Arjun Dev Singh Varun Beverages
Arjun Dev Singh Varun Beverages
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Varun Beverages Ltd. for offering me this
internship opportunity. Special thanks to my mentor, Mr. Gaurav Rawat (Area Sales
Manager), for his constant guidance and support throughout this journey. His mentorship
onground was instrumental in developing my understanding of FMCG field dynamics. I also
extend my appreciation to the PSRs, depot managers, and sales executives who assisted me
in data collection, route planning, and execution. I would like to thank GL Bajaj Institute of
Management & Research for facilitating this learning opportunity. For allowing me to
undertake this valuable project as part of my PGDM curriculum. Special mention to the PSRs
who took me along across different routes in Noida and helped me understand the
complexities of beverage sales. This report is a reflection of their cooperation and the
learning I received on the field.
SUMMARY EXECUTIVE
Ensuring VISI 20Cs and above compliance across stores to improve brand visibility
Tracking the daily movement of physical cases (Phy Cs) for key SKUs like Pepsi, Slice,
and 7UP
Field insights revealed challenges in cooler maintenance, promotional material shortages, and
stock availability in some areas. However, by actively engaging with retailers and reporting
issues, several gaps were addressed through follow-up support visits and alignment with field
sales personnel.
This internship has not only enhanced my understanding of ground-level retail marketing but
also improved my skills in market observation, data reporting, and communication. The
findings and suggestions in this report may offer actionable insights for improving outlet
engagement and territory-level marketing execution.
INTRODUCTION
Mission:
While refreshing billions of consumers with a vast portfolio of beverages touching all age
groups, we shall ensure a sustainable ecosystem with a positive impact on our planet and
well-being.
Vision:
WE WILL BE THE MOST ADMIRED BEVERAGE COMPANY IN ALL OUR MARKETS
Varun Beverages Limited (“VBL” or the “Company”) is a key player in beverage industry
and one of the largest franchise of PepsiCo in the world (outside USA).
VBL has been associated with PepsiCo since the 1990s and have over two and half decades
consolidated its business association with PepsiCo, increasing the number of licensed
territories and sub-territories covered by the Company, producing and distributing a wider
range of PepsiCo beverages, introducing various SKUs in the portfolio, and expanding the
distribution network.
The Company manufactures, distributes and sells a wide range of carbonated soft drinks
(CSDs), as well as a large selection of non-carbonated beverages (NCBs), including
packaged drinking water sold under trademarks owned by PepsiCo.
PepsiCo CSD brands produced and sold by VBL include Pepsi, Pepsi Black, Mountain Dew,
Sting, Seven-Up, Mirinda Orange, Seven-Up Nimbooz Masala Soda and Evervess. PepsiCo
NCB brands produced and sold by the Company include Tropicana Slice, Tropicana Juices
(100% and Delight), Seven-Up Nimbooz, Gatorade as well as packaged drinking water under
the brand Aquafina.
VBL has been granted franchisees for various PepsiCo products across 27 States and 7
Union Territories in India (responsible for ~90% beverage sales volume of PepsiCo
India). VBL has also been granted the franchise for the territories of Nepal, Sri Lanka,
Morocco, Zambia and Zimbabwe. India is the largest market and contributed ~80% of
revenues from operations (net) in Fiscal 2022.
Varun Beverages is part of the diversified RJ Corp, which operates across beverages, fast
food, healthcare, retail, and education sectors. VBL began its bottling operations in the
1990s and has built a strong and long-standing partnership with PepsiCo India. Over the
years, the company has expanded its footprint by acquiring additional territories and
increasing its production and distribution capabilities.
In 2016, Varun Beverages went public and is now listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange
(BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). It is considered a flagship bottler of
PepsiCo, manufacturing and distributing a wide portfolio of carbonated and non-
carbonated beverages.
2. CE – Customer Executive
Handles direct interaction with retailers, ensuring secondary sales and visibility.
6. SM – Sales Manager
Leads ASMs in a broader zone, focuses on strategic targets, revenue growth, and
operational excellence.
Here are the main brands under Varun Beverages, as they relate to PepsiCo’s portfolio
These are some of the most popular carbonated drinks that Varun Beverages bottles and
distributes under the PepsiCo partnership:
Pepsi: The flagship carbonated soft drink of PepsiCo, which is one of the most well-
known global beverage brands.
Mountain Dew: A citrus-flavoured soda popular for its strong taste and higher
caffeine content.
7UP: A lemon-lime flavoured soda that competes with brands like Sprite, available in
various markets.
Varun Beverages also bottles and distributes several non-carbonated drinks, including fruit
juices and iced tea.
