Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Nov 22, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Nov 22, 2002 |
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Marketing
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Strategy Coke to pump in $15 m to bolster operations in AP Our Bureau
HYDERABAD, Nov. 21 COCA-COLA India (CCI) on Thursday announced fresh investments of $15 million to beef up its operations in Andhra Pradesh during 2003. The company has already invested $100 million so far in the State, which is one of its biggest and fastest growing market. Stating this, Mr Sunil Gupta, Vice-President (Public Affairs and Communications) CCI, said the new investments would push up the company's production, distribution and sales network in the State. In addition, the funds would be used for technology upgradation. For the cola giant, which has so far invested $840 million in the country, Andhra Pradesh accounts for a 20 per cent share of its total volume of carbonated soft drinks (CSD) sales in the country. In the packaged drinking water Kinley's national sales, the State accounts for 20 per cent, he told newspersons. In view of the high volume of business and investments, the State is equivalent to a region for Coca-Cola, which has five operating divisions for the country. "We are excited and very positive on the Andhra Pradesh market, which provides the right atmosphere and opportunity for launching a variety of the company's products", Mr Gupta said. Though, the company is not contemplating new bottling plants, it is set to expand capacities and start new production lines in the existing seven units in Ameenpur, Moula Ali, Nellore, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Sattupally and Visakhapatnam, he said. CCI has garnered 80 per cent share of the total CSD market in Andhra Pradesh. The State also accounts for a market share of 26 per cent for Sunfill, a ready to mix drink, launched first here last year, he said. The company also recruited about 70 engineers and MBAs from the State. The company's operations in the State have become a role model not just for the CCI's other regions in the country, but also for its international business establishments. A five-member high-powered Chinese delegation is currently in Hyderabad to study the business practices and Government-industry relations and will visit the market and some of the facilities of the company.
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