Coca-Cola HBC Boosts Profit Growth with Strong Beverage Demand

Coca-Cola HBC, the bottling partner for Coca-Cola in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa, has reported strong demand for beverages that boosted its annual organic operating profit growth to the higher side of its forecast range. The company's CEO, Zoran Bogdanovic, said that 'strong partnerships are at the heart of our business' and highlighted successful FIFA World Cup activations as a key factor in the period's performance.

The bottler now expects organic operating profit growth of 8% to 10% for fiscal 2026, up from its previous guidance of 7% to 10%, based on its first-half results. The company also anticipates annual organic revenue growth around the top end of its range of 6% to 7%. Comparable operating profit reached €760.1 million ($876.70 million) for the six months ended July 3, 2026, exceeding analyst estimates.

Rising inflation and commodity costs have affected businesses across the region, prompting Coca-Cola HBC to hedge against price volatility in key commodities such as sugar, aluminium, gas oil, corn, and plastics.