Is Simply Beverages a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company?

No, Simply Beverages is not a separate subsidiary. It operates as a fully integrated brand division within The Coca-Cola Company. The Simply brand was developed internally by Coca-Cola in 2001, with all intellectual property rights, trademarks, and formulations owned directly by The Coca-Cola Company. Simply falls under the North America Operating Unit within the Juice, Dairy and Plant-Based Beverages portfolio.

Is Simply Beverages publicly traded?

No, Simply Beverages itself is not publicly traded. The brand is wholly owned by The Coca-Cola Company, which trades on the NYSE under ticker KO. Simply represents approximately 5-6% of Coca-Cola's global revenue based on 2025 figures.

When was Simply Beverages founded?

Simply Beverages was founded in 2001 when The Coca-Cola Company internally developed and launched the brand. The brand was not an acquisition but an organic development by Coca-Cola's internal product innovation team. Initial distribution was limited to the Northeastern United States, expanding nationally by 2003.

What makes Simply different from other juice brands?

Simply differentiates itself through not-from-concentrate juice production with flash pasteurization, its proprietary "Black Book" blending system for consistent flavor profiles, and its distinctive clear plastic carafe packaging. The brand sources premium fruit varieties (Valencia and Hamlin oranges for Simply Orange) and maintains strict quality standards with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Simply commands price points 30-40% higher than conventional juice brands.

How has the brand evolved since its founding?

Simply has evolved from a single orange juice product to a comprehensive premium beverage platform. Key expansions include Simply Lemonade and Limeade (2006), Simply Apple and Grapefruit (2007-2010), Simply Light reduced-sugar options (2018), plant-based alternatives Simply Almond and Simply Oat (2021), Simply Smoothies (2022), and Simply Pop prebiotic sodas (2025). The portfolio now encompasses over 30 varieties across multiple beverage categories.

Where can consumers find Simply Beverages products?

Simply products are available in the refrigerated beverage sections of grocery stores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, and club stores across North America. Major retailers include Walmart, Kroger, Target, Publix, Albertsons/Safeway, and Costco. International availability is limited to Canada, the UK, and select Western European markets. Products are also available through Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and retailer-specific delivery services.

Food & Beverage

Who Owns Simply Beverages?

Q: What is the controversy surrounding Simply Beverages products?

In 2023, a class-action lawsuit alleged that Simply Tropical juice contained PFAS ("forever chemicals") despite marketing claims of "all-natural" ingredients. The case was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Nelson Roman in June 2024 for lack of standing, as the plaintiff had not tested the actual product purchased and did not demonstrate that PFAS levels were harmful. Coca-Cola defended its testing protocols and noted that trace amounts of such substances are increasingly detectable in many foods due to improved testing sensitivity.

Simply Beverages is wholly owned by The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), which developed the brand internally in 2001 as a strategic entry into the premium not-from-concentrate juice market. Headquartered in Atlanta with processing facilities in Apopka, Florida, Simply has grown to become the #1 premium juice brand in North America with an estimated $2.7 billion in annual retail sales as of 2026. The brand operates as a distinct division within Coca-Cola\'s broader beverage portfolio, alongside stablemates Minute Maid and Innocent.

Parent Company

The Coca-Cola Company

Founded

2001

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

Atlanta, Georgia, USA (corporate) and Apopka, Florida, USA (operations)

Simply Beverages Timeline

1892

The Coca-Cola Company

Parent company established in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company Founded

2001

Simply Beverages

Founded by The Coca-Cola Company (internal development)

Founded

mid rangemass marketGlobalall-agessustainable packagingenvironmentally responsiblewater stewardshipOfficial Website

Who Owns Simply Beverages?

Parent Company: The Coca-Cola Company
Ownership Type: Brand division
Company Type: Publicly Traded
Stock Ticker: NYSE: KO

Brand	Parent Company	Ownership Type
Simply Beverages	The Coca-Cola Company	Brand division

History of Simply Beverages

Founded: 2001
Founders: The Coca-Cola Company (internal development)

Simply Beverages was launched in 2001 by The Coca-Cola Company as a strategic response to shifting consumer preferences toward premium, natural juice products. The brand's creation was directly influenced by market research showing growing consumer demand for not-from-concentrate orange juice with minimal processing and no artificial ingredients. Initially launched in the Northeastern United States, Simply Orange debuted with three varieties: "Original," "Original with Calcium," and "Grove Made," all packaged in the now-iconic clear plastic carafe designed to showcase the juice's natural appearance and premium positioning.

The brand's development represented a significant shift in Coca-Cola's juice portfolio strategy. While the company already owned the Minute Maid brand (acquired in 1960), Simply was positioned at a higher price point with a distinct value proposition centered on freshness, simplicity, and premium quality. This dual-brand approach allowed Coca-Cola to compete effectively across multiple price tiers in the increasingly segmented juice market, with Minute Maid addressing value-oriented consumers and Simply targeting premium shoppers willing to pay more for perceived higher quality.

