Better-than-expected quarterly results were reported by Coca-Cola Co. The company also announced a new cost-savings program that it will use to boost its brands and mitigate higher commodity costs.

Consumer Edge Research analyst Bill Pecoriello said results of Coke were “solid” given the weak global economy. “Key issues heading into 2012 include managing against continued tough global macroeconomic conditions, commodity inflation, foreign exchange headwinds and stepped-up competitive spending,” Pecoriello said.

“Great advertising and marketing can probably move the needle in a two- to three-year time frame,” said Beverage Digest publisher John Sicher. “The only thing that moves the needle quickly is pricing, and in a commodity environment we’re in now, using pricing to move the needle is very tricky.”