Fizz is back: December quarter puts Pepsi, Coke on the recovery path

New launches of beverages expected ahead of summer

The October-December 2020 period has brought relief to cola majors Coke and Pepsi in India after months of reeling from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

Management commentary from global investor calls of the two companies during the week indicates that beverage sales rebounded in the December quarter, aided by the festive season and easing of lockdown restrictions. 

The Coca-Cola Company, based in Atlanta, and PepsiCo Inc, headquartered in Purc­hase, New York, follow a January-December accounting year.

Coca-Cola said there was “solid growth” in volume sales of its soft drinks in India and China in the quarter under review, while PepsiCo said it had