Beverage manufacturing companies around the globe witnessed the strong efforts of the world’s leading beverage corporations. Despite the difficulties of the economic situation, the 10 largest beverage companies in the world below still show their solid position in the food and beverage industry.
Kweichow Moutai
Some people may be surprised because the company ranked first on this list is not Coca-Cola or Pepsi but a wine manufacturing company from China. With the main product being Guizhou Maotai wine, the wine has a fiery taste, helping this company “ignite” the beverage market.
Moutai has a huge advantage when it is considered the national beverage of China. This is a strong wine, up to 53 degrees. Bottles of red and white wine are frequently present at Chinese parties and business events.
This wine is known as the favorite drink of late Chinese President Mao Zedong and was a “diplomatic drink” when used to receive US President Richard Nixon during his historic visit in 1972. By 2013, it was present again when President Xi Jinping met with Barack Obama in California, USA.
Cavender likens Guizhou Maotai to giant Coca-Cola as the wine is part of many important public events in China. “This brand is really in the national consciousness,” he said.
2. Coca-Cola
The giant in the beverage industry has always been the name we have long called Coca-Cola. Although Coca-Cola cannot always maintain its number one position, there is no doubt about the strength of this beverage company.
Coca-Cola’s iconic products are carbonated soft drinks Coca-Cola and Diet Coke. To increase competitiveness and market share in the beverage market, the company simultaneously produces and develops other drinks such as Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, Fresca, TaB, Powerade and VitaminWater. In addition, Coca-Cola also launched healthy beverage product lines such as Simply Orange, Minute Maid, Odwalla, Fuze, Honest Tea and Zico. All of these brands have been implemented by Coca-Cola with strong marketing campaigns and achieved great success in the global market.
3. Pepsico
Another giant creating balance in the non-alcoholic beverage market is Pepsico – Coca-Cola’s archrival. Established in 1965, PepsiCo is famous for its flagship cola, Pepsi, as well as brands like Mountain Dew and Gatorade. However, the company’s influence extends beyond beverages, with a broad snack portfolio including Frito-Lay and Quaker Oats. PepsiCo consistently innovates to meet changing consumer preferences, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
4. Suntory
Suntory was founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii in Osaka, Japan. Initially, the company started as a wine store, but it expanded its business to include the production and distribution of various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Suntory has a diverse portfolio of products that includes alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and food. The company is particularly renowned for its expertise in whiskey, beer, and other spirits. Suntory produces and markets a wide range of products, including Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies, Roku Gin, various beers, and non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water and soft drinks.
5. Anheuser-Busch InBev
Founded in 1366, Anheuser-Busch InBev (abbreviated as AB InBev) is headquartered in Leuven (Belgium) and has branches in many countries, with a team of 150,000 employees globally. Anheuser-Busch InBev, formed through a series of mergers and acquisitions, stands as the world’s largest brewer. Operating on a global scale, Anheuser-Busch InBev has expanded its reach into various beverage segments, emphasizing product quality and consumer experience.
Anheuser-Busch InBev currently owns more than 500 beer brands covering 150 countries. Among them, brands already present in Vietnam include Budweiser, Hoegaarden, Beck’s, Leffe, Corona, and Stella Artois.
6. Nestlé
Nestlé S.A. is a Swiss multinational food and beverage company, and it is one of the largest and most recognizable companies in the world. Nestlé has a vast and diverse product portfolio that includes a wide range of food and beverage products, nutrition and health science products, and other items. Nestlé has a significant presence in the beverage industry with products ranging from coffee to bottled water. Nescafé is one of the world’s leading coffee brands, and Nestlé Waters produces a variety of bottled water brands.
7. Redbull
Red Bull GmbH, commonly known as Red Bull, is an Austrian company that is best known for its energy drink, Red Bull. The company has become a global leader in the energy drink market and is associated with a distinctive marketing strategy and brand image. Red Bull was founded by Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian entrepreneur, and Chaleo Yoovidhya, a Thai businessman, in 1987. The company introduced the Red Bull Energy Drink to the Austrian market in 1987 and later expanded globally.
