Coca-Cola's (KO) China strategy (Q1 2005 conf call quotes)

Mary Minnick, Head of Asia Operations for The Coca-Cola Company (ticker: KO), spoke at length about the company's China strategy during yesterday's Q1 2005 earnings results conference call:

On Strategy:

....This year we're going to focus on three areas: Number one is carbonated soft drink growth through stepped-up marketing investment. Our 50-plus carbonated soft drink share position in China gives us a strong foundation.

....The second area of non-carbonated beverages, where we will continue to build scale and enhance profitability in teas by building on the very successful 2004 launches of Nestea Ice Rush and Modern Tea Workshop. In the first quarter Nestea grew 175% versus a year ago where Modern Tea Workshop has captured brand leadership in the non-western tea segments in markets where it's available.

....We will do the same within the juice category as we relaunch Qoo with the new mom and child-friendly proprietary bottle and new formula. We're also expanding the very popular Orange Pulp by Minute Maid.

....Finally, we'll enter value-added hydration with the new entrance under the POWERade brand.

On Enhancing Affordability:

....Finally, we continue to accelerate returnable glass bottle
penetration to address affordability in smaller cities and rural areas.
We believe this a key competitive advantage in China as it makes our
beverages affordable to a much larger consumer base.

On China:

....We're committed to aggressively expanding and investing in China….

(Quotes are from the CCBN StreetEvents transcript.)