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Thunder on wheels: Coca-Cola expands last-mile reach with micromobility
MINT· 2026-01-16 14:20
Core Insights - Coca-Cola is enhancing its direct distribution strategy in India by utilizing small vehicles for last-mile delivery to retail stores, aiming to improve access in hard-to-reach areas [1][2][3] Group 1: Distribution Strategy - The direct-to-store delivery approach allows Coca-Cola to reduce reliance on middlemen and traditional wholesale channels, thereby gaining better control over costs and profitability [2] - The company is investing significantly to strengthen last-mile access, although specific financial details have not been disclosed [2] - Coca-Cola operates nearly 6 million retail outlets in India and has a growing fleet of over 5,000 electric vehicles for product distribution [3] Group 2: Market Competition - Local competitors like Campa Cola and Lahori Jeera are increasing their market share in the carbonated soft drinks sector, with their combined share rising to nearly 15% from about 7% year-on-year [8] - The market share of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo has declined from 93% to around 85% during the same period, indicating increased competitive pressure [9] - The competitive landscape is prompting Coca-Cola to remain agile and responsive to market dynamics [10] Group 3: Financial Performance - Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages reported revenues of ₹12,751 crore for FY25, reflecting a 9% year-on-year decline due to the sale of several manufacturing plants [11] - The bottler is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) to raise approximately $1 billion [11] Group 4: Consumer Trends - There is a growing consumer preference for healthier beverage options, with low- and no-sugar products gaining traction [12][13] - Coca-Cola is expanding its portfolio to include healthier choices, such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero, which are becoming more visible in retail outlets [13][14] - The company is also innovating with new product offerings like Thums Up XForce and Schweppes Zero, aligning with the trend towards healthier consumption [14]
Pride, not prejudice: India’s World Cup winning women lift the game — and their brand value
The Economic Times· 2025-11-04 00:00
Core Insights - The Indian women's cricket team won the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup for the first time, leading to a significant increase in brand endorsements and social media following for the players [1][15] Brand Impact - Brand queries surged post-victory, with endorsement fees increasing by 25-30% for many players [2][15] - Jemimah Rodrigues' brand value increased by 100% following her standout performance in the semi-final, with endorsement fees now ranging from ₹75 lakh to ₹1.5 crore [6][15] - Smriti Mandhana, the highest-paid female cricketer, endorses 16 brands with annual fees of ₹1.5-2 crore per brand [8][15] Market Trends - Companies in women's health, lifestyle, gadgets, wellness, and automobiles are leading the charge in signing new deals with the winning players [9][15] - Existing sponsors like Google Gemini, Rexona, Nike, SBI, Red Bull, and Puma are planning to extend their contracts with the players [9][15] Social Media and Public Response - The players' Instagram followers doubled or tripled within 24 hours of the victory, indicating a strong public interest [1][15] - Corporate leaders and celebrities expressed their admiration for the team's achievement, highlighting its impact on women's cricket [10][15] Marketing Campaigns - Coca-Cola activated its brands during the tournament, integrating marketing campaigns with live events [12][15] - Puma and Swiggy Instamart launched social media campaigns celebrating the players' achievements [13][15]