Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Department of Rural Development, Government of Telangana, to expand and strengthen the Mahila Shakti Canteens initiative. The collaboration aims to empower over 1,000 women entrepreneurs associated with more than 100 canteens across the state.
The MoU was signed by Divya Devarajan, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, SERP, and Shweta Punetha, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, HCCB, in the presence of senior officials. Under this partnership, HCCB will co-design and implement capacity-building programs for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in collaboration with NGOs and implementation partners. Training modules will cover financial and digital literacy, retail management, sales, and marketing, helping women strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and improve livelihoods.
SERP will support the program by aligning it with district-level development plans and existing government schemes. The department will also assist in mobilization, beneficiary selection, and coordination with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt Devarajan, IAS, said that Mahila Shakti Canteens symbolize women’s independence by providing both income opportunities and essential services to communities. She noted that the collaboration with HCCB would equip women with practical skills to scale their enterprises and foster self-reliance.
Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer, HCCB, emphasized that entrepreneurship is a key driver of inclusive growth. He stated that the initiative would not only enhance community development but also serve as a model for building women-led enterprises that uplift others within their networks.
This collaboration forms part of Project SHINE, HCCB’s CSR platform built on five focus areas: environment and disaster management, WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene), women empowerment and livelihood, education and skill development, and community well-being. Through this initiative, HCCB has already reached over 100,000 individuals in Telangana with programs such as waste management, smart classrooms, Anganwadi upgrades, and skill development training for women and youth.
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) is one of India’s leading bottling companies and a key player in the country’s beverage industry. Established as a part of The Coca-Cola Company’s global operations, HCCB is responsible for the production, packaging, distribution, and marketing of Coca-Cola’s extensive portfolio of beverages, which includes iconic brands like Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Fanta, and Minute Maid.
With an expansive network of manufacturing plants and distribution centers across India, HCCB plays a pivotal role in catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of Indian consumers. The company emphasizes sustainability and community impact, focusing on initiatives like water conservation, renewable energy, and local community engagement, aligning with Coca-Cola’s global commitment to creating shared value. Through its scale and innovation, HCCB continues to contribute significantly to India’s economy while promoting responsible business practices.
