Coca-Cola has recorded a three per cent growth in sales in 2009 and most of it has come from India and China, even as the company faced hard economic times all over the world.

The company announced results for the forth quarter on Tuesday in which it reported a 17 per cent rise in net profit from $6.82 billion to $5.81 billion in 2008.

As for the whole year, company's sales rose 3% and for the quarter the growth was higher at 5% mainly due to higher volumes in emerging economies, India and China. The company earned $1.5 billion which is equitant to 66 cents per share in the quarter.

The revenues fell from $31.94 reported in 2008 to $31 billion in the year however during the fourth quarter it rose almost 5% to $7.51 billion from $7.13 billion in the some period in 2008. The results are mostly in line with the street expectations.

The emerging countries played a significant role in the volumes as the company reported a 29 per cent rise in China and 20 per cent in India, while other developing markets, Brazil and Mexico accounted for eight percent growth in unit sales. France also recorded double digit growth for the firm and the sales declined 1% in Northern America.

Coca cola had launched an advertising campaign called 'Open Happiness' which saw higher volumes for nonalcoholic ready-to-drink and sparkling and still beverages.

The Chairman and the CEO of Coca Cola, Muhtar Kent said "We ended this year on a high note, delivering global volume and value share gains, comparable currency neutral revenue growth, improved productivity and increased cash flows."

The next year could be better for the company with international events like Vancouver Winter Olympics this month and World Cup in South Africa lined up.

The shares of the company rose 2.6% to close at $54.01 in trading in New York on Tuesday.