Even Don Draper would have trouble selling a $3 can of Coke. For years now, Coca-Cola has wielded some of the strongest pricing power in the entire consumer business, steadily raising the prices of Coke and its other sodas while hardly shedding customers. But as the company nears its fourth-quarter earnings report this week, executives, analysts and other onlookers are beginning to wonder if shoppers are finally nearing their breaking point. SUBSCRIBE:  Receive more of our free The Daily Upside newslette ...

Core Insights - Coca-Cola is expanding its dairy processing capabilities by opening one of the largest dairy processing plants in the U.S. to meet the rising demand for protein-rich products, particularly Fairlife milk, which is lactose-free and lower in sugar [1][2] - The interest in protein-rich foods is increasing, partly due to the growing use of GLP-1 medications among American adults, with about 12% currently using these drugs [2][4] - Competitors across the food and beverage industry are also innovating to introduce protein-dense products, indicating a broader dietary shift among consumers [3][4] Company Strategies - Coca-Cola's CEO, James Quincey, acknowledges the competitive landscape as other companies release their own protein-focused products, emphasizing the need for innovation [2][3] - General Mills is actively launching high-protein versions of various products, including Cheerios and mac and cheese, and is also considering protein content in pet foods [4][5] - Other companies, such as Starbucks and PepsiCo, are also enhancing their product lines with high-protein options, indicating a trend towards protein fortification across the industry [6][7] Market Trends - The demand for protein-rich products is reflected in consumer purchasing behavior, with Premier Protein Shakes ranking among the top purchases during Amazon's Prime sales [4] - The trend is supported by a general consumer preference for protein, which is associated with feelings of fullness and muscle building, despite nutritionists noting that Americans typically consume enough protein [4][5] - Companies like Ingredion are experiencing significant demand increases for protein fortification products, highlighting the market's shift towards protein [5]

Core Insights - Coca-Cola Co. shares increased over 3% in intra-day trading following third-quarter results that slightly exceeded Wall Street expectations despite a challenging operating environment [1] Financial Performance - Net revenue rose 5% to $12.45 billion, slightly above the consensus estimate of $12.48 billion [4] - Comparable earnings per share were $0.82, beating expectations of $0.78 [4] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance for comparable EPS growth of around 3% and organic revenue growth between 5% and 6% [4] Market Dynamics - The company faced weaker volumes in key markets such as the U.S. and Latin America due to inflationary pressures leading consumers to opt for lower-priced sodas [1] - Despite challenges, demand remained stable in the U.S. and select international markets, with unit case volumes rising 1% [3] - Price increases for brands like Topo Chico sparkling water and Fairlife milk helped offset declines in other segments [3] Product Strategy - A health initiative led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has influenced Coca-Cola's product strategy, with plans to introduce a new Coke variant made with natural cane sugar instead of corn syrup [2] - Analysts noted that this shift would likely increase production costs [2] Volume Trends - Gains in water, sports drinks, coffee, and tea offset declines in juice, dairy, and plant-based beverages, while sparkling soft drink volumes remained flat year-over-year [3]