KFC is switching its fountain-drink partnership from Pepsi to Coke, adding another major restaurant account to Coke's side. The move comes as consumers increasingly favor Coke, raising concerns about Pepsi's competitive position.
7:29 PMMarketWatch9 stories from 6 sources
Channel losses and financial strain overshadow selective demand strength
Day’s Recap
Supporting Articles
Hain Celestial is considering a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing as it faces heavy debt and weakening demand for its natural and organic food products, according to people familiar with the matter.
3:51 PMBloomberg MarketsCocoa processing in Europe and Asia significantly exceeded forecasts in the third quarter, pointing to a stronger recovery in global chocolate demand than expected. The data comes despite sustained price pressure from elevated cocoa costs.
3:43 AMBloomberg Markets7:29 PMMarketWatch
Pepsi loses more ground in the soda wars, as KFC switches to Coke
Summary
KFC is switching its fountain-drink partnership from Pepsi to Coke, adding another major restaurant account to Coke's side. The move comes as consumers increasingly favor Coke, raising concerns about Pepsi's competitive position.
KFC's decision weakens Pepsi's presence in foodservice, where exclusive restaurant deals provide steady volume and
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A major restaurant switch can compound Pepsi's consumer weakness by reducing both sales and everyday exposure.
2 stories · 2 sources
3:51 PMBloomberg Markets
Wellness Company Hain Celestial Said to Eye Potential Bankruptcy
Summary
Hain Celestial is considering a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing as it faces heavy debt and weakening demand for its natural and organic food products, according to people familiar with the matter.
The possible filing signals that Hain's debt load has become difficult to manage alongside weaker
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Hain's distress shows how high leverage and softer demand are pressuring once-fast-growing natural-food companies.
3:43 AMBloomberg Markets
Chocolate Demand Roars Back as Cocoa Grindings Beat Forecast
Summary
Cocoa processing in Europe and Asia significantly exceeded forecasts in the third quarter, pointing to a stronger recovery in global chocolate demand than expected. The data comes despite sustained price pressure from elevated cocoa costs.
Stronger grindings suggest consumers and manufacturers are absorbing high chocolate prices better than feared. That
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A demand rebound could sustain chocolate revenue while prolonging pressure on margins and cocoa prices.
Other Developments
A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.
Pernod Ricard India reported 19% sales growth in the September quarter, supported by strong demand and continued premiumisation. India remains a key growth market as the company weighs a potential IPO, while sales declined in the United States and China.
11:57 AMEconomic Times
Nestle India reported standalone second-quarter profit of Rs 1,027 crore, up 36% year over year, while revenue from operations rose 20% to Rs 6,788 crore. Its shares nevertheless fell 7% to Rs 1,260 on the NSE.
3:11 AMEconomic TimesPernod Ricard's sales fell less than analysts expected last quarter, as growth in India offset continued weakness in the United States and China.
1:30 AMBloomberg MarketsGlow Recipe is launching two limited-edition versions of its Glass Balms in partnership with Korean spicy noodle brand Buldak.
12:01 AMWWDChagrinovations lost its third-party logistics provider just as it prepared to expand from direct-to-consumer sales into national retail and marketplaces. It then found a logistics partner able to support more complex operations as the consumer goods company scaled.
12:00 AMSupply Chain Brain11:57 AMEconomic Times
Pernod Ricard India sales grow 19% in Sept qtr; IPO plan awaits board approval
Summary
Pernod Ricard India reported 19% sales growth in the September quarter, supported by strong demand and continued premiumisation. India remains a key growth market as the company weighs a potential IPO, while sales declined in the United States and China.
India is becoming more important to Pernod Ricard as growth in other major markets weakens.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
India's growth could improve Pernod Ricard's valuation story while exposing the company to greater reliance on one high-growth market.
3:11 AMEconomic Times
Nestle India Q2 Results: Standalone profit jumps 36% YoY to Rs 1,027 crore, revenue rises 20%
Summary
Nestle India reported standalone second-quarter profit of Rs 1,027 crore, up 36% year over year, while revenue from operations rose 20% to Rs 6,788 crore. Its shares nevertheless fell 7% to Rs 1,260 on the NSE.
The market's selloff shows that strong reported growth did not meet investor expectations or justify
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Nestle delivered robust growth, but investors are signaling that execution must keep improving to support its market valuation.
1:30 AMBloomberg Markets
Pernod Ricard Sales Decline Softened by Strength in India
Summary
Pernod Ricard's sales fell less than analysts expected last quarter, as growth in India offset continued weakness in the United States and China.
India is becoming an increasingly important stabilizer for the spirits maker as its two major
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
India's consumer market is cushioning global weakness for multinational companies with slowing growth elsewhere.
12:01 AMWWD
Glow Recipe Launches Buldak-Inspired Lip Balms
Summary
Glow Recipe is launching two limited-edition versions of its Glass Balms in partnership with Korean spicy noodle brand Buldak.
The collaboration brings a viral food brand's recognition into beauty, using novelty and cultural crossover
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The launch shows how beauty brands are using food and internet culture partnerships to drive trial and relevance.
12:00 AMSupply Chain Brain
Their 3PL Dropped Them in 2022 – They Have Grown 15x Since
Summary
Chagrinovations lost its third-party logistics provider just as it prepared to expand from direct-to-consumer sales into national retail and marketplaces. It then found a logistics partner able to support more complex operations as the consumer goods company scaled.
The 3PL breakup exposed fulfillment capacity as a growth constraint, not just an operating detail.
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
For emerging consumer brands, the right 3PL can be a prerequisite for retail expansion rather than a back-office vendor.
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