Coca-Cola's largest India bottler SLMG to invest over $1 billion in mega expansion plan

Coca-Cola's largest India bottler SLMG to invest over $1 billion in mega expansion plan

SLMG Beverages Pvt Ltd, Coca-Cola’s biggest independent bottler in India, has announced a mega investment plan. The company said that it will invest up to $1 billion by 2030 for expanding the production facility in states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The Lucknow-based company, which also has interests in the hospitality sector, will also invest around Rs 4,000 crore in hotel development.

SLMG Beverages’ joint MD Paritosh Ladhani spoke about his plans and past experiences. The second-generation entrepreneur said that the company has invested over $1.5 billion in the last two decades in the bottling business.

Coca-Cola India, via its subsidiaries, has been divesting its bottling operations in India since 2019. Last year, SLMG was given rights for the entire territory of Bihar. This was in in addition to its Uttar Pradesh business.

Beyond its beverage ventures, the Ladhani family expanded into the hospitality sector in 2009 with the launch of its hotel business. Now, they are contemplating an additional investment of Rs 4,000 crore to further develop their hotel portfolio.

"We already have the Taj in Agra and are working on new properties under the Taj Vivanta brand in Haridwar and Ayodhya. Additionally, we plan to introduce The Four Seasons to Agra and establish several Oberoi Nature properties. Over the next five years, we have earmarked approximately Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore for expanding our hospitality ventures," he stated.