The firm said its sales rose 2% in China during the third quarter, as it reported its earnings² for the period.

 

That is down from 7% growth in the country during the previous three months.

 

China is one of the world's fastest growing consumer markets and has been a key driver of the firm's growth.

 

"As we look ahead to the next six months, it is reasonable to expect that China's ongoing³ economic slowdown may have a short-term effect on our industry and on our business," Muhtar Kent, chief executive of Coca-Cola said.

 

However, he added that in the long run China will continue to remain a key growth market for the company.

 

 

Coca-Cola reported a net profit of $2.3bn for the period, a 4% increase from a year earlier. 

 

Despite the slowing growth in China, Asia has continued to be a key component⁴ of the firm's success.

 

Its sales jumped by 19% in Thailand, and 15% in India in the three months to end of September, compared to a year ago.

 

Coca-Cola has already unveiled plans to increase its investment in the region in a bid to further boost its market share. 

 

Earlier this year, it announced plans to invest $5bn in India, spread over a period of eight years.

 

It has also re-entered Burma after a gap of 60 years, following the US government's decisions to lift some sanctions against the country.

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