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Crisis-Ready Social Media: Developing a Strategy to Handle Challenging Situations

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social media crisis

Social media is a double-edged sword for businesses in today’s hyper-connected society. While it provides a tremendous platform for engaging customers and increasing brand exposure, it can rapidly turn into a battleground during a crisis. Creating a crisis-ready social media plan is critical for handling difficult situations and protecting your brand’s reputation.

Crises on social media can erupt seemingly out of nowhere. A single negative post, a miscommunication, or a public relations misstep can snowball into a full-blown crisis. These situations can damage your brand’s reputation, erode customer trust, and even lead to financial losses. Being unprepared is no longer an option.

Creating a Crisis-Ready Social Media Strategy
  • Identify Potential Crisis Scenarios: Start by identifying potential crises that could affect your business. These could range from product recalls to customer service issues or public relations challenges. Knowing what to look out for is the first step.
  • Designate a Crisis Response Team: Assemble a dedicated team that will handle crises. This team should include social media managers, public relations experts, legal advisors, and anyone with expertise relevant to your industry.
  • Establish Clear Communication Protocols: Define a clear chain of command and communication procedures for responding to crises. Everyone on the crisis team should know their roles and responsibilities.
  • Monitor Social Media Continuously: Use social listening tools to monitor social media for any mentions of your brand. This real-time monitoring helps you catch potential issues before they escalate.
  • Prepare Response Templates: Create templates for various types of crises, outlining potential responses. While every situation is unique, having a starting point can save valuable time during a crisis.
  • Stay Transparent and Honest: Transparency is key. If a crisis arises, communicate openly and honestly with your audience. Avoid the temptation to hide or downplay the issue.
  • Train Your Team: Regularly train your crisis response team on how to manage social media crises effectively. These training sessions should include simulated crisis scenarios to prepare for real-world situations.
  • Act Quickly: In the world of social media, a crisis can escalate within minutes. The speed of your response can make a significant difference. Address the issue promptly, even if it’s just an acknowledgment that you’re looking into it.
  • Utilize Social Media Platforms: Use the platforms themselves to your advantage. Many platforms have features for managing crises, such as pinning posts, hiding comments, and moderating discussions.
  • Learn from Each Crisis: After a crisis is resolved, conduct a thorough post-mortem to understand what happened and how to prevent a similar situation in the future.
The Power of Preparedness

In the digital age, a crisis can unfold in the public eye, potentially reaching millions of people within moments. A crisis-ready social media strategy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for any business. By following the steps outlined above and learning from past incidents, your brand can not only navigate challenging situations but also emerge stronger and more resilient. Being prepared is the key to maintaining trust and ensuring the long-term success of your business in the digital world.

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Bonding Beyond the Buy: Techniques for Building Lifelong Consumer Relationships

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The lightning-quick world of business requires cultivating long-term consumer relationships is analogous to fostering a friendship that goes beyond a transaction. In this post, we’ll look at the art of making connections that go beyond the buy-sell dynamic, as well as tactics for building lifelong client relationships.

In the traditional business model, the interaction between a business and its customers often ended with the purchase. However, the modern consumer seeks more than just a product or service. They seek a meaningful connection with the brands they choose to engage with.

The Power of Consumer Relationships

Building lifelong consumer relationships can have a profound impact on your business in great ways as loyal customers are more likely to make repeat purchases, even in the face of competitive offers. Satisfied customers can become enthusiastic brand advocates, spreading the word about your business to their friends and family.

In addition to that, long-term customers provide valuable feedback that can help you refine your products or services. A solid customer base provides stability in revenue, helping your business weather economic fluctuations.

Techniques for Building Lifelong Consumer Relationships
  • Personalization: Get to know your customers personally. Address them by their name, offer tailored recommendations, and remember their preferences.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: Provide top-notch customer service that goes above and beyond solving issues. Make customers feel valued and heard.
  • Loyalty Programs: Reward your customers for their loyalty. Offer exclusive discounts, early access to products, or special perks.
  • Regular Communication: Keep in touch with your customers through newsletters, email updates, or social media. Share valuable content and industry insights.
  • Request Feedback: Encourage customers to provide feedback on their experiences. Use this information to improve your products and services.
  • Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your customers’ special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries, with personalized greetings or discounts.
  • Surprise and Delight: Occasionally surprise your customers with unexpected gifts, discounts, or thank-you notes.
  • Community Building: Create a community around your brand. Online forums, social media groups, and user-generated content can help customers connect with your brand and with each other.
  • Solve Problems Proactively: Anticipate potential issues and resolve them before they become problems for your customers.
  • Share Values: Connect with your customers on a deeper level by sharing your brand’s values. Support causes that align with your mission and encourage customers to join in.
The Human Touch in a Digital World

In the digital age, businesses have the tools to connect with consumers on a more personal level than ever before. By applying these techniques and embracing the mindset of relationship-building, you can transform your customer base into a community of lifelong brand enthusiasts. The results are more than just financial; they are a testament to the lasting, emotional connections your business can create. So, go beyond the buy and start building lifelong consumer relationships that will benefit your brand for years to come.

