Pepsi launches Aquafina Bulk Water

Company press release, September 29, 2003

Hyderabad

Pepsi today entered a new business segment with the launch of Aquafina Bulk Water. Venturing into the new business, Pepsi unveiled its premium quality international bottled water brand Aquafina in 25-litre packs in Hyderabad. Aquafina, the largest-selling bottled water brand in the US, is being launched in large packs for the discerning direct-to-home consumer for the first time anywhere in the world.

In line with Pepsi's total commitment to the highest quality standards, Aquafina 25-litre meets stringent international and national standards for water purity benchmarked against the new norms for packaged water effective January 2004.

Aquafina 25 litre pack uses the most advanced state-of-the-art purification system in the country. The stringent purification process namely Chlorination, Sand Filtration, Activated carbon purifier, 5 Micron Polisher, Ultraviolet, Reverse Osmosis, 1 Micron Polisher and Ozonation. Reverse Osmosis (RO), using the best of membrane technologies, is at the heart of the Aquafina purification process.

Thanks to Pepsi's venture into the new business of bulk water, the consumer will benefit from great tasting top quality water, aseptically packaged with a 100% tamper proof seal with a guarantee of hygienic dispensing. Packaged in premium quality transparent food grade, clear Polycarbonate jars, the Aquafina 25-litre pack is competitively priced at Rs 65/-. The unique "Tamper & Adulteration Proof Seal" assures the consumer of consistently genuine product and highest quality water which need not be re-boiled.

With this launch, Aquafina is also set to establish a unique "Gold Standard" direct-to-home (DTH) model in the country. Pepsi brings world-class service to the consumer's doorstep with AquaMan, - a delivery man trained to deliver and provide efficient and hygienic service to consumers. Aquafina Jars will be delivered through vinyl-branded, hygienic trucks displaying contact details of the electronic call center for potential consumers. The widely advertised, high-tech call center will receive consumer orders, and the state-of-the-art IT system will ensure prompt response and speedy order turnaround. Each delivery man will be equipped with a handheld electronic equipment to record every transaction.

Aquafina also provides several innovative, imported dispenser models to suit every need - from a table-top model to one fitted with a refrigerator which is competitively price compared to ruling market prices. What's more, the consumer has the option of making cash-less payments for a month's supply of Aquafina, thanks to the Electronic Pre-paid card.

Launching Pepsi's new business here today, Mr. Rajeev Bakshi, Chairman, PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd., says "Pepsi's entry into the fast growing bulk water business segment is slated to redefine quality standards in the category. The unique business model encapsulates our fundamental strengths in product and packaging innovation coupled with marketing and distribution muscle to deliver world-class quality and convenience to consumers."

Pepsi's business partner in Hyderabad for the new venture is M/s Twin Cities Mineral Waters Pvt. Ltd. (TCMWPL), which has been a front-runner in the bulk water business for 10 years in the city. The Chairman of TCMWPL is well known New York -based radiologist Dr. Parashuram R. Punnapu Reddy, who has been the guiding force behind TCMWPL for a long period.

Mr. Harinath Reddy, Managing Director of TCMWPL, says "we are delighted to be associated with a global brand name like Aquafina. It's indeed a great feeling to be a part of the best in the world in terms of quality."

Aquafina was launched in India in 1998, the first time the brand was introduced in any market outside the US.

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