HCCB cuts 300 jobs in supply chain and sales to boost efficiency after profits plunged 73% amidst a major restructure.
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has initiated a workforce reduction affecting approximately 300 roles as part of a strategic drive to bolster margins and streamline its corporate structure. The restructuring, reported on 24 December 2025, impacts roughly 4–6 percent of its 5,000-strong workforce, primarily across sales, supply chain, distribution, and plant operations.
The move follows a sharp financial decline in FY25, where the company saw net profits plummet by 73 percent to ₹756.64 crore, alongside a 9 percent dip in revenue. This downturn coincides with intensifying competition from local brands like Campa and Lahori Zeera, which doubled their market share as global giants lost ground.
Key Strategic Shifts:
- Leadership Transition: The shake-up follows the July appointment of Hemant Rupani as CEO, who took the helm from Juan Pablo Rodriguez to navigate a tightening market.
- Franchise Pivot: HCCB has recently offloaded bottling operations in Rajasthan, Bihar, and parts of West Bengal to franchise partners, including Moon Beverages and SLMG Beverages.
- Future Investment: Despite the job cuts, Coca-Cola’s partners have pledged ₹25,760 crore towards food processing and infrastructure across nine states, aiming to create 30,000 direct jobs.
While HCCB describes the current layoffs as “small in scale,” the restructuring signals a significant shift towards a leaner, franchise-led model to maintain its dominant position in India’s carbonated drinks sector.
SOURCE – BUSINESS STANDARD
