Mumbai/Delhi, 11th September, 2023: SLMG Beverages, India’s largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola in India and South West Asia, will invest approx. Rs 100 crore to increase its fleet from 2000 EVs to 5000 EVs for for its distribution network. With this investment the company will lead the revolution in eco-friendly and sustainable transportation by converting its distribution entirely to electric vehicles, thereby championing sustainability in the beverage industry in India. It has set a new industry standard when it comes to sustainable transport.
SLMG’s commitment to a sustainable future is evident in its rapid adoption of electric vehicles at a time when the world is grappling with environmental challenges. Currently, the company has a fleet of 2,000 electric vehicles and has ambitious plans to expand this to 5,000 electric vehicles by 2024. SLMG’s OEM partners will be Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors for the 3-Wheelers for distribution of bottles across 4 states.
“As concerns about carbon emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion increase, the spotlight is now firmly on green transport as a critical pathway for positive change,” said Paritosh Ladhani, Joint Managing Director, SLMG Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
The world is witnessing a paradigm shift towards environmentally conscious transportation and SLMG Beverages is at the forefront of this transformative movement. Recognising the importance of e-vehicles in reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean air, SLMG started using e-vehicles two years ago. Today, the company proudly boasts a fleet that spans several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and plans to expand its presence even further.
In the midst of this global change, SLMG Beverages is leading the way and embarking on a transformative journey that underscores the paramount importance of environmentally friendly transport solutions. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us, but a core value that drives our business decisions,” adds Paritosh Ladhani. “We are committed to equipping 80% of our fleet with e-vehicles by 2025, in line with our vision of a greener and smarter future”
The benefits of this environmentally friendly transition are twofold. Not only do the e-vehicles emit no harmful pollutants, contributing to a cleaner environment, but they also result in cost savings for the company and its distribution partners. By investing in over 2000 battery-powered light trucks and three-wheelers, SLMG has not only reduced its environmental footprint but also increased its economic efficiency.
SLMG Beverages’ commitment to electric vehicle adoption has opened doors for potential collaborations and partnerships within the electric vehicle industry. Ladhani Group, the parent company of SLMG Beverages, is actively working with industry experts and companies to explore opportunities for the manufacturing and distribution of electric vehicles across India. This strategic move demonstrates their commitment to driving the growth of sustainable transportation on a larger scale.
One area where e-vehicles have already proved their worth is in last-mile deliveries to shops in tier 2-3 cities. These markets account for a significant portion of SLMG’s sales, and incorporating EV logistics has proven to be highly effective and mutually beneficial. With the increasing demand for products and an ever-expanding delivery network, e-vehicles are proving to be the answer to optimising operations while reducing environmental impact.
With a turnover of Rs 7,000 crore, SLMG Beverages has not only secured its position as India’s largest independent franchise bottler but also as a pioneer in sustainable transportation within the beverage industry. With 43 production lines capable of producing an astounding 29,000 beverage bottles per minute, SLMG continues to exemplify innovation and excellence.
As SLMG Beverages accelerates towards its goal of 5000 EVs by 2024, it is clear that the company is not only bottling beverages, but also building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
SLMG Beverages is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet. This puts the company at the forefront of the movement that is revolutionising the way they move – one environmentally conscious decision at a time.
