Market Trends & Industry Dynamics - Pepsi's CEO discussed the possibility of transitioning away from corn syrup, contingent on making sugar more affordable in the US through government intervention and farming strategies [1] - The beverage industry might see a shift towards using real cane sugar, driven by consumer demand and potentially influenced by the US President's affinity for Coca-Cola products [11][12] - A potential increase in demand for sugar could arise from beverage and packaged food companies introducing products with cane sugar, impacting syrup companies [9][10] Product & Strategy - Coca-Cola's full sugar platform (Coke Red can) represents less than 5% of its total global volumes, excluding Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar [4] - A complete conversion from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar across all Coca-Cola products is unlikely, but the launch of a cane sugar-based product is possible, similar to Mexican-style Coke [5][6] - Pepsi will adapt to consumer preferences, potentially moving towards cane sugar-based sodas if there is sufficient demand [11] Cost & Supply Chain - Sugar is more expensive in the US than in many other parts of the world, necessitating a conversation with the government to reduce costs [1] - The US imports a significant amount of cane sugar, primarily from Brazil, as domestic production is limited to parts of Louisiana and Florida [7][8] - High fructose corn syrup became prevalent in the 1980s due to its lower cost compared to sugar [9]

Shares of high fructose syrup producer Archer-Daniels-Midland plummeted on Thursday after President Donald Trump announced that he had persuaded Coca-Cola to use real cane sugar in its drinks in the U.S."I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola," the president wrote in a Truth Social post published Wednesday."This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just ...

President Trump says Coca-Cola will be updating its American ingredients list. That news coming in a truth social post from the president who is a noted fan of Diet Coke. He said, "I've been speaking to Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar and coke in the United States and they have agreed to do so. " He added, "It's just better. US Coca-Cola is made with high fructose corn syrup, at least as best as we know.It is a secret recipe. Archer Daniels Midland is one of the biggest producers of that ingredient. T ...

Core Viewpoint - President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to use cane sugar in its U.S. beverages, which is seen as a positive move for the company [1]. Company Performance - Coca-Cola's stock (KO) remained stable following the announcement, trading at $69.27, up 0.14% in pre-market [2]. - The company serves approximately 600 million consumers across 31 countries and reported a 6% organic sales growth in Q1 2025, outperforming Pepsi's 1.2% increase [4]. - Coca-Cola has a long history of annual dividend increases, exceeding 60 years, with a current yield of 2.80%, which is on the low end of its historical range [5]. - Berkshire Hathaway holds about 400 million shares of Coca-Cola, earning $816 million annually in dividends [5]. Industry Reaction - The announcement led to a decline in shares of Archer Daniels Midland and Ingredion, which dropped 6.3% and 8.9% respectively in after-hours trading [6]. - The Corn Refiners Association expressed concerns that replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar could negatively impact American food manufacturing jobs and farm income, while providing no nutritional benefits [7]. - The market remains uncertain as further official updates and confirmations are awaited from all parties involved [8].