MAM
Coca-Cola set to debut in Japan’s alcoholic drink market
MUMBAI: Iconic soft drink brand Coca-Cola is set to start a new chapter with a plan to launch its first alcoholic drink. Stepping out of its area of expertise, the company will make a debut in the low-alcohol category with the creation of a popular type of Japanese alcopop known as chu-hi.
Often sold as a canned drink, chu-hi is an alcoholic drink originating from Japan, which is made of local sochu alcohol and carbonated water. The product often contains between 3 per cent and 8 per cent alcohol and has been marketed as an alternative for beer.
“We haven’t experimented in the low-alcohol category before but it’s an example of how we continue to explore opportunities outside our core areas,” said Jorge Garduno, Coca-Cola’s Japan president.
“The chu-hi category is found almost exclusively in Japan. Globally, it’s not uncommon for non-alcoholic beverages to be sold in the same system as alcoholic beverages. It makes sense to give this a try in our market,” he added. However, the timeline has not been specified for the product.
Initially, Coca-Cola’s plan is to stay within Japanese market due to the “unique and special” qualities of the market. This is one of its kind move from Coca Cola in its 130-year-long history.
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MAM
Dish TV shareholders approve three independent directors
99.49 per cent vote of confidence strengthens board as company expands into connected TV, e-commerce and OTT.
MUMBAI: Dish TV has just been served a near-perfect vote of confidence and the shareholders have dished it out in style. Shareholders of the DTH operator have approved the appointment of three new Independent Directors with an overwhelming 99.49 per cent approval. The three appointees are Mr Arun Kumar Kapoor, Ms Heena Naishadh Bhatt and Mr Ashok Anant Paranjpe.
The strong mandate reflects continued investor faith in the company’s strategy, disciplined execution and long-term value creation. It comes as Dish TV focuses on stabilising its core DTH business while actively scaling new verticals connected TV platform VZY, B2B e-commerce ShopZop, and OTT service Watcho to build a more diversified and resilient growth trajectory.
Dish TV India Limited, CEO & executive director Manoj Dhobhal said, “We are encouraged by the shareholders’ approval of the appointment of the Independent Directors and sincerely thank them for their continued trust and confidence. The Board is already benefiting from the Directors’ collective experience, which will further sharpen strategic focus and support disciplined execution.”
With a fresh, strengthened board in place, Dish TV is well positioned to navigate the evolving media landscape. In a sector where every percentage point matters, a 99.49 per cent thumbs-up is the kind of ringing endorsement that suggests the company’s recipe for the future is already tasting right.
