Brands
Messi’s wine-and-Sprite combo ripples through Coca-Cola stocks
ATLANTA: In an interview released on 7 January 2026 on Luzu TV, the Argentina football legend revealed he likes to mix wine with Sprite, explaining that the fizzy blend helps him unwind in the Miami sun. “I like wine, but if not, I have my usual: wine with Sprite. So it hits fast, haha,” Messi said, adding with characteristic humour that he enjoys solitude amid the chaos of family life.
The quip has had an unforeseen corporate impact. Since Messi’s comment went public, shares in Coca-Cola, the maker of Sprite, have climbed around 5 per cent, equivalent to roughly $12.9 billion in market value, according to Day Trading, a financial news platform. The surge is being linked to the positive attention and a wave of consumer curiosity, with fans reportedly heading to shops to replicate the unusual mix.
This is not the first time a football star’s off-hand remark has swayed Coca-Cola’s fortunes. At Euro 2020 in June 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo’s public dismissal of the brand’s product allegedly knocked about $4 billion off its market value.
Messi’s revelation has also stirred debate among food and drink enthusiasts. Pedro Cuccovillo Vitola, executive producer at Aiims Creator Hub, tried the blend, combining wine and Sprite over ice in a wine glass. He said the carbonation softened the alcohol’s edge, making it “surprisingly pleasant” and worth sampling.
Whether the drink becomes a trend or remains a quirky footnote, Messi’s influence on both culture and markets is once again undeniable.
Brands
Reliance Consumer Products partners with Fazer for premium chocolates in India
MoU signed during Finnish President’s visit to leverage RCPL’s distribution for Fazer brands.
MUMBAI: Reliance just added Finnish chocolate to its sweet spot because when the land of saunas meets the land of spices, the result is a premium bar that melts borders. Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finnish food company Fazer to manufacture, market and distribute Fazer’s premium branded chocolates across India. The agreement was formalised during Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s state visit to India on 7 March 2026.
The long-term strategic partnership combines Fazer’s heritage recipes, quality standards and global chocolate expertise with RCPL’s massive distribution network reaching nearly three million retail outlets nationwide. The collaboration aims to introduce Fazer’s well-known premium products to Indian consumers while strengthening business ties between the two nations.
Reliance Consumer Products Limited director T. Krishnakumar said, “By combining Fazer’s globally trusted brands and manufacturing excellence with RCPL’s local production capabilities, robust distribution network and deep consumer insights, we are well positioned to bring world-class products to Indian consumers and elevate the overall category experience.”
Fazer president and CEO Christoph Vitzthum added, “With RCPL handling commercialisation and distribution in India, we can establish a premium position in the chocolate market and create a foundation for a broader nationwide rollout.”
Since its launch in 2022, RCPL has steadily expanded in the confectionery segment by reviving legacy Indian brands such as Ravalgaon, Toffeeman, Pan Pasand and Lotus Chocolate Company. Fazer, a major player in the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and China with exports to over 40 countries, sees India’s fast-growing chocolate market as a key opportunity.
In a country where chocolate is no longer just a treat but a growing daily indulgence, this tie-up isn’t just about bars, it’s about blending Nordic precision with Indian scale to sweeten the next chapter of the confectionery story.
