Competition is positive, keeps us sharp: Coca-Cola president

The American beverage giant sees digitization and increased accessibility as key enablers of rural growth

- Gaurav Laghate

The Coca-Cola Co.'s president and chief financial officer John Murphy has reaffirmed India's critical position in the beverage maker's global strategy, underscoring its growth potential, evolving retail dynamics, and the competitive landscape.

Speaking to the media in Mumbai on Wednesday, Murphy highlighted the strength of rural markets, the rising importance of vending and its approach to competition amid the resurgence of local brands.

Murphy, who visits India annually, acknowledged the strength of the rural economy as a key driver of the company's expansion in its fifth-largest market globally. "We are seeing strong momentum in rural markets, which presents a massive opportunity for FMCG companies like ours," he said.

However, urban demand has remained weak over the past few quarters, which Coca-Cola sees as a temporary trend.