PORTUGAL – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc, one of the largest FMCG sectors in Europe’s most significant markets, has invested €8 million (US$8.61m) in the construction of a new warehouse at its production unit in Azeitão in Setúbal, Portugal.

The new facility is expected to enable CCEP to reorganize the industrial unit, increasing storage capacity from 12,000 to 22,000 square meters and optimizing recourse operations, including the reduction of vehicle movements to transport pallets, ultimately lowering its carbon footprint.

Once the facility comes into operation in the last quarter of 2023, CCEP estimates a 65% decrease in pallet transportation – from 200,00 pallets to 71,000 – and an estimated reduction of 513 tonnes of Co2 compared to 2019 transport data.

This will ensure CCEP’s operations in Portugal are more flexible and efficient, that they are prepared for future growth requirements, and that they can provide support to other CCEP business units and more rapid response to customers.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has also announced the expansion of its soda portfolio for one of its leading brands with two new flavors.

Set to be rolled out from the middle of March, the new Schweppes Soda Melon Watermelon and Schweppes Soda Peach Coconut variants join the brand’s original and pink soda serves and will be available in 200ml glass bottle formats.

The new melon-flavored soda has a fresh, fruity flavor with a dry and crisp finish while the peach coconut serve boasts a tropical peach flavor with subtle hints of coconut, finished with floral notes.

CCEP GB away-from-home sales director Karen Yates-Hills described the new products as “really exciting” having been “designed to bring new consumers into the soda part of the overall soft drinks market.”

She said: “The new Schweppes flavored sodas and signature serves are arriving just in time for the warmer trading period whereby consumers often look for lighter, fruitier refreshments like spritzers and mixed drinks with white spirits.

“We will continue to keep the Schweppes brand front of mind with consumers with a multi-million-pound campaign in 2023 and more exciting news to follow throughout the summer.”

Coca-Cola has also announced a recipe shake-up for Sprite that will see the popular drink come with a brand new ‘irresistible’ taste and in new packaging designs.

The changes will see the popular drink have an enhanced crisp lemon-lime flavor. The new flavor will apply to both Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar.

The update will also make it easier to differentiate between the two, as Sprite Zero Sugar is set to have a lighter taste profile.

“Sprite has enjoyed solid growth over the past 12 months and our latest activity is designed to build on that momentum,” said Martin Attock, Vice President of Commercial Development at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB.

“We’re confident that the great new taste and bold new look will be a hit with existing Sprite lovers and new consumers alike, helping to drive sales for our customers.”

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