Coca-Cola reports 'strong' growth

Coca-Cola is expanding its bottling operations

Coca-Cola has reported a higher-than-expected profit in the third quarter as sales increased in both its domestic and international markets.

The soft drinks giant made a net profit of $2.07bn (£1.3bn), a rise of 8% on the same period a year earlier.

The company saw "strong" worldwide volume growth of 5% in the quarter.

In North America, volumes grew 2%, marking its second consecutive quarter of improvements in its home market after four years of declines.

Coca-Cola has been working for several years to improve its North American business, chief executive Muhtar Kent told investors on a conference call.

"In no way are we declaring victory," he said. "We're in the process of stabilising."