Coke plans new brands for India

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Sunday , September 09, 2007 at 1220 hrs 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 said.

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.