Wal-Mart's growth and power is changing how consumers buy products and how beverage companies sell products. The lawsuit is about Coke and its bottlers trying to come to terms with that.
I think people have a growing interest in beverages which are lighter and have actual or perceived functional benefit. I think we've seen a decline in regular soft drinks for some time.
Summer is the highest-volume period of the year for the beverage industry. But it's not just the new products that will get the attention. The promotions and advertising are also very important for both companies.
If in the real-estate business it's all about location, location, location, then in the beverage business it's all about distribution, distribution, distribution. Coke, Pepsi and Cadbury with their bottling networks can get into almost every venue in the country.
Turner is simply one of the best in the U.S. beverage business. Growing carbonated soft drinks today is a challenge, and Turner is very well equipped to do that with Big Red.
People in general are responding to beverage products with health and wellness benefits. The trend is unmistakable and is going to gain traction in the years to come.
Consumers are looking for more and more choice, and beverage companies are responding. The macro trend is toward lighter, lower calorie beverages, but consumers still like sweet, creamy, dessert-like beverages.