Nearly eight years after its global launch, beverage giant Coca-Cola has finally brought the low-calorie cola ‘Coca Cola Zero’ to India. It will be available in 300 ml can and 400 ml and 600 ml PET bottles at the same price as Coca Cola. In Delhi, a 300 ml can will cost Rs.30, while a 600 ml PET Rs.35.
“We are seeing huge demand for more choice from today’s globally networked and well-travelled consumers. It is important that we add new offerings to our portfolio even as we nurture existing brands,” Coca-Cola India and South West Asia President Venkatesh Kini told reporters here.
With the launch on Friday, the Coca-Cola Zero brand is now available in all the top six markets of The Coca-Cola Company, the others being the U.S., Mexico, China, Brazil and Japan.
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“Post-October 5, Coca-Cola Zero will be available across the top 100 towns in India in more than 1.8 lakh outlets, which includes traditional and modern trade,” he added.
Initially, the new product will be available in modern retail outlets, starting with Reliance Retail chain. Besides, it will be first made available to various partners like low-cost carrier IndiGo, restaurant chain Subway, INOX Leisure and amazon.in.
Talking about the company’s plans to invest $5 billion in India till 2020, Mr. Kini said, “We are happy to say that we are on track for that.” Asked about the impact of the excise duty hike announced in the budget, he said, “… It was a disappointment…We have not increased prices of Rs 10 glass bottles, but to cover up the cost, prices on some PET bottles have been increased by 4-10 per cent. The process has been on for 3-4 months.”
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On Varanasi bottling plant, Mr. Kini said, “We remain committed towards the State. We have 11 plants in Uttar Pradesh and we are working with the U.P. Government to locate a new location for the bottling unit”.
Last month, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages, had announced to shelve the plan to expand its bottling plant at Varanasi citing “inordinate delay” in receiving clearance for the project from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).