Tata Global Beverages (TGBL), the maker of Tetley Tea, is planning to take its brand ‘Himalayan Natural Mineral Water’ to several other Asian countries after introducing it in Singapore.

TGBL directly  sells Himalayan Water  at retail stores in Singapore. “We are exploring  at least half a dozen countries for the launch of  Himalayan. We are taking it to other parts of Asia and beyond,” said Ajoy Misra, managing director and CEO of  TGBL. “’After introducing Himalayan through Starbucks stores, we gained confidence. We are now  selling Himalayan directly through a distributor in retail stories in Singapore,” he added.

At a media interaction on Thursday, Misra outlined the company’s  plans for this fiscal. “Our agenda is to grow aggressively, both through organic and inorganic growth plans. At any given point of time, there are  a few opportunities under consideration for inorganic growth. But they take time for finalisation,” he said.

After seeing the progress of its joint ventures with Starbucks and PepsiCo, TGBL is looking at strategic alliances in domestic and global markets.
Misra said TGBL is flexible and open to grow through  acquisitions, mergers, partnerships and strategic alliances. “We are open to acquisitions.

We are looking at  possibilities to grow through acquisitions and partnerships in India and overseas. Our medium-term plan is  to  focus on coffee, tea and enhanced water,” he said.

At present, Tata Tea leads the pack in the branded tea markets in India with 20% (volume) and 22% (value) shares respectively. Going forward, TGBL plans to invest heavily behind its brands both in overseas and domestic markets.