US: Coca-Cola has posted higher-than-expected sales and earnings thanks to strong performances in the Pacific region, Africa and Latin America. Global volume growth of 5% in Q3 accompanied a 5% revenue rise to £5.3bn, with Pacific volume up 11%, almost double the 6% reported in Q3 last year.

Performance was weakest in Europe, where volume was flat as growth in France, Nordic Region, Great Britain, Germany and Northern Central Europe was hampered by continuing macro-economic pressures.

Grocery giant Supervalu has reported a second-half loss and lowered its outlook for the rest of the year. It posted a net loss of £1.06bn ($1.47bn) for the 28 weeks ended 11 September and lowered its fiscal 2011 earnings forecast to $1.40-$1.60 per share from a previous forecast of $1.75-$1.95, saying marketing, merchandising and operational initiatives would take longer to yield benefits.

"Our sales performance continues to reflect a difficult operating environment," said CEO Craig Herkert.

NEW ZEALAND: French wine and spirits giant Pernod Ricard is selling several of its New Zealand wine brands such as Lindauer and Corbans to a consortium of buyers including alcoholic drinks company Lion Nathan New Zealand and independent contract winemaker Indevin.

The £41m deal, which is subject to overseas approval, will see Lion Nathan take on 12 brands and Indevin take ownership of the Gisborne Winery vineyards and the Twin River's vineyard in Hawke's Bay.

UKRAINE: Ukraine poultry company MHP has seen a rise in chicken meat sales in the nine months to 30 September. During the third quarter of 2010, sales volumes rose 6% to 81,000 tonnes compared with the third quarter of 2009.

The company said the increase was driven primarily by production at its Myronivka poultry farm, which became fully operational last year. Demand for chicken meat during the first nine months of 2010 remained high and the company was able to sell close to 100% of chicken produced, it added.