Tropicana: A leading brand in the fruit juice category, offering a wide range of juices,
including orange, apple, pomegranate, and mixed fruit flavours. It’s marketed as a
healthy and natural juice option.
Naked Juice: A premium fruit juice and smoothie brand, made with 100% fruit,
available in several flavours.
Aquafina: A bottled water brand that is part of PepsiCo’s extensive portfolio.
Aquafina is widely consumed and marketed as purified water.
3. Sports Drinks
Gatorade: A popular sports drink that is well-known for its ability to hydrate and
replenish electrolytes. It’s marketed primarily toward athletes and active consumers.
Varun Beverages also distributes other local PepsiCo beverages, and occasionally introduces
regional variants to cater to local preferences and tastes. For example, there may be regional
fruit sodas, lemon drinks, or variants of popular drinks depending on the market.
5. Other Products
Sting: A brand of energy drinks available in several flavours, targeting young, active
consumers.
Nepal,
Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh,
Morocco,
Egypt,
Zimbabwe,
Uganda, and
Kenya.
Stock Keeping Units (SKUs)
The company also markets multiple Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) across different
bottle sizes and formats (PET bottles, glass bottles, cans).
The primary objective of this internship was to bridge the gap between classroom learning and
real-world business operations through practical exposure to the beverage industry. The
internship focused on understanding and contributing to marketing strategy execution and
market development activities within the FMCG segment.
1. To Understand Retail Execution Strategy in the Beverage Industry
Observe and understand brand placement, POS merchandising, and in-store visibility.
Learn how Numeric Distribution (ND) is tracked.
Understand cooler placement (VISI 20Cs compliance) and branding.
The following sub-sections describe the core activities I performed during the internship:
1. Daily Beat Visits & Outlet Coverage
I was assigned to accompany the field sales team on daily market visits within the MORE –
AGTM beat. These visits focused on checking product availability, visibility, cooler
compliance, and engaging with retailers for order collection and feedback.
One of the key responsibilities was to assess the VISI 20Cs and above cooler status across
outlets to ensure chilled availability of PepsiCo products and adherence to branding
guidelines.
VISI compliance rate observed: 70%-80% (outlets had working and branded coolers)
Observations included:
• Some coolers were underutilised or filled with competitor products
• Some coolers were non-functional or poorly placed
• POS material was missing or outdated in some shops
Such cases were recorded in the support sheet and escalated for resolution.
3. Retailer Interaction
Direct interaction with retailers was a vital part of the internship. I gathered feedback
regarding product availability, pricing, visibility.
Day-End Working Sheet: Recorded outlet-wise details including SKU movement, cooler status,
and remarks.
Support Visit Sheet: Maintained logs for support issues like cooler breakdowns, stock disputes,
etc.
Execution Photos: store visit photos were shared in the WhatsApp group daily.
These reports ensured visibility and accountability of field activities.
PHOTOS OF EXECUTION
BEFORE AFTER
OUTLETS OF PEPSICO
PepsiCo, the parent company of Pepsi, offers a variety of outlet types to distribute its
products worldwide. These outlets can be categorized based on the type of location, channel,
and product offerings. Below are the main types of outlets through which Pepsi products are
typically distributed:
1. Retail Outlets
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Large retail stores like Walmart, Target, Carrefour,
and other grocery chains where Pepsi products are sold in bottles, cans, and
multipacks.
Convenience Stores: Small, local shops that carry a variety of Pepsi products in
single-serving sizes or multipacks, such as 7-Eleven and Circle K.
Discounter Chains: Stores like Dollar General or Aldi that offer Pepsi products at
discounted prices.
Gas Stations: Many gas stations, like Shell, BP, or Chevron, feature Pepsi products for
on-the-go purchases.
2. Foodservice Outlets
Restaurants: Fast food chains (McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell) and casual dining
establishments that offer Pepsi drinks as part of their beverage menu.
Cafeterias and Catering: Institutions like schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias
that provide Pepsi as a beverage option.
Direct-to-Consumer Websites: PepsiCo has its own online platforms, and some of its
regional distributors sell directly to customers through online stores.
Third-Party E-Commerce: Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and regional e-commerce
sites that offer Pepsi products for home delivery.
Wholesale Clubs: Membership-based stores such as Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ’s
Wholesale, which sell bulk Pepsi products.
Distributors and Wholesale Suppliers: Pepsi products are also distributed through
large wholesalers that serve smaller retailers, local markets, and independent stores.
5. Specialty Outlets
Pop-up Events or Activations: Temporary outlets or mobile units that offer Pepsi
products during events, festivals, or sports activities.
