Heatwave results in record sales of colas, water, beer
With the country in the grip of a severe heat wave, sales of carbonated soft drinks, packaged water, beer and ice-creams have increased sharply.
Sales of soft drinks in May grew by over 50 per from the month last year, and sales of packaged water increased 45 per cent.
Ice-cream figures were up 30 per cent. Beer companies are also reporting their highest monthly sales in May.
The price cuts announced by soft-drink companies could not have come at a more opportune time. The Chhota Coke (Rs 5 for 200 ml) strategy of Coca-Cola saw a spurt in demand in villages and cities as well as increased penetration.
It forced rival Pepsi to bring down prices of its 300 ml packs. Volumes in rural markets grew as much as 100 per cent, and overall figures stood at 45 per cent.
