The Latest Happenings in the Beverage Industry

Evidence reaffirms concerns about the links between poor health and soda consumption. In a study cited by Foodnavigator USA, the decreased consumption of "sugar sweetened beverages" correlated with a drop in cholesterol and "inflammatory biomarkers." The link between these two trends has yet to be established. Beverage giant Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO  ) sponsored its own study and deeply criticized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, indicating that claims shouldn't be used in policy decision-making.

Carbonated-beverage companies face an ever-steeper hill while fighting headwinds from the healthy lifestyle movement. Governments seek to give soda the cigarette treatment by imposing an excise tax. Read more.