Coca-Cola to Distribute Vitamin-Fortified Milk 30369

Coca-Cola to Distribute Vitamin-Fortified Milk

ATLANTA-- Coca-Cola Enterprises has signed a 10-year distribution deal with North Palm Beach, Fla.-based Bravo Foods International to distribute the companys Slammers line of vitamin-fortified milk beverages, starting in fourth quarter 2005. Under terms of the agreement, Bravo will grant Coke 30 million warrants exercisable at 36 cents per share; if exercised within three years, the shares will provide Coke with a minority interest in Bravo, enabling it to buy 10 percent of Bravo for about $10.8 million.

The first products distributed under the new deal will include eight of Bravos products, including Pro Slammers, a sports protein drink with 10 vitamins and Slim slammers, a low-calorie, low-fat milk fortified with extra calcium and essential vitamins.

Slammers reinvent traditional milk drinks, providing great tasting, quality milk drinks that can be distributed with limited or no refrigeration, said Roy Warren, chief executive officer (CEO) of Bravo. This advancement allows the Slammers brand to become a serious competitor in the multi-billion dollar 'better-for-you' drink business, which is now the fastest growing segment of the beverage industry.