By 2003, Simply Orange had achieved national distribution across the United States, followed by the addition of a fourth variety, "Country Stand with Calcium" in 2004. The brand's early success prompted Coca-Cola to begin expanding beyond orange juice, launching Simply Lemonade and Simply Limeade in 2006, establishing the naming convention and product architecture that would define the brand's expansion strategy. Simply Grapefruit joined the portfolio in August 2007, followed by Simply Orange with Mango and Simply Orange with Pineapple in mid-2008, demonstrating the brand's evolution from a single-product offering to a comprehensive premium juice platform.

The 2010s marked a period of significant portfolio expansion and diversification for the Simply brand. In 2012, the company introduced Simply Cranberry Cocktail and Simply Lemonade with Mango, beginning a phase of flavor extensions and category expansions that would accelerate throughout the decade. By 2015, Simply had become the top premium refrigerated juice brand in North America, surpassing $1 billion in annual retail sales and establishing itself as one of Coca-Cola's most successful non-carbonated beverage brands.

The latter half of the decade saw Simply expand beyond its juice and juice drink foundation. In 2017, the brand added Simply Peach and Simply Lemonade with Strawberry to its lineup, further diversifying its flavor portfolio. A significant structural change occurred in 2018 when the company reduced its standard bottle size from 59 ounces to 52 ounces while maintaining similar price points, a response to rising input costs and a common strategy in the consumer packaged goods industry known as "shrinkflation." That same year marked Simply's entry into the lower-calorie beverage segment with the introduction of Simply Light, featuring reduced calories and less sugar while maintaining the brand's commitment to natural ingredients.

The early 2020s brought further category expansion and innovation. In 2021, Simply ventured into plant-based beverages with the introduction of Simply Almond and Simply Oat, capitalizing on the growing consumer interest in dairy alternatives while leveraging the brand's established reputation for natural, high-quality ingredients. This was followed by the launch of Simply Smoothies in 2022, blending fruit juices with purées to create a thicker, more substantial beverage option that expanded the brand's presence in the breakfast and snacking occasions.

Most recently, in 2025, Simply entered an entirely new category with the introduction of Simply Pop, a line of shelf-stable, fruit-flavored prebiotic sodas designed to address growing consumer interest in functional beverages with digestive health benefits. This represented the brand's most significant departure from its refrigerated juice roots and demonstrated Coca-Cola's strategy of leveraging Simply's strong brand equity to enter adjacent categories with premium positioning and health-focused attributes. As of 2026, the Simply portfolio encompasses over 30 varieties across multiple beverage categories, all united by the brand's commitment to simple ingredients, natural formulations, and premium quality.

About The Coca-Cola Company

Who owns The Coca-Cola Company?
The Coca-Cola Company is a publicly traded corporation owned by its shareholders. Berkshire Hathaway is the largest single shareholder with approximately 9% of outstanding shares. Other major holders include Vanguard Group and BlackRock. The company has no controlling owner.

Is Coca-Cola publicly traded?
Yes, The Coca-Cola Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KO. It is a component of both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company has been publicly traded since 1919.

What is Coca-Cola's annual revenue?
For FY2025, Coca-Cola reported net revenues of $47.9 billion, up 2% from $47.1 billion in FY2024. Organic revenues grew 5%. Full-year EPS was $3.04, and comparable EPS was $3.00.

Who is Coca-Cola's CEO?
Henrique Braun became CEO on March 31, 2026. He succeeded James Quincey, who transitioned to Executive Chairman after nine years as CEO. Braun previously served as COO and has worked at Coca-Cola for three decades.

How many brands does Coca-Cola own?
Coca-Cola owns more than 500 beverage brands sold in over 200 countries. Approximately 30 brands generate annual retail sales of at least $1 billion each. Major brands include Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, Smartwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Costa Coffee, and Fairlife.

What is Coca-Cola's business model?
Coca-Cola produces beverage concentrates and sells them to approximately 225 independent bottling partners worldwide. These bottlers manufacture, package, and distribute finished beverages. This franchise model generates high margins on concentrate sales while bottling partners handle capital-intensive manufacturing and distribution.

What is Coca-Cola's 2026 outlook?
Coca-Cola projects organic revenue growth of 4% to 5% and comparable EPS growth of 7% to 8% for 2026. The company expects an approximate 1% currency tailwind and an approximate 4% headwind from acquisitions and divestitures, primarily from the pending CCBA sale.

How many people does Coca-Cola employ?
As of December 31, 2025, Coca-Cola employed approximately 65,900 people, of which approximately 8,900 were located in the United States. The decrease from 69,700 in 2024 was primarily due to divestiture activity.

