No acquisition plans, Coca Cola to focus on current portfolio

Soft drinks major Coca Cola India today said it plans to focus on current portfolio of brands rather than going for acquisitions as part of its strategy.

"We are focusing on the current portfolio of brands in India," Coca Cola India CEO and President Atul Singh said, when asked if the company was looking at acquisitions in the beverages market.

Singh said in the last few years, the focus of the company has been building brands in the sparkling (carbonated) and still (non-carbonated) beverages.

He said the company had been investing in areas like plant and equipment and is working closely with bottling partners.

The company is also focusing on its Georgia tea and coffee brand.

The company recently launched energy drink 'Burn' in selected markets of Delhi, Goa, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Singh said India was a strategic market for Coca Cola. "India is among the top 20 markets for the company," he said.

In the middle of 2007, the company had announced investment plans of $250 million in India.

Singh said the investments would continue till the middle of this year and fresh investment plans would be announced later.

Asked if the company was willing to support any sport other than soccer, like hockey, Singh said, "every sport is on our radar for evaluation."