Coca-Cola Co. on Tuesday announced a realigning of its operations in Asia to sharpen its focus on China, India and Indonesia.
The region has been instrumental in boosting the Atlanta-based beverage company’s global sales and profits. In the third quarter, for example, sales volume of Coca-Cola’s namesake brand grew 22 percent in India and 8 percent in China, the company reported.
By comparison, volume for Coke grew 2 percent in North America, where overall volume growth for carbonated drinks was flat. Volume growth was stronger for its non-carbonated beverages.
The Pacific Group will now be called Asia Pacific and will consist of three units. Asia, the largest, will comprise greater China and Korea, India and southwest Asia, and the countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The other units are Japan and South Pacific.
The changes become effective, Jan. 1, Coca-Cola said.
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