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Tag: Coca-Cola

  • Ladhani group’s SLMG Beverages pops open Rs 11,000 crore fizzy investment plan for Coca-Cola

    Ladhani group’s SLMG Beverages pops open Rs 11,000 crore fizzy investment plan for Coca-Cola

    MUMBAI: SLMG Beverages – Coca-Cola’s largest Indian bottler  – is brewing up a storm with ambitious expansion plans that would make even the most hardened business tycoons gasp for breath.

    Ladhani Group, the fizz-fuelled empire behind SLMG Beverages, announced yesterday a whopping Rs 11,000 crore investment strategy over the next five years, with the lion’s share – Rs 8,000 crore – earmarked for expanding its bottling dominance across Uttar Pradesh and newly-conquered Bihar.

    “We’re looking at doubling our revenue to Rs 20,000 crore,” said  joint managing director Paritosh Ladhani,  whose ambition seems as effervescent as the products his company bottles at a mind-boggling rate of 40 million per day.

    Already among Coca-Cola’s top 15 global bottlers, SLMG has set its sights on cracking the elite top 10 by 2030. The company recently stormed into Bihar after snatching up territorial rights from Coca-Cola’s own bottling arm HCCBL, a move described by industry insiders as “gaining prime real estate in India’s beverage battleground.”

    The Lucknow-based firm is currently constructing a Rs 1,200 crore plant in Bihar’s Buxar district, with another Rs 1,500 crore facility in the pipeline. Meanwhile, its existing plants near Lucknow, Amethi, Bareilly and Ayodhya will receive substantial upgrades.

    Not content with dominating just one sector, the group plans to splash Rs 3,000 crore into its hospitality business, doubling its hotel room portfolio faster than you can say “ice and a slice.”

    “Our per capita consumption is still quite low and we are aspiring to catch up,” noted Vivek Ladhani, executive director, in a masterclass of understatement – considering Indians currently drink roughly one-eighth the cola Americans consume annually.

    The company’s aggressive expansion comes just as year ago-appointed CEO Costin Mandrea settles into his role. The European veteran brings 25 years of beverage industry expertise and a bold mission: “We are building the first Indian world-class bottler, a bottler that is made in India and able to sit at the same table with bottlers from Latin America, Europe and Asia.”

    With its newly expanded territory now covering a staggering 360 million potential consumers across UP, Uttarakhand and Bihar, SLMG appears poised to ride India’s fizzy drinks boom, which is expected to bubble up at a refreshing 7.29 percent annually through 2028.

    When asked about a potential IPO, Ladhani remained coy: “Definitely, we have a plan.” But for now, the company seems content to shake up the market through explosive growth rather than share offerings, backed by what executives described as “sufficient internal accruals” to fund their effervescent ambitions.

  • Mother Dairy creams off victory in cola campaign clash

    Mother Dairy creams off victory in cola campaign clash

    MUMBAI: As Pepsi and Coca-Cola reignite their decades-long fizzy feud ahead of the the IPL 2025 and the coming blazing summer, dairy giant Mother Dairy has quietly churned up a storm by pouring itself into the beverage battle with an utterly brilliant repartee campaign.

    The latest skirmish began when Coca-Cola launched its nostalgic “Half Time, Coke Time” campaign, encouraging cricket fans to reach for the red can during match intervals. Pepsi quickly fizzed back, rebranding the Times of India as the Any Times of India with its “Anytime is Pepsi Time” response – a strategic play reminiscent of their legendary 1996 “Nothing Official About It” campaign that outflanked Coca-Cola’s official World Cup sponsorship.

    Pepsi’s effervescent retort listed life’s precious moments – “first time, thirst time, play time, crunch time, winner time, we time, me time” – suggesting their blue brand transcends scheduled refreshment, sparking a social media frenzy with fans bubbling over about the clever wordplay.

    Just as the carbonated competitors were locked in their temporal tussle over “half time” versus “anytime,” Mother Dairy skimmed past the conflict with a masterful third-way strategy, unveiling its “Not Just a Drink, but a Lifetime Companion” advertisement. The dairy disruptor effectively curdled both rivals’ messaging by positioning milk as the true timeless beverage.

    “Coke claimed half time, Pepsi countered with anytime, but Mother Dairy has completely changed the game with lifetime,” notes a marketing analyst. “It’s like watching two soda brands argue over when you should drink them, while Mother Dairy calmly points out what you should be drinking all along.”

