68% retailers say cold drinks of national FMCG brands sell more than local brands, ET Retail

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<p>Representative image (iStock)</p> — Representative image (iStock)

Cities across India are witnessing the early summer season with scorching heat and higher than usual temperatures. The change in season has got both FMCG players as well as Indian kiranas to rush and stock summer-centric products. A recent survey by India’s Kirana Community, Kirana Club reveals that Maharashtra is the only state where retailers are witnessing equal sales for national and local cold drink brands. Kirana owners in Maharashtra said that the sale of local brands is similar to that of national cold drinks such as Pepsi, Coke, Thums Up and Sprite.

Overall, 68 per cent kiranas across India indicate that cold drinks of national FMCG brands sell more than local brands, the report stated.

A similar trend is witnessed across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar wherein 75 per cent retailers indicate the sale of national brands to be more. 60 per cent retailers in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh also have a similar perspective, it added.

When it comes to popularity of cold drinks and packaged juices among kids during the summer months, Frooti topped the chart with 24 per cent of retailers indicating its sales to be more than other brands. The second favourite is Maaza (19 per cent), followed by Sprite (eight per cent), Dew and Sting at six per cent each, Coke (five per cent), Pepsi and Thums Up at three per cent each whereas Appy Fizz and Jeera Soda at two per cent each. Some of the other popular brands among kids include 7UP, Appy Fizz, Fanta, Paper Boat, Slice, Limca, Amul Kool, Priya Lassi, and Fundaaz among others.

Kiranas are also stocking some of the other summer-centric products including dairy products such as ice creams and curd (16 per cent), talcum powder (seven per cent), as well as Glucose and Rasna (six per cent).

According to the report, energy drinks are also an emerging category, and it is popular in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand.

Kirana Club founder Anshul Gupta said, “Over the years we have witnessed significant growth of the beverage industry during summer months. This year we are witnessing a change in consumer preference with kirana owners in Maharashtra indicating the growing popularity of local cold drink brands as well. A kirana owner knows the pulse of the consumer and taking cue from our survey among retailers on Kirana Club platform, we see an increased potential for such regional brands in the years to come across various states in India given that they cater to the hyperlocal preferences of consumers.”