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Savory Strategies: Generating Irresistible Leads for Your Food-Related Enterprise

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Standing out and grabbing the attention of consumers in a market crowded with products and services may be a challenging undertaking. Even when your offering is outstanding, it will be ineffective if your target clients do not grasp or appreciate its worth. This is where good consumer education comes in.

In the digital age, it’s no longer enough to rely solely on word-of-mouth or traditional advertising. To keep your tables full, your orders rolling in, or your cooking classes fully booked, you need a consistent influx of quality leads – individuals genuinely interested in your offerings.

Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition

Before we dive into lead generation strategies, let’s talk about the heart of your food-related enterprise – your unique value proposition. What sets your business apart? Whether it’s your chef’s expertise, a secret family recipe, a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, or a particular cuisine, your value proposition is the essence of what makes you unique. This is the foundation upon which you’ll build your lead generation strategies.

Delectable Lead Generation Strategies
  • Delightful Website and Social Media: A mouthwatering website and active social media profiles are your digital calling cards. Ensure they reflect your brand, showcase tempting images, and provide essential information.
  • Email Marketing: Offer a tasty incentive, such as a free recipe e-book or a discount, to entice visitors to subscribe to your email list. Use this channel to share recipes, special offers, and news about your business.
  • Online Cooking Classes: If you’re a culinary school or restaurant, offering online cooking classes can be a fantastic lead magnet. These classes not only engage your audience but also provide a direct pathway to your offerings.
  • Blogging and Content Creation: Share your culinary expertise through a blog. Cover topics like cooking tips, food trends, or the history of certain dishes. This not only showcases your knowledge but also attracts food enthusiasts.
  • Collaborate with Food Bloggers and Influencers: Partner with local food bloggers and influencers to review your dishes or cooking classes. Their followers may become interested in experiencing your offerings themselves.
  • Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like Yelp or TripAdvisor. Authentic reviews build trust and attract potential customers.
  • Online Ads: Use targeted online ads, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads, to reach people actively searching for food-related experiences. These platforms allow precise audience targeting.
  • Food Photography and Visual Marketing: Stunning food photography on your website and social media can entice visitors and make them eager to try your offerings.
  • Offer Cooking Kits: Consider selling DIY cooking kits with pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes. These kits can attract home cooks looking for a convenient, delicious meal.
  • Participate in Food Festivals and Events: Attend local food festivals and events to showcase your culinary creations, and use the opportunity to collect leads.
Savor the Flavor of Success

In the world of food-related enterprises, generating irresistible leads is like crafting the perfect recipe – it takes time, experimentation, and the right ingredients. By embracing these savory lead generation strategies and highlighting your unique value proposition, you’ll have a recipe for success that not only attracts leads but also keeps them coming back for more. So, start cooking up your lead generation plan and watch your food-related enterprise thrive!

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Customer-Centric Sales: Designing a Process that Aligns with Your Product’s Value

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The world of sales has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. Instead of the traditional approach focused solely on pushing products, a more customer-centric strategy is taking the lead. In this article, we’ll explore the art of crafting a customer-centric sales process that not only aligns with your product’s value but also builds stronger relationships with customers.

In the past, sales were often driven by aggressive tactics, highlighting the features and benefits of products without necessarily considering the customer’s unique needs. However, the modern consumer is well-informed and values a personalized experience. To succeed in today’s market, sales processes must adapt to this new landscape.

Understanding Customer-Centric Sales

Customer-centric sales is a philosophy that places the customer’s needs, preferences, and objectives at the center of the sales process. It involves actively listening to the customer, understanding their pain points, and tailoring the product or service to address those specific needs.

