10 Feb 2010

Coca Cola sales up

6:23 am on 10 February 2010

Sales and profits at Coca Cola rose last year following a strong performance in developing markets.

The world's largest soft drinks company reported profits of $US6.82 billion for 2009 - a rise of 17% on the previous year.

Fourth-quarter profits were up 55%, and global sales up 5%.

The BBC reports sales grew sharply in developing markets including China, India and Brazil, in contrast to a slight fall in sales in North America.

Global sales of the Coca Cola drink rose 4% in the fourth quarter.