April 19, 2021 Sparkling drinks portfolio, fruit-drink brand Maaza drive growth Beverage major Coca-Cola on Monday said it witnessed strong growth in India in the first quarter of 2021, driven by its sparkling drinks portfolio and fruit-drink brand Maaza. In its global earnings statement, it said, “Strong growth in developing and emerging markets, led by China and India, was offset by pressure in developed markets, primarily the US and Western Europe.” It added that sparkling soft drinks witnessed a growth of 4 per cent which was due to “solid growth” in China, India and Latin America. “Nutrition, juice, dairy and plant-based beverages grew 3 per cent due to solid performance by Minute Maid Pulpy in China and Maaza in India,” the company said.