NEW YORK, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Coca-Cola Company on Tuesday reported a 5 percent year-over-year increase in third-quarter net revenue to 12.5 billion U.S. dollars, supported by moderate growth in global demand.
The company reported a 6 percent increase in price and mix, while concentrate sales remained unchanged.
Global unit case volume increased 1 percent, compared to a 0.75 percent forecast, marking a rebound from the previous quarter's 1 percent decline.
However, sales in North America and Latin America remained flat. Company executives have acknowledged that low-income consumers in the United States are cutting back on purchases, prompting Coca-Cola to introduce more affordable offerings to maintain brand reach.
"While the overall environment has continued to be challenging, we've stayed flexible -- adapting plans where needed and investing for growth," said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
Year-to-date cash flow from operations reached 3.7 billion dollars, while free cash flow totaled 2.4 billion dollars.
Coca-Cola reaffirmed its full-year forecast, expecting comparable earnings per share to rise 3 percent and organic revenues to grow between 5 percent and 6 percent. ■