Top 50 Companies 2019 – Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

2018 has been one of the better years for HCCB. The company was back on the path of growth, both in volume and value terms and well positioned to capture future opportunities. “In a way we had started to re-engineer our business in the back half of 2017 by focusing on (1) generating revenue and profitability rather than just volume growth (2) manufacturing and selling beverages that consumers want, versus selling what we wanted to make (3) bringing the organisation closer to our customers/consumers (4) prioritising the resources for the frontline – sales and factory operations. A lot of this strategy was implemented in 2018 and brought about spectacular results,” she adds.
HCCB grew double digits in volume and value terms, and its employee engagement scores are the highest in a decade. It  also inaugurated a fully digital greenfield factory in Sanand, with an investment of Rs 400 crore. It successfully launched new products – Thums Up Charged, Minute Maid Smoothie, new variants of Minute Maid juices and also Smartwater. There were significant digital initiatives undertaken, like digitising and automating the transportation management system.
Ruggiero sees her role as that of a Chief Talent Officer, Chief Culture Officer and Chief Communications Officer, of the company. “Given the transformation we are witnessing in the way people are consuming information and technology is integrating itself with our daily lives, it is imperative that leaders inform themselves of the opportunities and challenges that exist. AI and digital can be game changers if we leverage them well. Therefore, these are things that leaders need to keep pace with,” she adds.
The manufacturing industry is beginning to savour the fruits of the transformative changes the economy underwent last few years. The forecast for growth is robust and technology is changing every life. HCCB is positive about the long-term growth potential of the manufacturing sector. “We will continue to ramp up our manufacturing capacities in 2019 as well. Our plans include the installation of new lines and laying the foundation for another greenfield site, which will come alive in 2020-21,” she says.