    Industry experts suggest this calcium-rich counterpunch represents perfect timing from Mother Dairy, which has milked the opportunity to remind health-conscious consumers there’s a nutritionally superior alternative.
    “This isn’t just about stealing attention; it’s about changing the conversation entirely,” explains a  consumer behavior specialist. “While the cola giants debate between ‘half time’ and ‘anytime,’ Mother Dairy has moved the goalposts to ‘lifetime’—effectively highlighting that their product doesn’t just refresh momentarily but nourishes permanently.”

    In this high-stakes game of marketing chess, Mother Dairy appears to have made a strategic moo-ve that has left the cola kings decidedly cheesed off and scrambling to respond to this unexpected dairy disruption in India’s competitive beverage market.

  • Carson Dalton bids adieu to Coca-Cola, pops the cap on GSK role

    Carson Dalton bids adieu to Coca-Cola, pops the cap on GSK role

    MUMBAI: Carson Dalton is on the move again. After nearly five years of stirring up success at Coca-Cola, he’s now uncapping a fresh opportunity at GSK as executive vice president – communications & government affairs. From fizzy drinks to pharmaceuticals, Dalton’s career shift is as refreshing as an ice-cold cola on a scorching summer day. But what made him trade in the red can for the white lab coat? Let’s dive in.

    At the end of February, Dalton waved goodbye to The Coca-Cola Company, leaving behind an iconic American brand with a truly global footprint. “Coca-Cola is an iconic American company with a set of truly global brands, it is also a profoundly local business as all beverages are made in a country. This means the company has a significant socio-economic multiplier effect in the local communities where it is served,” he reflected.

    Dalton, who was at the heart of Coca-Cola’s communications across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, had his hands full juggling multiple stakeholders. “The efforts of my multi-faceted and agile team involve enabling and protecting the interconnected value chain of our brands and bottling partners. We engage with bottling teams, collaborate with local and global functions, consumers, partners, customers, and various external stakeholders.”

    For Dalton, the magic of Coca-Cola wasn’t just in its fizzy formulas but in the bigger picture—how consumer goods mirror economic trajectories. “Since joining the company, I’ve been most excited to focus my efforts at the intersection of business, economics and governance as the growth of consumer goods mirrors the overall economic trajectory of a country,” he said.

    He leaves behind a legacy of strategic storytelling, navigating regulatory landscapes, and, of course, ensuring that every sip of Coke came with a side of strong brand positioning. But he’s not one to stay still for long. He’s already got his next big gig lined up.

    “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as executive vice president – communications & government affairs at GSK!” he announced, barely letting the Coca-Cola bubbles settle.

    Corporate careers, he muses, are a game of ladders—each step bringing new challenges, new drinks (Thums Up, in his case), and a higher vantage point to survey the landscape. “Growth is the blood of a career. It is akin to a step ladder – you climb a step every few years, do a high five, have a celebratory drink (of Thums Up), elevate your network, look at the world around you from the newfound height and then look up the steps above yet to be climbed.”

    And climb he has. The move to GSK puts Dalton at the helm of communications and government affairs for a global pharmaceutical giant. It’s a shift from sugary indulgence to healthcare essentials, but if anyone can navigate the high-pressure world of corporate storytelling, it’s him.

  • Coca-Cola brings American sports drink to India’s scorching summer market

    Coca-Cola brings American sports drink to India’s scorching summer market

    MUMBAI:  Coca-Cola India is set to introduce American sports drink BodyArmorLyte to the subcontinent this summer, as the beverage giant scrambles to capitalise on what executives have joyfully described as “early arrivals” of heatwave conditions.

    Coca-Cola India & southwest Asia  vice-president Sundeep Bajoria announced the expansion with palpable enthusiasm for the premature scorching temperatures that have already begun tormenting the nation’s 1.4 billion residents.

    BodyArmorLyte, a coconut water-based hydration drink popular in the US, will join other newcomers including Honest Tea – an organic offering sourced from Assam – and Vitaminwater, which has thus far been confined to testing in airport terminals where dehydrated travellers are presumably less price-sensitive.

    The company expects its established brands ThumsUp and Sprite to each reach the $2 billion sales mark in India, though  Bajoria tactfully avoided committing to any timeline for this achievement, to Economic Times.
    When questioned about competition from Reliance Industries’ resurrected Campa Cola brand, Bajoria echoed his global president’s diplomatic stance: “We welcome competition,” he said, presumably while clutching a stress ball under the table.

