Coke plans local flavours in bottled water

NEW DELHI: Soft drinks major Coca Cola India is mulling an expansion in the country's over Rs 1,500 crore bottled water segment with introduction of global brands including 'Bonaqua', besides developing local flavoured products such as 'pudina' and mango water.

"Our big focus is on water which is one of the fastest growing category. We are looking at a rapid expansion in juices and water segment and evaluating options for the energy sports drinks segment," Coca Cola India Vice-President (Operations) Sumanta Dutta told.
   
Dutta declined to divulge details on future plans, but said the company was continuously evaluating its product portfolio to provide consumers with right beverage solutions for every occasion.

"Currently we sell Schweppes in select markets and Kinley brand of packaged water in India. The market for packaged water is growing very fast and there does exist a market for a new brand of packaged water between Kinley and Schweppes. However, what brands eventually gets launched is still being evaluated," he said.

Sources, however, said the company is considering launch of bottled water brand, 'Bonaqua', to be placed between Kinley and Schweppes. The sources also said that besides bringing existing international brands into India, Coke is also conducting tests at its Hyderabad research facility to develop products to suit the local palate.

On the lines of 'Maaza Aam Panna' and flavoured Limca, which the company tried out successfully, it is also looking at developing flavoured water for India such as pudina (mint) and mango, they added.

Dutta said Coke would also be looking at expanding the existing tea and coffee portfolio as well as the energy drinks segment.

"It (tea and coffee) is an area in which we are looking to invest heavily in," he said without disclosing details.
   
In the energy drinks segment 'Burn', 'Full Throttle' and 'Tab Energy' are being considered.

Besides expanding product portfolio, Coke is planning to set up a global corporate university in India to provide a one stop-shop for all learning and employee capability building, not only within the organisation but also for its bottlers and key customers, sources added.