Aligning Your Sales Process with Product Value
  • Know Your Product Inside and Out: Before you can sell your product effectively, you must truly understand its features, benefits, and value proposition. This knowledge forms the foundation of your sales efforts.
  • Understand Your Customer: Take the time to get to know your customer’s business, challenges, and goals. This information will help you tailor your product’s value to their specific needs.
  • Active Listening: Instead of jumping right into a sales pitch, listen actively to your customer. Ask open-ended questions to uncover their pain points and aspirations.
  • Tailor Your Pitch: Customize your pitch to address the customer’s unique needs. Highlight how your product’s features can solve their problems and drive their goals.
  • Demonstrate Value: Clearly communicate the value your product brings. Use examples and real-world scenarios to illustrate how it can make a difference for the customer.
  • Provide Expert Advice: Position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just a salesperson. Offer expert advice and insights that help the customer make informed decisions.
  • Offer Solutions, Not Just Products: Don’t focus solely on selling a product; offer solutions to the customer’s challenges. This might involve customizing the product or suggesting additional services.
  • Build Relationships: Sales isn’t just about the transaction; it’s about building lasting relationships. Stay in touch, provide ongoing support, and be there for your customers even after the sale.
Benefits of a Customer-Centric Approach
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction: By addressing their specific needs, you’ll leave customers feeling heard and valued.
  • Higher Conversion Rates: Tailored solutions are more likely to resonate with customers, resulting in higher conversion rates.
  • Loyalty and Retention: Building strong relationships with customers leads to loyalty and repeat business.
  • Positive Word of Mouth: Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your product to others, leading to organic growth.
  • Competitive Advantage: A customer-centric approach can set you apart from competitors, who may still be using traditional sales methods.
A Customer-Centric Future

The future of sales lies in customer-centricity. As the modern consumer becomes increasingly discerning and values personalized experiences, it’s essential for businesses to design sales processes that align with the value their products or services provide. By doing so, not only will you create more satisfied customers, but you’ll also secure a competitive edge in an evolving market. So, take the leap into customer-centric sales, and watch your relationships with customers grow stronger while your sales numbers follow suit.

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Bridging the Gap: Effective Ways to Educate Consumers About Your Offering

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educate consumers

Standing out and grabbing the attention of consumers in a market crowded with products and services may be a challenging undertaking. Even if your offering is outstanding, it will be ineffective if your target customers do not grasp or appreciate its worth. This is where good consumer education comes in.

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the problem. The consumer education gap often arises when there is a mismatch between what a product or service offers and what the consumer knows or perceives about it. This gap can manifest in various ways:

  • Unawareness: Consumers don’t know your product or service exists.
  • Misconceptions: They have incorrect or incomplete information about your offering.
  • Lack of Understanding: Consumers don’t grasp how your product or service works or why it’s beneficial.
  • Competing Options: Consumers might be aware of your offering but prefer a competitor’s due to perceived advantages.
Effective Strategies to Bridge the Gap
  1. Content Marketing: Content is a powerful tool for educating consumers. Create blog posts, articles, videos, and infographics that explain your offering’s features, benefits, and use cases. This not only informs but also builds trust.
  1. Clear and Simple Messaging: Ensure your marketing materials and website are user-friendly, and your messaging is straightforward. Avoid jargon or overly technical language that can confuse consumers.
  1. Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Real-life experiences from existing customers can carry more weight than your promotional content. Showcase positive testimonials and reviews to highlight the value of your offering.
  1. Interactive Demos and Trials: Allow potential customers to experience your product or service firsthand through interactive demos or free trials. This hands-on experience can bridge the education gap quickly.
  1. Educational Webinars and Workshops: Hosting webinars or workshops to explain the benefits and features of your offering can be highly effective. These events provide an opportunity for real-time Q&A and engagement.
  1. Email Campaigns: Implement targeted email campaigns that provide information in digestible chunks. Send out regular newsletters with helpful tips and insights.
  1. Social Media Engagement: Actively engage with your audience on social media platforms. Respond to questions, share informative content, and participate in conversations related to your offering.
The Power of Education

Bridging the consumer education gap isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about building lasting relationships with your customers. By effectively conveying the value and benefits of your offering, you empower consumers to make informed decisions. When customers understand how your product or service can improve their lives, they’re more likely to become loyal advocates for your brand. So, take the time to educate and engage your audience, and you’ll find your offering resonating with a more receptive and appreciative audience.

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Zomato denies involvement in viral video depicting model as delivery driver in Indore, CEO Deepinder Goyal clarifies position

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Deepinder Goyal, the Founder and CEO of Zomato, has unequivocally refuted any connection to the viral video in which a female model depicted a Zomato delivery driver while traveling through the streets of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

A verified user of X platform posted a video showing the “female model” riding a high-end motorcycle, dressed in clothing commonly linked to Zomato’s delivery personnel and carrying an empty Zomato bag.

“Indore Zomato marketing head had this idea. He hired a model to drive around with an empty zomato bag for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. Zomato is on a roll,” he said.

