Coke’s biggest bottling arm in India posts lowest sales in 3 years

Soft beverage maker Coca-Cola's biggest bottling arm in India has posted its lowest sales and profit growth in three years, according to a report in  The Economic Times.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) declared sales growth of 17.6 per cent for 2013, down from about 23.6 per cent in the previous year, according to its updated filings with the Registrar of Companies.

The maker of Thums Up and Sprite drinks as well as the basic Coke took a beating in its profitability as well, with profits down to about Rs278 crore from nearly Rs377 crore.

With over two dozen plants across India, HCCB accounts for about 65 per cent of Coca-Cola's bottling operations in India.

According to the report, this is an indication that India, like much of the developed world, is moving away from fizzy and sugary soft drinks, which are known to be harmful to the health if consumed in excess.