Beverage giant Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCA) has informed company shareholders that it is currently trading on solid grounds as it reaffirmed its previous sales guidance while projecting at the same time that the company is most likely headed to single-digit growth for the first half of 2010.

CCA managing director Terry Davis said that the company reached an improved market position in all its area of operations and achieved a stable financial position, adding though that it is quite premature for now to predict the supposed impact of the rates increases and global economic outlook on consumer confidence and spending in the last half of this year.

CCA said that it presently draws 80 percent of its earnings from the Australian market and this has been complemented by good showings on its Indonesian market interests and a sustained interest in the alcoholic beverage industry.

The company said that its Australian business is projected "to achieve positive volume growth for the first half, which is a pleasing result given the less-favourable consumer environment being experienced this year."

CCA's premium beverages have been experiencing subdued sales in restaurants and cafes but these were in turn eclipsed by much better product movements in quick-sales outlets and grocery stores in the form of take home products.

The company said that its two PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plants in New South Whales reduced considerable costs, in the form of handling, storage and transport saving, as its New Zealand and Fiji businesses are expected to deliver mild growths amidst the difficult economic situations in both countries.

CCA's Indonesian and Papua New Guinea businesses also saw 10 percent growth in the first quarter and the company is upbeat that new product development and brand marketing drives in Indonesia will usher a better 2010 for its regional interests.

The company said that the region is expecting "to deliver double-digit local currency earnings growth for the first half," noting that "volume and earnings for the Indonesian business are seasonally skewed to the second half due to the timing of the festive season."

On the other hand, CCA said that its joint venture with SABMiller, the Pacific Beverages, is increasing in volumes and market share which now accounted for close to 10 percent of the premium beer market in Australia, with its flagship brand, Peroni, becoming the most recognised beer in the country.

The company said that a Bluetongue brewery in NSW would be commissioned this month with targeted output by the end of June, and should provide CCA a platform for growth on its beer business through accelerated brewing of draught beer and introduction of high-profile overseas brands.

Also, the company's food and service division are looking to deliver considerable single digit earnings growth in the first half as group net debt is projected to reach $1.8 billion by end of June this year.

CCA reported of $449 million net profit for calendar 2009 as compared to the $385.6 million netted in 2008 and the company said that it will not need any refinancing requirements in the 12 months to come.

As of 1251 AEST on Friday, CCA shares are trading at $11.16, which is an improvement of 1.92 percent or 21 cents.