|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coca-Cola, Mondelez flag India as strategic growth priority at International Conference
|
|
Monday, 23 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, New Delhi
|
Global consumer giants Coca-Cola and Mondelez International have reaffirmed their commitment to India, identifying the country as a top priority market amid slowing growth in more developed regions. The announcement was made at the recently concluded Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference, underscoring renewed focus on the fast-expanding Indian consumer landscape.
At the event, Coca-Cola’s global Chief Financial Officer John Murphy outlined the company’s strategy to accelerate investment in technology and new capabilities across India, as part of its asset-light growth trajectory. Murphy said the beverage maker plans to “continue to complete the play on refranchising, notably in India and Africa,” while optimising equity and improving operational efficiency.
Coca-Cola, which sold 40% of its stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings to Jubilant Bhartia Group for about ?12,500 crore last year, reported a $102 million gain from refranchising some of its Indian bottling operations in 2025. India remains the fifth largest volume market globally for the company. Murphy also highlighted improvements in working capital and receivables, signalling strengthening fundamentals in the Indian business.
For Mondelez International, the focus was on scaling its operations and expanding volume-led growth across emerging markets, with India taking centre stage. Mondelez’s CFO Luca Zaramella described India as one of the company’s “most compelling opportunities”, citing its $1.7 billion revenue base, robust track record of growth, and strong local manufacturing footprint with four facilities serving around 4.5 million retail outlets.
Zaramella added that Mondelez expects to add about 100,000 new retail points annually, tapping into rising demand for snacks and confectionery across urban and rural India.
The reaffirmation of India as a priority market by both Coca-Cola and Mondelez highlights the country’s rising importance in global FMCG strategies and signals continued investment and expansion in products, distribution and consumer engagement across the region.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|