Coke volumes up 28% in Dec quarter

Even as its overall profit fell 18 per cent on the back of global recession, beverages company Coca-Cola has reported a 28 per cent growth in volumes in India for the December quarter as against 18 per cent in the corresponding quarter last year. Coming on the back of nine quarters of growth and 18 per cent increase in unit case volume sales in the July-September 2008, this consistent performance puts the company on track for strong growth in the country.The company could manage only single-digit growth through 2006 only to pick pace in 2007.

Coca-Cola saw strong growth across Eurasia and Africa.The Atlanta-based company’s revenue fell 3 per cent to $7.13 billion (about Rs 34,672 crore ) from $7.33 billion (Rs 35,875 crore) a year ago.

Coca Cola recently announced its plans to go ahead with its $250-million (around Rs1,200 crore) investment plans for India notwithstanding the ongoing slowdown and expand its portfolio.

According to industry sources, Coca-Cola’s brand "Thums Up" is currently the leading cola brand in India. The company’s range in India includes orange drink Fanta, lemon drink Limca and its pulpy orange drink Minute Maid.