As BD has reported on extensively, Keurig Dr Pepper has made a series of moves this year in its direct-store-delivery system that hinted of a broader strategy at play. In June, KDP bought back production and distribution rights for RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist, 7Up, Snapple and Big Red from Indiana-based Royal Crown Bottling of Evansville. At about the same time, KDP transferred ...

Until the COVID-19 pandemic, European-based private label and contract manufacturer Refresco had been on an acquisition tear since purchasing Cott’s North American soft drink operations in January of 2018. Deals last year stretched from Arizona to  ...  

In the Q&A below, Goist discusses in greater detail Refresco’s acquisition outlook. BD also asks about can shortages and the hard seltzer category. But first, some background and context.

For the second time in four years, PepsiCo and key bottling system executives met online instead of in person for an annual meeting to review the next year’s marketing and distribution plan. The following details of the meeting are based on information provided by multiple sources.

At an investor event hosted Thursday by Barclays, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said the company’s recently announced reorganization centered on...