    Coca-Cola appears undeterred by inflation concerns, with Bajoria explaining they would capture “a significant part of that inflation through price package mix and architecture” – corporate speak for “we’ll make the bottles slightly smaller rather than raising prices directly.”

    The company is counting on recent tax relief for the middle class to drive consumption.

  • Artists and Coca-Cola India use comics to inspire change at Maha Kumbh 2025

    Artists and Coca-Cola India use comics to inspire change at Maha Kumbh 2025

    MUMBAI : At Maha Kumbh 2025, comics and visual art are driving a powerful environmental message, turning the event into a catalyst for change. Led by Gaysi Family in partnership with Coca-Cola India and its foundation Anandana, the Maidaan Saaf campaign brings together renowned artists, including Aravani Art Project and Priyankar Gupta, to craft compelling visual narratives. Through striking illustrations, the initiative promotes waste segregation, recycling, and recognition of sanitation workers, making sustainability both engaging and impactful.

    These illustrated panels, integrated into women’s changing rooms made from recycled plastic waste, span a 12-km stretch of the river ghats. They depict relatable characters and everyday scenarios, demonstrating the impact of responsible waste management. The initiative not only educates visitors but also highlights the dignity of sanitation workers, emphasizing how proper waste segregation supports their essential work.

    “Using art to communicate complex ideas in a simple, accessible way is key to inspiring behavioral change,” said Gaysi Family creative director Priya Dali. Illustrator Gupta added that comics, like traditional Patachitras, are powerful tools for mass communication.

    With millions attending the Maha Kumbh, Coca-Cola India’s ESG Value Creation senior director Saloni Goel, sees this as a unique opportunity to instill lasting environmental responsibility. “By blending art, culture, and sustainability, this campaign fosters meaningful shifts in public attitudes,” she stated.

    Through creative storytelling, the Maha Kumbh is not just witnessing history it’s shaping a more sustainable future.

  • Sabu Jose appointed creative director at Identical Brains

    Sabu Jose appointed creative director at Identical Brains

    Mumbai: Post facility Identical Brains has announced the appointment of Sabu Jose as creative director, a strategic move aimed at strengthening the company’s post-production services for feature films, OTT, and advertising content. He will also play a key role in advancing its renowned visual effects division.

    With over two decades of experience in the film and advertising sectors, Jose has an extensive portfolio featuring collaborations with leading brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Tata Motors, Airtel, Lakmé, and Garnier. His career includes leadership roles at prestigious studios, including Famous Studios, Prime Focus Ltd, Studio Mirage, and VC Studiioz.

    In his new role, Jose will oversee creative direction, digital content creation, and post-production consulting. Identical Brains is set to expand its DI colour grading services using advanced technologies like Baselight and Resolve, alongside bolstering audio post-production capabilities with Dolby Atmos and 5.1 mixing for immersive sound experiences.

    Previously, Jose served as COO and creative head at VC Studiioz, where he led post-production and brand services. He also founded ClearFX in 2024, offering visual design and filmmaking consultancy. His journey began as a 3D animator at Crest Communication, later progressing to roles as a senior editor and VFX artist at Famous Studios and Prime Focus.

  • Recykal highlights its contribution to a cleaner planet through OOH campaign

    Recykal highlights its contribution to a cleaner planet through OOH campaign

    MUMBAI: Here’s another example of OOH being put to use effectively – on social media. 

    It began by Blinkit highlighting the volume of Coca-Cola cans ordered in 2024 (18,517,980 Coca-Cola cans) on a signboard. Coca-Cola added to it with its signage with the message: “Toh isi baat par ek ek aur ho jaaye?” 

    In came Hyderabad-based Recykal, a cleantech startup offering sustainable waste management solutions across plastic, e-waste, metal, and paper. It added its bit to  the banter by putting up its billboard which said: “18,517,980 and many more bottles have been collected and recycled.”

    Recykal issued a press release talking about its clever use of the campaign, saying that it bridges the the gap between consumption and waste recovery. It said: “Recykal completes the narrative. Consumers can enjoy their drinks with the assurance that someone is ensuring those bottles are managed responsibly. The company guarantees that each bottle follows an appropriate end-of-life journey, transforming waste into opportunity.”

    Recykal co-founder Abhishek Deshpande added: “This achievement is not just about numbers – it represents impact at scale. Every bottle collected and recycled through our platform is a step closer to a cleaner planet. At Recykal, we’re committed to turning India’s consumption challenges into sustainability success stories through technology and collaboration.”

