Coca-Cola agrees to distribute Campbell Soup Co.'s juices

<p>V8 and other hot-selling juices produced by the Campbell Soup Co. could soon show up in a lot more places, particularly convenience stores, where they've been hard to find in the past.</p><p>The Camden-based company announced Thursday that Coca-Cola North America will distribute its juices in the United States and Canada, starting in September.</p><p>The iconic companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal, which applies to single-serve bottles of V8, V8 V-Fusion, V8 Splash and Campbell's tomato juices.</p><p>Campbell has been pushing the juices harder in the last few years, hoping to benefit from increasingly health-conscious consumers. The strategy has worked: The company said in its most recent earnings report that its beverages line was the top-performing business for the company.</p><p>The new deal will mean more access for the products.</p><p>The Campbell juices could start showing up in all coolers where Coke products are sold _ not only convenience stores, but also delis, pizzerias, golf courses and vending machines.</p><p>Alexia Howard, an analyst for Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., said it's a good thing for Campbell to get its products into more channels for customers seeking healthier snacks.</p><p>But, she said, the beverage business is a small part of Campbell's overall interests and the single-serve drinks account for only about 15 percent of its beverage sales.</p><p>"I think it will be positive," Howard said, "but probably quite modest."</p><p>She also said that Campbell will make a smaller profit on each drink sold because of Coca-Cola's cut.</p><p>Denise Morrison, president of Campbell USA, said it would increase the profile and sales of the Campbell's drinks.</p><p>"This is a bold move for us," she said. "We see this as a very significant growth opportunity."</p><p>Campbell, which also make Pepperidge Farm baked goods, Prego pasta sauce, Godiva chocolates and other products, is the world's largest soupmaker. Atlanta-based Coca-Cola is the world's largest beverage company.</p><p>Campbell shares rose 12 cents to $38.93 in midday trading while shares of Coca-Cola Co. fell 39 cents to $51.61.</p>

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