 1.8% growth in volumes. Reported net sales revenue increased by 8.7%, with strong organic growth partially offset by foreign exchange translation headwinds in the emerging markets segment.
Coca-Cola HBC saw organic revenue growth in all segments: 2.1% in established markets (€762.2m), 4.6% in developing markets (€506.0m) and 20.3% in emerging markets (€1.2bn).
Volume sales of carbonates grew by 1.1%, with trademark Coke up by “low single digits”, with “high single-digit growth” on Coke Zero. Fanta and Sprite grew by low single digits and mid single digits, respectively.
Volume sales of energy drinks rocketed by 25.5% with double-digit growth in all three segments. This was driven by innovation for Monster and stronger distribution of Monster Green Zero Sugar, said Coca-Cola HBC.
The business also introduced various local marketing activations, including leveraging football events in Nigeria and Egypt to activate its energy drinks brands Predator and Fury respectively through the period.
Coffee volumes declined by 8.3%, on a tough comparative, said Coca-Cola HBC. The decline was driven by Costa Coffee in the at-home channel, as a result of Coca-Cola HBC’s ”strategic decision with Costa Coffee to focus primarily on the out-of-home channel”, where it saw “greater long-term potential”.
Following a “strong start” to 2025, Coca-Cola HBC has reiterated its guidance for the year, forecasting organic revenue growth of 6%-8% and organic EBIT growth of 7%-11%.
“We continued the positive momentum for our business as we report a strong start to the year, in a range of market conditions,” said Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC AG.
“The strength of our 24/7 portfolio and consistent investment behind our bespoke capabilities, combined with our segmented execution in the marketplace, have enabled us to deliver further revenue-per-case growth over the period.
“We expect the broader macroeconomic and geopolitical environment to remain challenging and unpredictable, but we have a proven track record of navigating through periods of volatility, supported by our portfolio, capabilities and people.
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