There’s a beverage debate that has stirred discussions for years, centering around a certain famous soft drink.
This topic, which often divides cola enthusiasts, is the taste differentiation between versions of the same drink produced in different countries.
The heart of the matter: does the Mexican version of this iconic soda taste better?
Many aficionados swear that it does, claiming it has a richer, smoother flavor.
The key to this taste difference, they assert, lies in the use of real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
These devoted fans are ready to pay a premium for this Mexican variant, and stores across the United States and elsewhere are capitalizing on this preference by stocking up these ‘exotic’ bottles.
Could this preference for the Mexican version be more than just a taste phenomenon?
Could it also signal an investment opportunity hidden within the world’s most recognized beverage brand?
Here’s the twist in the tale: the Mexican version of this iconic soda isn’t produced by the Coca-Cola Company that’s listed on the NYSE.
Instead, it’s made by a company called Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (KOF), a Mexican-based franchise bottler.
Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by volume.
The company operates in several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, among others.
Its product line includes the Coca-Cola brand, along with other familiar names such as Sprite, Fanta, and bottled water brands like Ciel and Dasani.
The significant appeal of the Mexican Coke variant could provide a boost to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s revenues, given its higher price point and rising demand, particularly in the U.S. market.
It also benefits from the larger portfolio of beverage products it sells throughout Latin America, a market with over 600 million consumers.
From an investment standpoint, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shares are listed on the NYSE, making them easily accessible to international investors.
The company also has a solid history of profitability and dividend payments, providing a potential source of income for investors.
If you’re a believer in the Mexican Coke phenomenon and are looking for unique ways to invest in the evergreen beverage industry, Coca-Cola FEMSA may just be the ‘real thing’ you’re looking for.