India’s cola wars are bubbling over with the revival of homegrown brand Campa Cola by Reliance Consumer Products. Campa sells 200ml bottles for 10 rupees (12 cents), about half the retail price of 250ml bottles from the American giants.Read more: https://t.co/10ZnKyNMyS https://t.co/6MlJlZhqdT ...

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has acquired the assets of Ten Locks, the Manchester-based distributor owned by Kingsland Drinks. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The agreement hands ABUK immediate responsibility for the UK distribution of the Ten Locks portfolio. Ten Locks distributed products including El Tequileño Tequila, Lind & Lime gin, Banhez mezcal and non-alc brand Three Spirit. ABUK marketing director Zippy Bakowska told Just Drinks five Ten Locks employees will join the business ...

Core Insights - AB InBev has enhanced its competitive position through a focus on premiumization and innovation, achieving a 6.5% year-over-year increase in EBITDA in Q2 2025 despite volume pressures in key markets like Brazil and China [2][6] - The company's strategy emphasizes value-driven growth, leveraging high-margin brands and consumer insights to shift towards products that offer pricing power and brand loyalty [2][3] Premiumization Strategy - AB InBev's global portfolio includes megabrands such as Corona, Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra, which are central to its premiumization strategy [3] - The company owns eight of the world's ten most valuable beer brands, with Corona's revenues growing by 7.7% outside of Mexico, and Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois rising in global rankings [3] Innovation and Product Development - Innovation is a key growth driver, with successful launches like Michelob Ultra Zero and Busch Light Apple, catering to health-conscious and younger consumers [4] - The focus on developing no- and low-alcohol options broadens appeal across various consumption occasions [4] Digital Transformation - AB InBev is enhancing its competitiveness through digital transformation, with platforms like BEES achieving a 63% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise value, reaching $785 million [5] - Direct-to-consumer digital platforms generated $134 million in revenues, improving operational efficiency and enabling data-driven decision-making [5] Future Outlook - The premiumization and innovation strategies position AB InBev well for sustained market leadership, adapting to long-term consumer shifts and economic dynamics [6] - Despite short-term volume softness in regions like Brazil and China, the company's focus on value creation and premium growth is expected to maintain its competitive edge [6] Stock Performance - AB InBev's shares have declined by 12.1% over the past three months, underperforming the industry and broader Consumer Staples sector [7] - The stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 14.63X, higher than the industry average of 13.65X, indicating that investors may be anticipating stronger growth prospects [10]

Group 1 - Pernod Ricard's brands are analyzed in detail, highlighting their market positioning and performance [1] - Wise Plc receives a positive write-up from Ennismore, indicating strong growth potential and strategic direction [1] - The East72 Synasty Trust Quarterly letter discusses investment insights on companies like Exor, Swatch, Bolore, and Manchester United, providing a comprehensive overview of their financial health [1] Group 2 - The importance of management integrity is emphasized in the Flyover Stocks blog, suggesting that it is a critical factor for long-term investment success [1] - High-end cooperage operations face significant challenges, which could impact the supply chain and pricing in the premium spirits market [1] - A detailed analysis of the increasing capital expenditure in AI and large language models (LLMs) raises concerns about sustainability and potential overvaluation in the tech sector [1] Group 3 - John Hempton discusses the concept of "Crypto Bucket Shops," shedding light on the risks and regulatory challenges within the cryptocurrency trading space [1]

The young, especially, are drinking less alcohol. Spying opportunity, Nestlé, Danone, Coca-Cola and others are pushing flavoured and “functional” waters https://t.co/1ZeairzEzj ...

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is recognized as one of the best food dividend stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - The company has a strong portfolio of popular snack products, including Oreos, Cadbury chocolate, and Sour Patch Kids, contributing to its significant market presence [2] Dividend Performance - Over the past five years, Mondelez has increased its dividend by more than 10% annually and has repurchased billions of dollars' worth of shares, reducing the total stock by approximately 15% since 2018 [3] - In July, Mondelez raised its quarterly dividend to $0.50 per share, marking the 12th consecutive year of dividend increases, with a current dividend yield of 3.19% as of October 5 [4]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett is finding value in the current market, with a particular focus on a standout investment opportunity [1][12] - Berkshire Hathaway has been a net seller of stocks for 11 consecutive quarters, but has recently invested over $4 billion in 13 different stocks [3][4] Berkshire Hathaway's Recent Activities - The company disclosed purchases of 10 stocks in its portfolio during the second quarter, spending $3.9 billion on equities [4][5] - Notable purchases include an investment of approximately $106 million in Sirius XM and an increase in stake in Mitsubishi from 9.74% to 10.23% [5][6] Investment Strategy - Buffett's strategy involves buying into companies facing short-term challenges, exemplified by his investment in UnitedHealth, which is currently under pressure due to rising costs and regulatory investigations [7][8] - Other companies in which Buffett has invested include Nucor, Lennar, Constellation Brands, Pool Corp, and Domino's Pizza [9] Constellation Brands Analysis - Constellation Brands has revised its fiscal 2026 outlook downward due to macroeconomic uncertainty affecting premium beer sales, particularly among Hispanic consumers [14] - Despite a dip in beer sales, the company's profit margins remain strong, supported by top brands like Modelo and Corona [15] - The company is developing new products in the nonalcoholic and ready-to-drink categories, indicating a proactive approach to market challenges [16] Market Performance and Valuation - Constellation Brands has seen a 45% growth in beer sales from 2020 to 2024, although slower growth is expected in 2025 and a decline in 2026 has pressured its stock price [17] - The stock is currently trading at 12.5 times forward earnings expectations, presenting a significant bargain for long-term investors [18]

