Coca-Cola cuts outlook amid weak global demand

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola cut its sales forecast for the year on Wednesday, but said it’s making changes to address declining soda demand in the U.S. and key international markets.

The world’s biggest beverage company said global volume was flat in the second quarter as a decline in soda sales was offset by stronger sales of non-carbonated drinks. The last time its quarterly soda volume fell was in early 2014.

The maker of Fanta, Sprite and Powerade had warned earlier this year that its soda volume was being pressured by rougher economic conditions in emerging markets, where sodas tend to account for a higher portion of sales.

During an earnings call, Coca-Cola President James Quincey said the company’s results were dragged down by weakening demand in key markets outside the U.S. He said Coca-Cola’s namesake soda and juice drinks suffered declines in China as a result of economic uncertainty. The company plans to focus on affordability for rural and blue-collar customers in the country, while pushing premium offerings for higher-income customers, he said.

Although soda remains the flagship beverage for Coca-Cola and its rival PepsiCo Inc., the companies say they are focusing on categories with more potential. To offset the declines in soda volume in the U.S., they’re also raising prices and putting the drinks in mini-cans or glass bottles to market them as more premium.

Quincey noted the company’s premium water saw gains in China during the quarter, and that water brands including SmartWater are performing well around the world.