Founded: 1892
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Company Type: Publicly Traded
Stock: NYSE: KO
Revenue: $47.9 billion (FY2025)
Employees: Approximately 65,900

Visit The Coca-Cola Company website

View full company profile for The Coca-Cola Company

Where Is Simply Beverages Made / Based?

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA (corporate) and Apopka, Florida, USA (operations)
Manufacturing / Operations: Apopka, Florida, USA, Ontario, California, USA, Winter Haven, Florida, USA, Plant City, Florida, USA, Paw Paw, Michigan, USA, Dinuba, California, USA, Selected international co-packing facilities

Simply Beverages Categories & Tags

Premium Juice Not From Concentrate Orange Juice Natural Beverages Refrigerated Beverages Plant Based Beverages

Simply Beverages Sustainability & Ethics

Simply Beverages' sustainability and ethical framework operates within The Coca-Cola Company's comprehensive environmental programs, focusing on water stewardship, sustainable packaging, and ethical beverage production. As Coca-Cola's premium not-from-concentrate juice brand with an estimated $2.7 billion in annual retail sales, Simply Beverages' sustainability initiatives encompass responsible ingredient sourcing, environmental impact reduction, and ethical business practices that align with Coca-Cola's broader sustainability goals and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Water Stewardship and Security: Simply Beverages operates within Coca-Cola's comprehensive water stewardship program, which focuses on improving water security in high-risk locations. Coca-Cola identified water-stressed areas using the World Resources Institute Aqueduct 4.0 tool and system-level assessments of each production facility. In 2024, 96% of Coca-Cola system facilities were evaluated for water security, with Simply Beverages' processing facilities in Florida and California participating in these assessments and implementing water conservation and replenishment programs.

Sustainable Packaging Innovation: Simply Beverages has implemented sustainable packaging initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality and freshness. The brand has focused on using recycled materials in packaging, reducing packaging weight, and exploring more sustainable packaging solutions. Simply Beverages' packaging innovations include using recycled content, designing for recyclability, and supporting Coca-Cola's broader goals for packaging sustainability in the beverage industry.

Responsible Ingredient Sourcing: Simply Beverages maintains high standards for ingredient sourcing, focusing on natural ingredients, no artificial flavors, and no added preservatives. The brand's not-from-concentrate juice production requires high-quality fruit sourcing, with sustainability programs that support agricultural best practices and environmental responsibility in fruit growing regions.

Manufacturing Environmental Efficiency: Simply Beverages' manufacturing facilities in Apopka, Florida, and other locations operate under Coca-Cola's environmental management systems, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and emissions reduction. The company has invested in energy-efficient processing equipment, renewable energy sourcing, and facility upgrades to minimize the environmental footprint of juice production.

Community Engagement and Agricultural Support: Simply Beverages engages with farming communities and supports agricultural education programs that promote sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. The brand's long history in Florida's citrus region includes partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions that support sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Ethical Business Practices: Simply Beverages maintains ethical standards in its beverage production and business operations, focusing on transparency, product quality, and responsible marketing. The brand's commitment to natural ingredients and no artificial additives reflects its ethical approach to product formulation and consumer health.

Awards & Recognition

Simply Beverages has received recognition for its market leadership in the premium juice category and product innovation.

#1 Premium Juice Brand in North America: Simply is recognized as the market leader in premium refrigerated juice, with approximately $2.7 billion in annual retail sales as of 2026 and 42% market share in the premium refrigerated juice segment.

Product Innovation: The 2025 launch of Simply Pop, Coca-Cola's first prebiotic soda made with real fruit juice and no added sugar, was recognized as a notable innovation in the functional beverage category.

Brand Trust: Simply has built consumer trust over more than two decades through its commitment to natural ingredients, no artificial flavors, and no added preservatives. The brand's clear packaging design has become iconic in the refrigerated juice aisle.

Simply Beverages Recalls & Controversies

Simply Beverages has faced legal challenges and controversies, primarily related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) allegations in its products and broader Coca-Cola product recalls. These controversies have affected the brand's reputation and led to increased scrutiny of beverage safety and environmental contaminants.

PFAS Lawsuit (2024): Simply Beverages faced a class action lawsuit alleging that the brand's Simply Orange juice contained dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals. The lawsuit, filed by Joseph Lurenz, claimed that PFAS was found in every bottle of Simply Orange juice tested. However, the case was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Nelson Roman in June 2024 for lack of standing, as the plaintiff had not tested the actual product he purchased and did not demonstrate that PFAS levels were harmful or that Simply Beverages intentionally introduced the chemicals.

