Coca-Cola Co. posted fourth quarter net income 22% higher
than the last quarter of '93. In December, the company had
projected a sales hike of 10-12%. Int'l case sales jumped 13%
and U.S. case sales "posted their biggest increase in years" of
8%. The int'l boost was helped by new markets in India, three
new plants in Poland, and one in Moscow. U.S. sales were
credited to "solid increases" in core brands and also of new
products such as the Fruitopia drinks, PowerAde and Minute Maid
Juices To Go (Chris Roush, ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 1/27).
RED WOLF: Red Wolf Lager, the first beer introduced by the
Specialty Brewing Group of Anheuser-Busch, Inc. will expand its
distribution to a nationwide basis beginning Monday. The
national roll-out will hit 31 states across the Midwest,
Southwest, West and Pacific Northwest. To help drive brand
awareness, the beer will be supported by a TV, radio, print, and
outdoor advertising campaign with the theme "Follow Your
Instincts" (Anheuser-Busch).
MILLER: Miller Brewing Company has jumped into the Chinese
beer market by acquiring a minority investment in Asimco, a
Beijing-based investment company. As part of the deal, Asimco
has purchased 60% stake in Five Star Beer Group, and Three Ring
Beer, giving Miller a minority stake in these companies (WALL
STREET JOURNAL, 1/27).
