9 July 2008 - Second quarter sales volume increased by 9% up from 138 million unit cases in 2Q07 to 151 million unit cases.
Turkey volume increased by 11% to 195 million unit cases in 1H2008. The year started well with a high growth rate of 16% in the first quarter driven by the launch of Coca-Cola Zero in February, and the January VAT reduction which resulted in decreasing retail stock levels in 4Q07. We were also cycling a weak first quarter in 2007.
In 1H2008, both Coca-Cola Zero and Fanta contributed significantly to Sparkling beverages category growth. Despite the slowdown of the Sparkling beverages category in Turkey since the beginning of the year, CCI managed to increase its Sparkling Beverage sales compared to 1H2007.
Cappy’s product portfolio was expanded with new launches, Cappy Gurme with three flavors plus Cappy Prebiotic. In addition, Nestea Cool Green and Nestea PET 1lt were also added to the Still Beverages portfolio.
International Volume
International Operations’ volume increased by 9% to 48 million unit cases in 1H2008. Although growth rates in Central Asia continued to be softer in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year, Middle East operations performed very strongly.
Following its success in Turkey, Coca-Cola Zero was also launched in Jordan and Syria in April 2008. In addition, Coca-Cola 500 ml PET Grip Bottle and Riwa water brand were launched in Kazakhstan and Syria respectively, in May.