Coca-Cola India is stepping into the alcoholic beverage market by launching Lemon-Dou, a lime-flavored alcoholic drink. This move is part of Coca-Cola's wider plan to offer a variety of beverages, moving beyond its traditional focus on non-alcoholic drinks.

Lemon-Dou combines shochu, a Japanese alcohol, with a lime flavor. It's currently being tested in some areas, including Goa and parts of Maharashtra, and is sold at Rs. 230 for a 250 ml can.

This venture is in line with Coca-Cola's global goal to be a 'total beverages company' that meets diverse consumer tastes. Lemon-Dou was first available in Japan in 2018 and has since reached other markets like China and the Philippines.

Entering the Indian alcoholic beverage market is a careful step for Coca-Cola, given the complex regulations and high taxes in this sector, which vary by state.

Besides Lemon-Dou, Coca-Cola's alcohol-related plans include working with Pernod Ricard to launch 'Absolut & Sprite' in 2024 and exploring other alcoholic products like seltzers and pre-mixed cocktails worldwide.

The alcoholic beverage market in India is booming, valued at $52.4 billion in 2021, or about 2% of India's GDP. It's expected to grow to $64 billion in five years and reach around $111,238.9 million by 2033. Alcohol consumption rates vary significantly across different regions of India.

Conclusion: Coca-Cola India's foray into the alcoholic beverage market with Lemon-Dou signifies its ambition to cater to a broader range of consumer preferences and solidify its position as a comprehensive beverage company. As the market continues to grow, Coca-Cola's strategic moves could set new trends in India's beverage industry. In the realm of market insights, platforms like Probz.ai are revolutionizing how businesses gather and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, offering AI-powered solutions to understand market dynamics better.