Nevertheless, Goyal clarified that Zomato had no involvement in this event. On X, he stated, “We don’t endorse helmet-less biking. Also, we don’t have an ‘Indore Marketing Head.’ This seems to be someone just ‘free-riding’ on our brand.”

Furthermore, Goyal emphasised, “There’s nothing wrong with women delivering food — we (Zomato) have hundreds of women who deliver food every day to earn a livelihood for their families, and we are proud of their work ethic.”

Since 2021, Zomato has been actively focused on increasing the presence of female delivery executives in its delivery team. The company initiated four significant programs aimed at improving the safety and well-being of its female delivery partners. These initiatives include compulsory self-defense training, the provision of hygiene and safety kits, the default option for contactless deliveries during late evening hours, and more.

Zomato has encountered numerous social media controversies in the past. Last year, an advertisement starring Hrithik Roshan was withdrawn following allegations that it had offended religious sensibilities.

Earlier this year, the foodtech giant found itself embroiled in a World Environment Day controversy surrounding an ad. Released on June 5th, the advertisement starred actor Aditya Lakhia, renowned for his role as ‘Kachra’ in the film ‘Lagaan.’ The ad’s focal point was a clever wordplay on ‘Kachra’ (trash), drawing connections between the character’s name in the movie and the issue of plastic waste.

Read More: Zomato under fire for ‘Casteist’ ad on World Environment Day; Legal notice issued

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The Good Food Institute India unveils first comprehensive report on India’s $4.2 Billion smart protein sector

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GFI India

The Good Food Institute India (GFI India) — the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body in the alternative protein sector — has unveiled its first State of the Industry Report on smart protein in India. This pioneering report offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s emerging smart protein industry, highlighting a potential economic growth opportunity estimated at $4.2 billion by 2030 within the Indian landscape. It stands as a compilation of pivotal business advancements, cutting-edge technologies, regulatory developments, and noteworthy scientific achievements that have shaped India’s alternative protein sector over the past five years, with a keen focus on key developments from 2021 to April 2023.

The report highlights the critical demand for smart protein alternatives, aiming to tackle the intricate issues of food security, climate change mitigation, and public health. In parallel, it caters to the shifting dietary requirements of the populace while furthering India’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the report emphasizes the ever-changing realm of innovation and cooperation within the smart protein sector, encompassing the challenges related to cost competitiveness, infrastructure limitations, diverse consumer preferences, technological gaps, and regulatory complexities in India.

Speaking at the launch of the report, GFI India’s Acting manager director, Sneha Singh, said, “The road ahead is long, but we’re truly at an inflection point today, and this report is a testimony to that — 120 pages capturing the history and development of the smart protein sector from its inception through to April 2023, across business, innovation, investment, science, and policy. We hope for this report to be a sharp tool for those working to build the smart protein industry and anyone else looking to learn more about this sector, equipping them with reliable and appropriate information, to make strong, data-driven decisions.”

Divya Saravana, corporate engagement specialist at The Good Food Institute India added, “We are thrilled to launch our first-ever industry report on the smart protein in India. The report offers invaluable insights into consumer behavior, encompassing aspects such as labeling, nomenclature, branding, and repeat purchase intent, underscoring the imperative to enhance consumer awareness and relevance within the plant-based category. Furthermore, it shines a spotlight on the Indian government’s expanding commitment to fortifying the smart protein sector, including the pursuit of ambitious economic objectives and the cultivation of public-private partnerships.”

With a wealth of information and valuable insights, this report aims to become an essential resource for a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry professionals, investors, innovators, and informed consumers. Its purpose is to offer a comprehensive grasp of the current dynamics in India’s smart protein sector, shedding light on its transformative potential. By enabling informed decision-making and fostering meaningful conversations, this report is positioned to influence the dialogue concerning the future of protein in India.

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Popeyes set to sizzle North India’s taste buds with its first outlet in Mall of Faridabad

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Popeyes
Popeyes (Representative Image)

The Miami-based fast-food chain Popeyes is gearing up to inaugurate its first outlet in North India, situated in the newly established Mint-Fresh Mall of Faridabad.

Mall of Faridabad opened its doors, debuting on Monday in the NIT area of Faridabad. The forthcoming Popeyes store is positioned to open within the mall’s bustling food court.

On the storefront of the Popeyes outlet in the mall, a sign boldly declared, “Opening Soon.”

Owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc, the brand intends to expand its presence in the country by opening 250 Popeyes stores within the next four to five years, facilitated by its Indian franchise partner, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL).

Popeyes made its Indian debut in January 2022 with the opening of its first store in Bengaluru. As of September 2023, the brand has expanded to operate 19 outlets across India, with a significant presence of 12 stores in Bengaluru. This fried-chicken franchise competes head-to-head with KFC, a major player in the Indian fast-food scene, boasting a widespread network of outlets across the country.

