HBC Reports Healthy Sales Increase In First Six Months Of 2017

The CEO of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC), which operates in 28 countries, reported a 5.7 percent increase in the first six months (ended June 30) of fiscal 2017, despite low single-digit volume growth in Nigeria. Dimitris Lois said a mid-teens price increase in Nigeria, and another planned increase, will affect sales. The company is optimistic about sales in Russia, thanks to economic improvements that will “filter through to consumption.” In terms of product lines, Lois said there were “very strong plans” for the sparkling and juice categories, “including additional SKUs to address price points,” and for Fanta, including a new ad campaign.