The results demonstrate the importance of emerging Asia Pacific markets and diversification of new products and markets to better adapt to changing consumer habits.

Sales of popular drinks such as Diet Coke and Qoo have contributed to the company's best sales results for nine years.

Coca-Cola reported net revenue growth of 19 per cent to $7.73 billion for the quarter ending 29 June, driven by strong performances in emerging markets, price rises

The world's largest soft-drink maker reported net income of $1.85 billion, compared with $1.84 billion, a year earlier.

In emerging markets the company said sales grew by double-digits in China, Turkey, India, Brazil, South Africa, Eastern Europe and southern Eurasia.

However, in the US, the company experienced a slight fall in shipment volume, with revenues from carbonated drinks falling three per cent.

The company, which has grown since Deng Xiaoping opened the country to foreign investors in 1979, now owns stakes in 24 bottling joint-ventures.

This week Coca-Cola announced that it was investing $80m to set up a new research center and a new headquarters in China.

The center, which will be located in Zizu Industrial Park in Shanghai's suburbs, will mainly develop products for Asian markets and is expected to be completed in 2008.