    Recykal’s solutions enable traceable, high-quality recovery of PET bottles and other materials, helping brands meet their extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance and sustainability goals. This initiative prevents millions of bottles from reaching landfills and polluting the environment, contributing to a cleaner India.

    Recykal director of marketing  Chetan Baregar stated, “Every bottle collected is a step towards cleaner cities and a greener planet. As consumption scales, our technology ensures waste recovery and recycling also scale, creating measurable impact. Hyderabad’s role as a hub for cleantech innovation strengthens our resolve to drive India’s circular economy forward.”

  • Jubiliant Bhartia group develops thirst for Coke’s biggest Indian bottler

    Jubiliant Bhartia group develops thirst for Coke’s biggest Indian bottler

    MUMBAI: It’s bottling  a major partnership with  the famous Bhartia brothers  – Shyam and Hari.  Atlanta-based The Coca -Cola Co today announced that it has reached an agreement with the multibillion dollar, well- diversified Jubilant Bhartia group to acquire a 40 per cent stake in Hindustan Coca -Cola Holdings (HCCH). 

    HCCH is  the parent company of the largest Coca -Cola bottler in India, Hindustan Coca -Cola Beverages (HCCB) which primarily has a presence in the south and west of India. 

    “The Jubilant Bhartia group will bring invaluable experience and insights to our business as we continue to grow our presence in India,” said The Coca- Cola Co president of international development Henrique Braun. “Jubilant Bhartia Group brings a track record of building and growing consumer and other businesses in India with international partners. They are also committed to investing in the communities they serve.”

    The Coca -Cola Co’s locally-owned franchise partners in India are positioned to drive successful outcomes. The investment by the Jubilant Bhartia Group family will contribute to the company’s ongoing success and help strengthen its position in the Indian market, added The Coca-Cola Co in a press statement.

    Jubilant Bhartia group founder & chairman Shyam S. Bhartia and founder & co-chairman Hari S. Bhartia said the investment is an ideal addition to their business. They have a fortune estimated at about $.4.5 billion according to Forbes. The group has a presence in fast food, pharma, energy and auto distribution. Group company Jubiliant Foodworks operates the Dominos Pizza, Dunkin Donuts and Popeye’s franchises in India.

    “The Coca- Cola Co is home to some of the most respected global brands and we are delighted to be associated with them,” Bhartia said. “Together, we will leverage opportunities to grow the business to greater heights and ensure more Indian consumers can enjoy The Coca Cola Co’s refreshing portfolio of iconic local and international brands.”

    Because the brothers have non-disclosure agreements with the  beverage giant, the Bhartias were loath to reveal any details of the scale of investment the deal entailed, but market guesstimates are that it  is at around Rs 12,500 crore, with HCCB being valued at Rs 31,250 crore.

    The Coca -Cola India  president  & southwest Asia operating unit head Sanket Ray said.  “We welcome the Jubilant Bhartia group to the Coca -Cola system in India. With its diverse experience in various sectors, Jubilant brings decades of rich experience that will help accelerate the Coca -Cola system, enabling us to win in the market and provide greater value to local communities and consumers.”

    The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Rothschild & Co acted as exclusive financial adviser to The Coca -Cola Co while Morgan Stanley was the advisor for the Jubiliant Bhartia group

  • Coke & Ogilvy make you ‘Happy to Queue’ with their latest experiential campaign

    Coke & Ogilvy make you ‘Happy to Queue’ with their latest experiential campaign

    Mumbai: This Ganesh Chaturthi, Coca-Cola and WPP Open X led by Ogilvy have brought a fresh twist to the concept of waiting in line with their latest experiential campaign – Happy to Queue. Festivals across the country see bustling crowds, with people often enduring long queues to partake in celebrations. This year, Coca-Cola decided to transform this usually mundane experience into one of delight and refreshment with a metaphorical installation in the form of a Coke bottle. It not only brought the fizzy magic of Coca-Cola to life but also turned waiting into a refreshing experience.

    Coca-Cola has long been a part of consumers’ most cherished celebrations, to create moments of joy, upliftment and magic, Happy to Queue installation being another testament of the same. The Happy to Queue experience at Andheri Cha Raja during Ganesh Utsav took the shape of a refreshing Coke bottle, where festivalgoers were greeted with mist fans, aromatic Coca-Cola bubbles, and, of course, a chilled bottle of Coke. This creative space helped people beat the heat and stay refreshed enhancing their festive spirit.

