Coke bottlers invest B1.5bn

       Thai Namthip and Haad Thip, the local Coca-Cola bottlers, plan to invest 1.5 billion baht in their manufacturing and distribution facilities next year.
       The investment will also expand the companies' product lines and distribution fleets. Thai Namthip serves most local markets in 62 provinces and Haad Thip covers 14 southern provinces. Their products include Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Coca-Cola Light, Fanta, Sprite,Schweppes, A&W Root Beer, Minute Maid Splash, Minute Maid Pulpy juices and Namthip water.
       Pornwut Sarasin, vice-chairman of Thai Namthip, said the beverage industry could grow as Thai per-capita consumption was less than elsewhere in this region.Coca-Cola sales in other countries also regularly register 15-25% growth.
       "We continue to lead the nonalcoholic sparkling beverage market in Thailand with a market share of almost 50%," he said.
       Col Patchara Rattakul, chief operating officer of Haad Thip, said sales of its products were an important part of the incomes for 300,000 small retailers,100,000 food shops and modern-trade outlets.
       "We believe that any investment in our business and growth in our sector can significantly contribute to grassroots income growth. It also supports growth in related industries, such as suppliers of ingredients and raw materials, since 99% of our raw materials are locally sourced," he added.
       Despite a challenging two years for the industry, Coca-Cola is committed to Thailand.
       "In particular, we are expanding our juice and beverages portfolio through new innovations such as our recently launched Minute Maid Pulpy, a naturally refreshing orange juice with real orange pulp," said Col Patchara.
       In only six months, Pulpy has become the best-selling juice in hypermarkets,supermarkets and convenience stores.