PFAS Testing Controversy: The lawsuit highlighted concerns about PFAS contamination in beverages, with independent testing suggesting the presence of these chemicals in Simply Orange juice. Coca-Cola challenged the reliability of the independent testing, stating that federal regulations do not require companies to test for PFAS in beverages, creating uncertainty about the actual levels and potential health impacts.

Related Product Recalls: While not specifically affecting Simply Beverages, Coca-Cola issued voluntary recalls of three sodas in 2025 for potential metal contamination. These recalls, though not directly involving Simply Beverages products, reflected broader quality control challenges within Coca-Cola's beverage portfolio and increased scrutiny of beverage safety standards.

Consumer Confidence Impact: The PFAS allegations and related legal challenges affected consumer confidence in Simply Beverages, despite the lawsuit's dismissal. The controversy highlighted consumer concerns about environmental contaminants in food and beverage products and increased scrutiny of ingredient sourcing and testing protocols.

Regulatory Scrutiny: The PFAS controversy led to increased regulatory scrutiny of beverage safety standards and testing requirements. While federal regulations do not currently require PFAS testing in beverages, the lawsuit and related media coverage have prompted discussions about potential regulatory changes and industry standards.

Simply Beverages Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+Access to Coca-Cola's unparalleled distribution network reaching over 27 million retail points of sale globally, enabling broader market penetration than any independent juice brand could achieve
+Proprietary processing technology developed through Coca-Cola's R&D investments, including the "Black Book" blending system that ensures consistent flavor profiles despite seasonal fruit variations
+Financial backing for premium positioning through approximately $85 million in annual marketing expenditures (2025 figure), sustaining brand awareness and perceived value against competitors
+Manufacturing scale efficiencies resulting in approximately 12-15% lower production costs compared to smaller premium juice competitors, while maintaining higher quality standards
+Cross-category expansion opportunities leveraging Coca-Cola's expertise in adjacent beverage segments, evidenced by successful extensions into plant-based beverages, smoothies, and functional drinks

Considerations

-Heightened scrutiny regarding natural claims and ingredient transparency as a major brand, as demonstrated by the 2023 class-action lawsuit regarding PFAS content in Simply Tropical products
-Vulnerability to commodity price volatility, particularly in orange juice where Florida citrus greening disease has caused raw material costs to increase 65% since 2020
-Internal portfolio competition with Minute Maid, potentially limiting certain innovation pathways to avoid cannibalization of Coca-Cola's own brands
-Greater exposure to shifting consumer preferences away from traditional juice categories, which have declined at approximately 1.5% annually since 2020 due to sugar content concerns
-Pressure to maintain premium price positioning despite "shrinkflation" measures (reducing package size from 59oz to 52oz in 2018 while maintaining similar price points), which can erode consumer trust if perceived as deceptive

Frequently Asked Questions About Simply Beverages

Sources & Further Reading

Where to Buy

Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases

Simply Beverages on Amazon

Competitors to Simply Beverages

These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.

Brand	Parent Company	Country	Founded	Market Position	Primary Market	Gender Target
Simply OrangeSister Brand	Coca Cola Company	USA	2001	Us refrigerated-juice-leader	United states	All-consumers

Learn More About Competitors

Food Beverage

Simply Orange

Owned by The Coca-Cola Company

American premium not-from-concentrate orange juice brand owned by The Coca-Cola Company, launched in 2001. The best-selling refrigerated orange juice brand in the United States by dollar sales.

Food Beverage

Krispy Kreme

Owned by JAB Holding Company

American doughnut brand founded in 1937, publicly traded on NASDAQ (DNUT) with JAB Holding as largest shareholder at 43%. Operates over 2,100 shops globally with a hub-and-spoke distribution model.

doughnutsbakeryfood-beverage

Privately Owned

Krispy Kreme is privately owned, unlike Simply Beverages which is under a publicly traded parent company.

The Coca-Cola Company Stock Information

Jobs at The Coca-Cola Company

Latest News About Simply Beverages

People Also Searched

Discover popular brands and companies in the Food & Beverage category and related searches from other users.

Brandsoft-drink

7 Up

American lemon-lime flavored carbonated soft drink brand known for its crisp, clean taste and caffeine-free formula.

Brand in Food & Beverage

lemon-limecaffeine-free

Brandprobiotic

Activia

Probiotic yogurt brand owned by Danone SA, sold in more than 70 countries. Activia is positioned as a digestive health product and is one of Danone's highest-revenue dairy brands globally.

Brand in Food & Beverage

yogurtdigestive-health

Brandchocolate

Aero

British chocolate brand known for its distinctive aerated, bubbly texture, produced and distributed by Nestle and sold primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, and select international markets.

Brand in Food & Beverage

confectionerysnacks

Browse All Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage

Who Owns Simply Beverages?

Parent Company

The Coca-Cola Company

Founded

2001

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

Atlanta, Georgia, USA (corporate) and Apopka, Florida, USA (operations)