Core Insights - cbdMD, Inc. has expanded the distribution of its Herbal Oasis THC-infused social seltzer throughout Florida through a partnership with Bevtalk Distribution, aiming to redefine social drinking experiences [1][3][4] Company Overview - cbdMD, Inc. is a leading and trusted brand in the cannabidiol (CBD) market, offering a wide range of domestically produced CBD products and Farm Bill-compliant Delta-9 offerings [1][10] - Herbal Oasis is a product line under cbdMD, focusing on premium hemp-derived THC seltzers designed to enhance social experiences with unique flavors [8][10] Market Dynamics - The THC beverage market is experiencing rapid growth, with U.S. THC beverage sales projected to reach approximately $1.1 billion in 2024 and expected to grow over 25% in 2025, potentially tripling by 2030 [5][6] - The partnership with Bevtalk Distribution is strategically aimed at capturing the increasing demand for alcohol alternatives and hemp-derived THC products in Florida [4][5] Product Details - Herbal Oasis seltzers feature a blend of hemp-derived THC, CBG, and adaptogenic mushrooms, available in flavors such as Lemon Lift, Berry Fusion, Tropical Twist, Mango Bliss, and the new Tropic Wave [6][8] - The product is positioned as a refreshing, modern alternative for consumers looking to unwind without alcohol [6][8] Distribution Strategy - Bevtalk Distribution will introduce Herbal Oasis to various retail channels across Florida, including convenience stores, independent retailers, and specialty beverage shops [4][7] - Initial shipments have begun, with products expected to be available in local convenience stores and independent shops throughout Florida by the end of 2025 [7]

Core Insights - The company reported a net income of $1.5 million for the first fiscal quarter of 2026, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 9% to $10 million, and a significant improvement in net cash used in operations by $34 million year-over-year [1][3][5]. Financial Performance - Net revenue rose by 5% to $209.5 million compared to $200.0 million in the previous year [5][26]. - Gross profit decreased to $57.5 million from $59.7 million, resulting in a gross margin of 27%, down from 30% [5][26]. - Cannabis net revenue increased by 5% to $64.5 million, while cannabis gross profit fell to $23.3 million, leading to a gross margin of 36%, down from 40% [5][30]. - Beverage net revenue was $55.7 million, slightly down from $56.0 million, with a gross profit of $21.3 million and a gross margin of 38%, down from 41% [5][30]. - Wellness net revenue increased to $15.2 million from $14.8 million, maintaining a gross margin of 32% [5][30]. - Distribution net revenue grew to $74.0 million from $68.1 million, with a gross margin of 11%, down from 12% [5][30]. Operational Efficiency - The company improved its cash flow, with cash used in operations significantly reduced to $(1.3) million from $(35.3) million [3][28]. - The balance sheet was strengthened with a cash balance of $265 million and net debt reduced to $4 million [1][4]. Strategic Outlook - The company reiterated its fiscal year 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook of $62 million to $72 million [1]. - The CEO expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on transformative opportunities in the evolving cannabis landscape, particularly in the U.S. and Europe [2]. Market Position - Canadian adult-use cannabis gross revenue increased by 12%, maintaining the company's 1 position in revenue and expanding market share, while international cannabis revenue grew by 10% year-over-year [1].

Core Points - FIFCO's shareholders have approved the sale of its beverage, food, and retail operations to Heineken, covering multiple Central American countries and Mexico [1][2] - The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [2] Group 1 - FIFCO's beverage, food, and retail operations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico are included in the sale to Heineken [1] - The sale also encompasses FIFCO's stakes in beverage businesses in Nicaragua and Panama [1] - The binding agreement for the sale was announced on 22 September 2025 [2] Group 2 - The completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals [2] - Further announcements regarding the transaction will be made as necessary [2]