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Coca-Cola Considers Strategic Alternatives for Costa Amid Evolving Market Dynamics

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 27, 2025

Exploring Potential Sale Options

Coca-Cola, a stalwart in the soft drinks sector, is currently reviewing its strategic options for the British coffee chain Costa. In collaboration with investment bank Lazard, the beverage giant is weighing potential avenues, including a sale, to recalibrate its portfolio and strengthen its positioning in the competitive global coffee market.

Initiating Dialogue With Key Investors

Initial discussions with a select group of bidders—ranging from private equity entities to strategic investors—have been underway. While indicative offers are anticipated by early autumn, the final decision on any transaction remains tentative. This move reflects a broader trend within the packaged food space where companies seek enhanced scale to address inflationary pressures and evolving consumer preferences toward healthier alternatives.

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Strategic Reflections and Future Growth

During a recent earnings call, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey remarked on the evolving status of Costa as part of a broader strategic reassessment. His comments highlighted the need to reassess the operational investment in Costa and explore new growth avenues within the coffee segment, even as the brand continues to be managed efficiently.

Market Context and Industry Trends

This recalibration comes at a time when U.S. food companies are increasingly pivoting towards healthier product offerings—a response partially driven by policy initiatives such as the Make America Healthy Again campaign. Additionally, Coca-Cola’s commitment to using real cane sugar in its U.S. operations further underscores its dedication to product authenticity and market responsiveness.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.