Consumer Biz Recap: Soda WARS, Food Processors MONITORED

The New York City Soda War escalates, as Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) executives trash Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his quite controversial plan to reduce sugary drink consumption by force. KO’s headline spokesperson Katie Bayne observed that over the previous 20 years, beverage intakes fell as the obesity rate rose, and wondered out loud if certain producers are being singled out. Analysts opine that Coke’s overall sales will stay steady, but its plan to boost its fountain sales may well take a hit.

Don’t Miss: Will This Risky Move Win Over Starbucks Customers?

Food processors Smithfield Foods (NYSE:SFD), Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN), Sanderson Farms (NASDAQ:SAFM) and Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. (NYSE:PPC) are being monitored, following an outbreak in six states of the strain of E coli that caused the death of one person and affected 14 more. An official origin has not yet been singled out, but processors in general are being watched until one is determined.

Don’t Miss: Are Americans Really More Wealthy?

Want news like this in real-time so you can get an edge? Click here for Wall St. Cheat Sheet Pro.