The Coca-Cola Company’s global chairman and CEO, James Quincey, is set to lead a 220-member leadership team on a significant visit to India this week, highlighting the country’s growing importance for the beverage giant. India ranks as a top-five volume growth priority market for Coca-Cola, aiming to drive sales in mature markets like the US and Europe.
With a focus on engaging with government officials and bottling partners, including those operating a substantial portion of Coca-Cola’s bottling business in India, the teams are scheduled to convene in Goa. Alongside Quincey, the company’s president, John Murphy, and global chief marketing officer, Manuel Manolo Arroyo, will spearhead the discussions.
India’s emergence as a critical growth market is underscored by substantial investments in capacity-building, aimed at achieving balanced growth and profitability. However, concerns persist over the taxation of aerated drinks, with the category facing high GST rates despite low penetration levels.
Despite challenges, Coca-Cola’s India business has exhibited robust growth in recent years, prompting significant capital investments to bolster capacity. In a notable move, Coca-Cola’s local bottling partner, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), announced a substantial Rs 3,000 crore investment in Gujarat in December 2023 to expand manufacturing operations for juices and aerated drinks.