Coca-Cola?s volume grows 5%

The Coca-Cola Company, a global leader in beverage industry, recorded a volume growth of 5% in Q3 2010.

?The Coca-Cola Company reports strong third quarter operating results, with volume increasing 5% in both the quarter and year-to-date, ahead of our long-term growth target and cycling 2% volume growth in the prior year quarter,?said an official statement.

North America volume grew 2% in the quarter.

International volume increased 6% in the quarter.

Eurasia and Africa volume grew 12% in the quarter, with broad-based growth across all business units and beverage categories, including 30% volume growth in Russia and double-digit growth in Turkey, Southern Eurasia and East and Central Africa.

India achieved its 17th consecutive quarter of volume growth despite record rainfall in the quarter and cycling very strong 37% growth in the prior year quarter. Pacific volume grew 11% in the quarter, cycling 6% growth in the prior year quarter. These results were supported by 12% growth in China, as well as growth of 11% in Japan, 19% in the Philippines and 13% in Korea.

Latin America volume grew 4% in the quarter, cycling 7% growth in the prior year quarter, with Brazil volume up 13%. Mexico posted even volume results despite adverse weather and cycling 9% growth in the prior year quarter.

Europe volume was slightly positive in the quarter, rounding to even, a sequential improvement supported by mid single-digit volume growth in France and the Nordic Region as well as volume growth in Great Britain, Germany and Northern Central Europe.

These positive results were partially offset by continuing macro-economic pressures in South and Eastern Europe and the Adriatic Region, claimed the company.

?Strong growth continued in countries with per capita consumption of Company brands less than 150 eight-ounce servings per year, with volume up 10% in the quarter and year-to-date in those countries,? said the company.

Total sparkling beverage volume increased 3% in the quarter with international sparkling volume increasing 4%.

Brand Coca-Cola grew 4% in the quarter and year-to-date, with growth across many markets in the quarter, including Russia (+34%), Brazil (+14%), the Philippines (+12%), Japan (+9%), South Africa (+5%), France (+3%) and Germany (+2%).

Total still beverage volume increased 11% in the quarter, led by continued growth in sports drinks, juices and juice drinks, teas and water brands. Still beverage volume increased 13% internationally.

Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company said, “We are now intensely focused on driving a fast and seamless integration effort in our North America operations.?

Third quarter and year-to-date 2010 reported net revenues increased 5%. Third quarter reported net revenue growth includes a negative 3% impact due to the deconsolidation of certain entities required by a change in accounting guidance.

Comparable currency neutral net revenues increased 8% for the quarter, reflecting a 7% increase in concentrate sales. Price/mix for the quarter was up 1%, with our positive revenue management strategies offsetting the expected impact of geographic mix. Year-to-date comparable currency neutral net revenues increased 5%, in line with our long-term growth target.

Reported operating income increased 9% in the quarter and 13% year-to-date. Third quarter 2010 comparable currency neutral operating income increased 14%. This was driven by strong top-line performance as well as a continued focus on cost management and the leveraging of productivity initiatives. Currency had minimal impact on operating income in the quarter. Year-to-date comparable currency neutral operating income increased 11%.

Year-to-date cash from operations increased 15%.

There were no share repurchases during the first three quarters of 2010 due to the CCE transaction, which was finalized after the close of the third quarter. However, we expect to repurchase approximately $2 billion in shares by the end of 2010.

Productivity initiatives are well on plan and we remain on track to achieve our target of $500 million in annualized savings by year-end 2011.