Coca Cola to set up fruit-based beverage plant in Karnataka

Bangalore has proved cool for Coca Cola, as the global soft drink giant has finalised its plans to set up a fruit-based beverage plant at Bidadi on the city outskirts.

Announcing this after inspecting the preparations for the Global Investors’ Meet at Palace Grounds, large and medium industries minister Murugesh Nirani said, “Coca Cola has decided to set up a huge fruit-based beverages plant at Bidadi, near its trademark soft drink plant.”

The decision is a result of the state government’s special efforts to develop Karnataka as a premier destination for the food processing industry. A senior department official said, “The proposed Coca Cola plant will go a long way in helping farmers, especially those growing horticultural crops, to find a ready market for their produce. The Rs107-crore project will provide jobs to over 500 persons.”

Nirani added that Cauvery water would be supplied to the plant, and no special arrangements were required to meet its water needs.

The announcement came four days after processed food major Nestle India’s proposal to set up a Rs350-crore instant noodles and condiments manufacturing unit in Mysore, with an employment potential of about 630 persons. It is expected to start production within one year.

Replying to a question about Hero Honda’s proposal to establish a two-wheeler production plant in Karnataka, Nirani, said the company was yet to finalise its decision: “Karnataka is among the top choices of the company to establish the plant,” he said.

The two-day GIM would see the finalisation of over 400 investment proposals worth over Rs4 lakh-crore, that will generate employment for 5.82 lakh persons, Nirani said.