India, China sales boost Coca-Cola Q4 net 5 per cent

Coca-Cola Co, the world's largest beverage maker, said its worldwide sales volume grew 5 per cent in the fourth quarter aided by strong growth in emerging markets, including India, Brazil, Mexico and China.

"For the full year, unit case volume increased 3 per cent, in line with our long-term volume target," the company said yesterday.

Coca-Cola earned $1.54 billion in the fourth quarter, an increase of 55 per cent. Net revenues for the fourth quarter rose five per cent to $7.5 billion, driven by larger sales of soda concentrate and also currency fluctuations.

"We ended this year on a high note, delivering global volume and value share gains, comparable currency neutral revenue growth, improved productivity and increased cash flows," said Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer, Coca-Cola.

During the quarter, unit case volume increased strongly in China (29 per cent), India (20 per cent), Brazil (8 per cent), and Mexico (4 per cent), and in developed markets such as France (12 per cent) and Germany (3 per cent).

"The combined power of the global "Open Happiness" campaign and the strength of holiday programmes drove growth in brand Coca-Cola," the company said in a statement.