These are the same strategies that have helped trigger this year's soft-drink sales turnaround in Australia and parts of Western Europe. The successful launch in Australia and Great Britain of
Coca-Cola Zero, a no-calorie drink that tastes much like regular Coca-Cola, is considered a model of that success.
Kent has headed Coke's international operations since the start of
2006. Sales of drinks sold under the Coca-Cola trademark in international markets rose 5% in the first three quarters of the year, the highest growth rate for the comparable periods since 1998.
While confirming that Coke is interested in acquisitions, Kent would not name possible targets. "Every time there is an opportunity, you will see us acting with speed and conviction," he says.
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