How COVID left Coke rockinâ the suburbs The new head of the conglomerate behind Coca Cola in Australia says itâs noticed a very distinctive, COVID-driven pattern in its sales. Business by ELI GREENBLAT Premium Content Subscriber only The ripples from COVID-19 lapping against consumer behaviour in communities and workplaces in Australia has produced a strange phenomenon for beverage giant Coca-Cola, in that for every 5km you move from the nation's CBDs its sales of drinks improves. Get more than 30km from the centre of town and it's booming. With many still working from home, the old office water cooler has been deserted to cause a prolonged slump in water sales.