Jubilant has thus far launched Popeyes stores in several cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Manurai, and Maipal.

According to its CEO Joshua Kobza, India plays a pivotal role in the long-term growth strategy of the U.S.-based fried chicken brand.

Established in 1972 by Al Copeland in New Orleans, Louisiana, Popeyes is a renowned fast food brand celebrated for its delectable fried chicken. Presently, there are over 3,700 Popeyes locations worldwide.

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VAHDAM India shines a spotlight on turmeric’s versatility during International Turmeric Day celebration

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VAHDAM India

VAHDAM India has taken India’s finest teas and spices to the global stage while commemorating the 2nd edition of International Turmeric Day. This event plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the multifaceted benefits of turmeric and its versatile applications. VAHDAM India, known for its steadfast commitment to wellness, dedicated an entire week from 8th October to 15th October to pay homage to the incredible virtues of turmeric.

In a unified endeavor to make this event truly extraordinary, VAHDAM India partnered with five renowned content creators hailing from various corners of the world. These creators expertly demonstrated the diverse applications of turmeric in beauty routines, lifestyle choices, culinary creations, and wellness rituals. Together, their collaborative efforts emphasized the enduring and worldwide allure of this age-old spice.

The VAHDAM India Flagship Experience Store presented a bespoke installation dedicated to highlighting the brand’s top-selling turmeric products. This visually captivating exhibit effectively conveyed the brand’s dedication to curating the highest quality turmeric-based offerings. As a part of this festive occasion, VAHDAM India provided an exclusive tea-tasting experience, featuring its signature turmeric blends, both hot and cold, infused with premium ingredients such as saffron and ashwagandha. This provided customers with an opportunity to savor the rich and aromatic flavors of these exceptional blends.

As an expression of appreciation for their loyal support, VAHDAM India generously offered complimentary turmeric treats to all participants in the festivities. In keeping with the essence of International Turmeric Day, VAHDAM India introduced “Turmeric Tales,” a meticulously crafted informative newspaper designed to enlighten consumers about the potency and versatility of turmeric. This invaluable resource aims to empower individuals with insights into the advantages and wide-ranging uses of this esteemed spice.

VAHDAM India’s steadfast commitment to crafting the finest Indian teas and wellness products continues to shine, and International Turmeric Day stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to spreading the benefits of turmeric to the world.

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Pernod Ricard teams up with Coca-Cola for Absolut & Sprite cocktail release

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Absolut & Sprite

Pernod Ricard has joined the ranks as the newest distillery to partner with The Coca-Cola Co., marking another step in the soft-drinks giant’s foray into the world of beverage alcohol.

The French wine and spirits company has formed a collaboration with The Coca-Cola Co. to create Absolut & Sprite, a pre-mixed cocktail featuring vodka. The launch of this product is planned for the upcoming year.

Initially, two product variants will be introduced, one utilizing regular Sprite and the other Sprite Zero. These products will make their debut in specific European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. The timeline for a worldwide release has not been disclosed at this time.

“We are expanding in the alcohol ready-to-drink space, including products that use select brands from our core portfolio,” The Coca-Cola Co. CEO James Quincey said. “We keep consumers at the centre of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company.”

The anticipated alcohol by volume (ABV) for Absolut & Sprite is set to establish a “global benchmark” at 5%, although it may vary based on specific market conditions.

Pernod Ricard is the second global distillery to partner with The Coca-Cola Co. in the development of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages.

Last year, Brown-Forman introduced a pre-mixed cocktail featuring Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola. This beverage made its debut in Mexico in November and expanded to other markets throughout the year.

In July this year, The Coca-Cola Co. made public its formation of a subsidiary named Red Tree Beverages, with the purpose of delving deeper into alcohol-related opportunities.

The company explained that the unit, referred to as a “firewalled subsidiary” of its primary operations, obtained a federal basic permit (mandatory for all alcohol distillers, importers, and wholesalers operating in the US) in the latter part of the preceding year.

“This allows it [the company] to engage further in its relationships with third-party alcohol companies that use The Coca-Cola Company’s brands in the alcohol space,” the group said in a statement at the time. “RTB will not be distributing alcohol in the US, and neither will The Coca-Cola Company.”

The Coca-Cola Co.’s other interests in alcohol include Topo Chico Hard Seltzer and Simply Spiked Lemonade – two products developed with Molson Coors Beverage Co. – and Fresca Mixed RTDs, on which it worked with Constellation Brands.

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