Coca-Cola’s local partners to carry out bottling operations

The bottling operations will be carried out by the company’s existing bottling vendors. With this initiative, independent bottling companies will be able to operate on their own in these territories. There are 11 bottling vendors hired by Coca-Cola in India, who operate 54 plants in the country.

The Bihar market will be owned and operated by SLMG Beverages, which is operating in Uttarakhand, some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. The markets in North-east and West Bengal will be operated by Moon Beverages. The Rajasthan market will be operated by Kandhari Global Beverages, which comprises Enrich Agro Food Products and Kandhari Beverages.

Juan Pablo Rodriguez, CEO, HCCB India, said to a business daily, “This business transfer marks a significant decision for Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages. It ensures the right level of investments can be undertaken in all parts of the business, while bringing both scale and contiguity to the business.” “We are in the long-term growth prospects of our beverages business in India and believe this move will help accelerate the Coca‑Cola system, enabling us to win in the market and provide greater value to local communities,” 
Rodriguez added.

HCCB runs 16 factories in India, with plans to set up new plants in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Sundeep Bajoria, vice-president, India Operations, Coca‑Cola India, told a business daily, “We are committed to building stronger and more sustainable local businesses in India As we set ourselves for further growth in the Indian market, these transfers will direct investments into innovation, infrastructure, technical capabilities, talent acquisition and business expansion.”