The Hindu Business Line : Bisleri to add capacity with 25 new bottling plants

Mumbai, July 1 The Mumbai-based Bisleri International is investing Rs 50 crore in setting up an additional 25 bottling plants across the country in a span of three years.

Bisleri, which expects a growth rate in sales of 40 per cent, intends enhancing its distribution and penetration across the country.

It already has 52 bottling plants and with the additional plants it intends reaching out to smaller towns in States such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, J&K and Orissa.

Mr Ramesh Chauhan, CMD, Bisleri International, said, “With the additional plants it will now be easier to reach every corner of the country. Besides, with every new plant, there would be would be increased capacity.

The investment of Rs 50 crore would be made partly by our contract partners and ourselves.”

With a dominant share (60 per cent) in the Rs 1,200-crore mineral water category, Bisleri would now be venturing into flavoured water later during the year. Its foray into this segment is part of the company’s plans of increasing its product portfolio in the water and beverages segment.

The company has already launched Bisleri Fizzy Soda and Bisleri Mountain mineral water in the recent past.

Leasing plots

The Rs 600-crore Bisleri mineral water company is also looking at leasing out its excess land in places such as Bangalore and Mumbai to hotel majors for gaining additional revenues. “We have decided to lease out plots in Bangalore and Mumbai, and currently are in talks with some hotel majors.”

Himalayan battle

Besides it is also hopeful about making the word ‘Himalayan’ a generic name. It is now pitched in a legal battle with Tata Tea’s Himalayan brand of mountain water.

“We are expecting a decision to be taken this month about the trademark name of Himalayan being struck off and believe that we have high chances of winning the case against the Himalayan brand registered by the Tatas,” added Mr Chauhan.

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