Earlier this week, Coke's beverage sales blew past estimates, as it introduced four new flavors of Diet Coke and saw demand for Coke Zero sugar increase. Developing Markets ShineIn contrast to North America, first-quarter sales in Latin American markets rose 14%, while those in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa gained 15%. The company's Frito-Lay snacking business in North America did better than beverages, rising 3.4% in the quarter, although it missed expectations of 4% growth. The Quaker business - which includes the eponymous porridge oats - showed flat sales in North America due to cuts in pricing. "All North American units miss (but) LatAm (was) surprisingly strong," Evercore ISI analyst Robert Ottenstein said.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 27, 2018 09:22 UTC