New Delhi, Feb 13: Coca-Cola India today announced 23 per cent growth in carbonated soft drinks sales volume for the 12 months ended December 31, 2002. "Our marketing has connected powerfully with consumers through a number of fresh measures taken during the year. The rural initiatives for CSD, driving affordability through lower price points and strengthening distribution to make our products available in new markets proved to be a great success substantially expanding our consumer base," Coke India president Alex Von Behr said in a statement here. The company claimed the highest 37 per cent market share in packaged water for its brand `Kinley' during the year while adding that mango drink 'Maaza' consolidated its position in the juice category in 2002. "We are investing 100 million US dollars in our operations in India during the current year. Our strategy of explosive CSD growth via the affordable 200-ml returnable glass bottle pack at five rupees is being further accelerated and rolled out nationally in the coming months to maintain the growth trend," he added.

Bureau Report