Coca-Cola Bottler to Hit Long-Term Goals

At the Consumer Analysts Group of New York Conference in Boca Raton, Fla., Chief Executive John Brock affirmed the company's revenue growth target of 4 percent to 5 percent and operating income growth goal of 5 percent to 6 percent.

Brock also repeated the company's target of earnings-per-share growth in the high single digits.

The company first said it would likely meet those targets on Tuesday in its fourth-quarter earnings report.

Brock said noncarbonated beverages including the Glaceau, Fuze and Campbell brands are performing well and should help increase volume in 2008 and help the company reach its targets.

He added that the performance of the still beverages will help it offset higher costs that have hit its sparkling beverage brands, including Coke and Diet Coke. Like all beverage companies, Coca-Cola Enterprises is struggling with higher prices for resin and aluminum and higher sweetener costs due to the high price of grain.

He said the company has "work to do" to develop a stronger North American tea platform. He added there is a strong opportunity for sports drinks in Europe.

Coca-Cola Enterprises shares rose 17 cents to $23.95 in afternoon trading.