Coca-Cola Co. is considering taking its Indian bottling arm, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. (HCCB), public, as per a Bloomberg report.

The supposed IPO could be one of the most anticipated listings in India’s growing IPO market.

The beverage giant has reportedly met with bankers in recent weeks to discuss a potential offering that could raise about $1 billion and value the unit at roughly $10 billion, the report said, citing sources.

Though discussions are still at an early stage, the move could bring one of the world’s most recognisable brands to India’s stock exchanges as soon as next year.

Coca-Cola eyes India’s booming IPO market

If the plan goes ahead, Coca-Cola would become the latest global brand to capitalise on India’s record-breaking IPO momentum.

The local market is on track for one of its strongest years ever, drawing interest from both retail and institutional investors.

In 2024, Hyundai Motor Co.’s $3.3 billion listing became India’s largest IPO, while LG Electronics’ $1.3 billion debut earlier this month continued the trend of foreign companies unlocking value through their Indian subsidiaries.

Coca-Cola has not yet appointed bankers for the deal, and the final structure, timing, and size of the IPO could change depending on market conditions, the report added.

However, if successful, the listing would further cement India’s position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for capital markets activity.

The company reportedly aims to complete the process in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

HCCB’s growing reach across India

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages serves as Coca-Cola’s main bottling and distribution arm in India, producing and distributing some of the country’s most popular soft drink brands, including Thums Up, Sprite, Fanta, and Limca.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company operates 14 manufacturing plants across 12 states and covers 236 districts in southern and western India.

HCCB currently serves more than 2 million retailers and employs over 5,200 people.

Its extensive distribution network and deep market penetration make it one of the largest beverage bottlers in the country.

In a move that laid the groundwork for a future listing, Coca-Cola sold a minority stake in HCCB’s immediate parent, Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Pvt., to the Jubilant Bhartia Group in late 2024.

The deal, valued at about ₹12,000 crore ($1.47 billion), strengthened local ownership and could pave the way for HCCB’s public debut.

Market competition and strategic challenges

While Coca-Cola dominates much of India’s soft drink market, competition is intensifying.

Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has revived the Campa Cola brand, offering 200-millilitre bottles for as little as ₹10 (11 US cents).

The aggressive pricing has helped Campa Cola capture market share, particularly in price-sensitive regions, posing a direct challenge to Coca-Cola’s dominance.

The proposed IPO also comes amid broader shifts in India’s consumer goods landscape, where affordability and localisation increasingly influence success.

For Coca-Cola, listing its bottling unit could not only raise capital but also strengthen local ties and demonstrate long-term commitment to India’s market.

However, the deal carries its risks. Investor appetite could be tested by volatile global markets or valuation mismatches.

The post Coca-Cola plans IPO for Indian bottling arm as global firms eye local listings appeared first on Invezz