Coca-Cola HBC Raises Guidance on Strong First Half Performance
Coca-Cola HBC has upgraded its full-year guidance following a strong first half performance. The company's operating profit rose sharply, driven by broad-based volume growth and improved margins.
The group now expects organic EBIT to grow 8-10% in 2026, up from its previous 7-10% range. This reflects better-than-expected profitability across all segments. Comparable operating profit for the period increased 15.2% organically to €760.1m, supported by a 7.5% rise in volumes and firmer gross margins.
The company's volume momentum strengthened through the second quarter, with underlying Q2 growth of 5.8% despite fewer selling days than in Q1. Sparkling volumes rose 6.4%, energy surged 26.1%, and coffee grew 24.5% in the out-of-home channel.
Coca-Cola HBC's 24/7 portfolio continued to deliver strong engagement, with Coke Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine posting triple-digit growth following its new visual identity launch across 18 markets.