    From an aerial view, the installation and the movement of the crowd resembled the bubbles inside a Coke bottle, waiting to pop and add to the excitement of the celebration.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_m0TdPSuC1/?igsh=MWZwZnBnZHJvdWxnbw==

    “At Coca-Cola, we believe there is real magic in people coming together, celebrating shared moments and living the vibrance of our rich culture. With “Happy to Queue”, we wanted people to enjoy the festive cheer in a new way, celebrating togetherness and the effervescence of life, much like sharing a chilled bottle of Coke,” said Coca-Cola Company’s India and Southwest Asia Operating Unit senior director, marketing for Coca-Cola category Kaushik Prasad.

    “Real Magic is when you can make standing in a line exciting & refreshing. This festive season Coke Happy to Queue gave people a chance to experience what it feels like to be inside a Coke bottle. Uplifting them to feel one with the fizz and the bubbles”, remarked Ogilvy India chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak.

  • Disney Consumer Products in India teams up with brands and retailers

    Disney Consumer Products in India teams up with brands and retailers

    Mumbai: To celebrate the release of Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, Disney Consumer Products India has collaborated with 25 brands across apparel, accessories, food and beverage, and technology to launch an array of themed merchandise locally. These brands include Adidas, boAt, Coca-Cola, Myntra, NESTLÉ POLO, The Souled Store, Wrogn and more.

    For nearly 85 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced diverse characters and compelling stories, transforming Marvel Super Heroes into pop-culture icons that are well loved in India. Deadpool joins the ranks of powerhouses like Iron Man, Captain America and Thor, and his sensational appeal has brands in India diving into the extended Marvel Universe with this latest and highly anticipated movie release.

    Disney Consumer Products, India, director Priya Nijhara said, “Deadpool’s refreshing charisma and irreverent humour has amassed formidable fandom in India, particularly with the Gen Z audience. This reflects Marvel’s enduring relevance today and fuels our excitement as we join forces with exceptional brands to roll out an expansive line of Deadpool & Wolverine themed products in celebration of the movie release.”

    Here are some of the Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ inspired merchandise to look out for:

    Coca-Cola has launched limited-edition Coca-Cola cans and bottles featuring Deadpool & Wolverine, including 32 iconic Super Heroes from across the Marvel Universe. Illustrated with a balance of white, red, and black tones, each can is scannable and brings the character to life through an AR extension.

    NESTLÉ POLO features Deadpool’s quirky persona on three limited-edition packs that fans can scan for a chance to win branded merchandise. The new red and black packaging debuted in India, and it embodies Deadpool’s signature colours.

    Snacking brand Too Yumm! adds an extra kick to its Bhoot Karare and Karare Munchy Masala range with the bold personas of the Marvel Super Heroes, highlighting their appeal to the newer generation.

    boAt has curated an audiowear collection themed after Deadpool & Wolverine, blending Marvel’s epic storytelling with its advanced technology. Inspired by their agility and resilience, Belkin introduces a portable wireless power bank with seamless charging and a built-in stand (available on Amazon.in from July 27).

    Modern riders can embody their heroic spirit with AXOR’s limited-edition helmets showcasing Deadpool & Wolverine designs. Titan joins the buzz with dynamic eyewear and fashion accessories through Titan Eye+ and Fastrack respectively, incorporating the signature colours and elements from Deadpool & Wolverine.

    Deadpool’s unfiltered charm and charisma is coveted by apparel brands looking to focus on young adults. Wrogn, endorsed by cricketing genius Virat Kohli, channels Deadpool and Wolverine’s rebellious spirit with a collection featuring iconic quotes from the movie and standout designs. The Souled Store unveiled a range of t-shirts, backpacks, and high-top sneakers, covering all essentials for any occasion. Bonkers Corner, Free Authority, Brand Studio Lifestyle, Myntra, Max Fashion, Pantaloons and WYM extend the excitement of Deadpool & Wolverine beyond the screen through custom collections, available in their respective retail stores and online platforms. Reliance has launched an extensive lineup through its sub-brands (Yousta, Azorte and Reliance Trends), offering everything from t-shirts and jackets to denims.

    Alongside merchandise from 7‑Eleven, fans can also look forward to an exciting collaboration with Adidas set to launch in India in early August.

    The latest merchandise from these brands and retailers aim to delight Indian fans and add to the excitement of the movie. Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ will release in India on 26 July in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.