Coca-Cola shares surged 6.9% to $89.89 on Tuesday, touching a 52-week high of $90.01 after the beverage giant raised its full-year forecasts and beat second-quarter estimates, supported by resilient US demand and a FIFA World Cup sales boost, according to a Reuters report.

Coca-Cola lifted its 2026 organic revenue growth forecast to about 5% from 4%–5% and raised its comparable earnings-per-share growth outlook to 9%–10% from 8%–9%.

The second-quarter net revenue rose 7% to $13.37 billion, ahead of analysts’ estimate of $13.16 billion, while organic revenue grew 6% according to LSEG data. Growth was supported by strong demand for zero-sugar drinks, price increases and smaller, more affordable pack sizes aimed at cost-conscious shoppers. Ready-to-drink teas and fairlife products also lifted sales.

Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup boost

Coca-Cola, FIFA’s long-standing official beverage sponsor, said its World Cup 2026 campaign contributed to volume growth of 5% for Trademark Coca-Cola and 8% for Powerade during the quarter ended July 3.

Hydration breaks, which divided matches into four segments, created additional advertising opportunities for sponsors and broadcasters such as Fox. They also helped boost Powerade sales, even as some fans complained that the stoppages disrupted the flow of play.
“We were not unhappy with them in the World Cup,” Chief Financial Officer John Murphy told Reuters, adding that it remained unclear whether the breaks would become a permanent feature of the sport.

The performance came despite a broader pullback in discretionary spending, particularly among lower-income US consumers. Demand for Coca-Cola’s zero-sugar sodas remained resilient, while smaller pack sizes helped keep products affordable for budget-conscious buyers.

On costs, Coca-Cola said in April that it was working with bottling partners to limit the impact of the conflict involving Iran after locking in lower prices for some inputs before the disruption began. With the conflict continuing, several companies, including PepsiCo, have warned of higher input-cost inflation during the second half. Murphy said Coca-Cola would provide more details about its 2027 cost outlook in October.

Coca-Cola shares have gained about 20% this year, outperforming PepsiCo, which has also been hurt by weak US snack demand in recent quarters.

The DfT figures were based on passenger counts taken on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between September and December 2025, and represent travel on a typical autumn weekday.

Overcrowding fell slightly overall compared with autumn 2024, with an average of 16,800 (1%) passengers a day travelling in excess of capacity.

The DfT said seating capacity has grown 4% in the past year.

A spokesperson said: “The vast majority of passengers – 98.9% – typically travel on services that are not overcrowded.

“Where there are pinch points during peak hours, work is under way to improve capacity. GTR has added carriages to its busiest commuter services, while South Western Railway has boosted capacity by nearly 30% in the last year with new trains.

“Bringing track and train together under Great British Railways will support further improvements, helping create a joined-up service that puts passengers first.”

A quarter of passengers travelling in and out of London at peak times had to stand. But in other cities, only 5% of passengers could not get a seat.

A Thameslink spokesperson said its trains were designed to have ample standing room on board its busiest commuter routes.

“We are always monitoring how busy our services are and continually make changes to provide more space.

“In the last few years alone, we’ve lengthened trains on some of our busiest Bedford to London services and introduced an additional peak-time service to provide more choice and extra space.”

Yate-based Charles Saunders will also become part of the Country Range Group following the deal

A West Country chilled and frozen food wholesale business has been acquired by a larger North East group for an undisclosed sum. Charles Saunders – one of the biggest family-owned food service companies in the South West of England – will become part of North Shield’s Kitwave following the deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, Charles Saunders will join Kitwave’s food service division alongside Creed Foodservice, Total Foodservice, WestCountry Food Holdings and Fife Creamery.

It is understood there will be no changes to the company’s Yate-based depot, operations, sales or head office teams, and the existing leadership team will remain in place, with Darren Gaulton as executive director and Kim Carwardine as managing director.

The business will continue to trade under the Charles Saunders brand. As part of the acquisition, the South West company will also become a member of the Country Range Group.

“Charles Saunders has built a strong reputation over many years by putting customers first, investing in our people and delivering the high levels of service we’re known for,” said Mr Gaulton.

“The business has enjoyed significant growth over recent years while remaining true to the values that have made Charles Saunders what it is today. Becoming part of Kitwave represents the next stage in that journey.

“Our priority has always been to ensure the business is well placed for long-term sustainable growth. This partnership gives us an excellent platform to continue to build, invest further in our people and continue delivering the exceptional service our customers expect.”

Ben Maxted, chief executive of Kitwave, said Charles Saunders’ “customer-focused approach and strong family values” made it an “excellent fit” for the group.

“Charles Saunders is a highly respected foodservice business with an outstanding reputation across the South West, a loyal customer base and an experienced management team,” he said.

“The acquisition further strengthens our food service division and supports our long-term growth strategy. We’re delighted to welcome the Charles Saunders team to Kitwave and look forward to supporting the business as it continues to build on its success.”

Kitwave started from a single site in 1987 serving independent retailers and caterers. In January, it agreed to a £251m takeover bid from a US private equity business.