Coca-Cola HBC, one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products globally, has raised its profit forecast following a strong performance in the first half of 2026, driven in part by increased sales during the FIFA World Cup. The company, which holds exclusive rights to bottle and distribute Coca-Cola products across 28 countries in Europe and Africa, reported a notable rise in revenue and operating profit amid a competitive consumer environment.

For the six months ending in June, Coca-Cola HBC posted a 9.6 percent increase in organic revenue, reaching €6.2 billion, while volume sales grew by 7.5 percent. Energy drink sales—comprising brands such as Powerade and Monster Energy—experienced a significant surge of 26.1 percent, supported by World Cup-related marketing initiatives, including special-edition Coca-Cola and Powerade packaging. Sparkling beverage volumes also rose by 6.4 percent during the period.

Operating profit rose 15.9 percent to €746.9 million. Zoran Bogdanovic, chief executive of Coca-Cola HBC, attributed part of the growth to the World Cup sponsorship, which he said tends to generate sustained consumer engagement beyond the event itself. He also noted that the company has observed relative resilience in consumer demand despite inflationary pressures and economic sensitivity impacting other sectors.

Amid rising inflation and costs linked to commodity prices and energy—exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as the conflict in Iran—Coca-Cola HBC has implemented risk mitigation strategies. The firm reported being 85 percent hedged on key raw materials, including sugar, aluminium, gas oil, corn, and plastics, to help manage price volatility.

Reflecting the stronger first-half results, Coca-Cola HBC raised its full-year guidance for organic operating profit growth to a range of 8 to 10 percent, up from the previous 7 to 10 percent forecast. The company also expects organic revenue growth to edge toward the upper end of its previous 6 to 7 percent guidance.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Coca-Cola HBC was formed in 2000 through the merger of the Hellenic Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Beverages, a London-listed firm. The company is majority-owned by The Coca-Cola Company, which holds a 21.5 percent stake, and the Leventis family, a Greek-Cypriot investment group with a 23.4 percent share.

Following the announcement, Coca-Cola HBC shares rose 4 percent, closing at £50.15 on the London Stock Exchange. Since its move from Athens to London in 2013, the stock price has more than doubled from its initial listing price of £17.50.