The antitrust laws would make it hard for Coke and Pepsi to buy more carbonated soft drinks brands.

The biggest trend last year was the accelerated growth of the diet sodas.

The diet part of the industry is where the growth is, and these companies are now expanding their offerings of diet sodas.

They've created a very good brand. It's got good distribution, and they're continually coming up with new and interesting flavors.

With innovation and new product plans, it will be pretty intense next year.

Summer is the highest-volume period of the year for the beverage industry. But it's not just the new products that will get the attention. The promotions and advertising are also very important for both companies.

Innovation is absolutely essential to this industry.

On and off. Some if it has been good. Some has been somewhat less than good.

I think the bottom line is people will, over the holidays, heavily consume soft drinks, bottled water, teas and juices.