The flagship product of the company is the Red Bull Energy Drink. It is a non-alcoholic energy drink that contains ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and sugar. Red Bull is known for its unique flavor and its association with providing a boost of energy and increased alertness.
8. Starbucks
Renowned for its premium coffee products, Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain that has expanded its brand beyond coffee into teas, refreshers, and various specialty beverages. With a strong emphasis on the coffee experience and a widespread retail presence, Starbucks has become a symbol of quality and consistency in the coffee industry.
9. Diageo
A global leader in alcoholic beverages, Diageo owns a vast portfolio of renowned spirits, including brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Tanqueray, and Captain Morgan. The company’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has solidified its position as a key player in the spirits and liquor market worldwide.
10. Nongfu Spring
Nongfu Spring Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. The company was founded in 1996 by Zhong Shanshan and initially focused on the production and distribution of natural spring water. Over the years, Nongfu Spring has expanded its product portfolio to include various types of beverages, such as bottled water, functional drinks, and fruit juices.
Zhong Shanshan, the founder of Nongfu Spring, is a notable figure in the Chinese business world. He is known for his entrepreneurial success and has been listed as one of the wealthiest individuals in China. Apart from Nongfu Spring, Zhong Shanshan is also associated with other successful ventures.
11. Monster Beverage
Monster Beverage Corporation, headquartered in Corona, California, was originally founded in 1935 as Hansen’s Natural. The company underwent several changes before officially becoming Monster Beverage Corporation in 2012. Monster is a major player in the global energy drink market and has a diverse portfolio of energy drinks, juices, and other beverages.
Monster has been known for its aggressive marketing strategies and sponsorship of extreme sports and events. The brand often collaborates with athletes and sponsors various sporting competitions, music festivals, and gaming events to promote its products.
12. Heineken
Heineken N.V. is a renowned Dutch brewing company with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company has evolved into one of the world’s leading brewers, recognized for its iconic beer brands and global market presence. Heineken is synonymous with quality brewing, and its flagship product, Heineken Lager, is celebrated for its distinctive taste and international appeal.
Heineken Lager is the company’s flagship beer, characterized by its pale lager style and iconic green bottle adorned with a red star logo. It has become a symbol of premium beer quality worldwide. Heineken boasts an extensive global footprint, operating in over 190 countries. The company has strategically positioned breweries across the globe, allowing it to cater to a diverse range of markets and cultural preferences.
13. Fomento Económico Mexicano
Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., commonly known as FEMSA, is a Mexican multinational company with a significant presence in various industries, including beverage, retail, and convenience stores. FEMSA is one of the largest and most diversified corporations in Mexico. It operates several well-known brands and subsidiaries across different sectors. FEMSA generates revenue in the beverage industry primarily through its subsidiary, Coca-Cola FEMSA, which is a key player in the bottling and distribution of Coca-Cola products. In addition to traditional retail channels, Coca-Cola FEMSA leverages its relationship with FEMSA’s retail division, OXXO. OXXO stores serve as key distribution points, ensuring the widespread availability of Coca-Cola products. This integration between the beverage and retail divisions strengthens the company’s market position.
14. Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is an American beverage company that resulted from the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The merger was completed in July 2018, creating a major player in the beverage industry with a diverse portfolio of hot and cold beverages.
KDP has a comprehensive and diverse beverage portfolio that includes both hot and cold beverages. The company offers a wide range of products, including coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks, juices, and other flavored beverages.
15. Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is a French multinational company that specializes in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The company is one of the world’s leading spirits and wine groups, known for its diverse portfolio of premium brands. Pernod Ricard has its roots in two French companies, Pernod Fils and Ricard. The merger of these two companies in 1975 formed Pernod Ricard. The company has a long and rich history in the spirits and beverage industry.
Pernod Ricard is a global player with a presence in over 85 countries. The company’s products are distributed and enjoyed worldwide, making it one of the most prominent players in the international spirits market.
*This list based on Google search volume and the latest market cap and information follow Companymarrketcap.com. Only for reference.