In some countries, Pepsi may also be sold through specific regional channels, which
may include direct partnerships with local businesses or international franchises.
These are the primary types of outlets through which Pepsi products are distributed and made
available to consumers globally.
Ssecondary types of outlets that cater to more specific consumer needs or reach niche
markets. These outlets may not be as ubiquitous as the primary ones but are still important in
Pepsi's overall distribution network. Some of these secondary outlets include:
Health and Juice Bars: These may carry certain PepsiCo beverages, especially those
under its healthier drink brands like Tropicana (juices) or Naked Juice (smoothies).
Bubble Tea and Smoothie Shops: Some shops that sell specialty drinks may offer
Pepsi products or brands owned by PepsiCo as part of their beverage line up.
Concerts and Festivals: Pepsi often sponsors major events and festivals, providing
products through pop-up stands or temporary booths.
Sports Arenas and Stadiums: At major sporting events or concerts in arenas, Pepsi
may be sold through kiosks or special stands. These are often specific to the venue but
can cater to large crowds.
Train Stations & Airports: Pepsi products can often be found in vending machines or
small retail outlets located in high-traffic transportation hubs.
Buses and Trains: In certain regions, you might find Pepsi sold via on-board vendors
or in-train kiosks.
Hotel Mini-Bars: Some hotels stock Pepsi products in their mini-bars or offer them
via room service.
Resorts & Cruise Ships: Resorts or cruise lines that offer Pepsi products as part of
their beverage offerings for guests.
Office Beverage Supply: Many companies use vending services that stock Pepsi
products in office break rooms or provide bulk orders for employee consumption.
Corporate Cafeterias: Some large corporations have cafeterias or canteens where
Pepsi products are served.
Meal Kit and Subscription Services: Some food delivery services or meal kit
providers may include Pepsi products as part of their offerings.
Delivery Apps: Third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, Door Dash, or Grub hub
may include Pepsi as an option when ordering meals from partnered restaurants.
Dollar Stores: Outlets like Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, or other discount stores may
carry Pepsi products at a lower price point.
Liquidation Stores: Stores that sell closeout or surplus goods may have Pepsi products
as part of their inventory.
Big-Box Retailers: Large stores like Home Depot or Lowe's might offer Pepsi
products in their on-site cafeterias or food and beverage sections, particularly in their
seasonal outdoor sales areas.
Warehouse or Tool Stores: In certain retail locations that don't primarily focus on
food, you might find Pepsi as part of the vending or snack offerings.
Pop-Up Shops: Occasionally, Pepsi may set up pop-up shops or temporary booths to
promote new products, engage in experiential marketing, or sponsor an event.
Seasonal Kiosks: During certain seasons (like summer or holidays), Pepsi may
operate temporary kiosks in high-traffic public spaces or outdoor markets.
Cinemas: Movie theatres often carry Pepsi drinks as part of their concession stand
offerings, sometimes featuring special promotions or combos with snacks.
Fundraising Events: Pepsi may also be sold at charity events, auctions, or fundraising
activities where local volunteers or organizations partner with brands to sell
beverages.
These secondary outlets allow Pepsi to reach various niches, provide additional
convenience for specific customer segments, and expand its market reach beyond
traditional retail and foodservice channels.
Segmentation of PepsiCo
1. Geographic Segmentation
Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Climate: In hot climates, beverages like Pepsi and Mountain Dew might have more
focus, while in colder regions, snacks like Lay's and Quaker products may be more
popular.
Urban vs Rural: PepsiCo may target different marketing strategies based on whether
consumers live in urban or rural areas. Urban areas often demand more on-the-go
products, while rural markets may favour bulk or family-size packaging.
2. Demographic Segmentation
Demographic segmentation divides the market based on measurable statistics, such as:
Age: PepsiCo targets different age groups with products like sugary sodas (for
younger people), healthier snacks (for middle-aged adults), and specialized products
like Quaker oats (for older adults).
Income: Premium products like Naked Juice or Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee
appeal to higher-income consumers, while value brands like Lay’s and Mountain Dew
target the mass market.
3. Psychographic Segmentation
Psychographics divide the market based on lifestyle, values, and personality traits. PepsiCo
often segments its market this way:
Value Seekers: These consumers prioritize affordability and may prefer value-sized
packaging or bulk products.
Socially Conscious Consumers: PepsiCo may target consumers who care about
environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, or social responsibility. Brands like
Naked Juice and Tropicana market with messages related to sustainable farming and
ethical ingredient sourcing.
4. Behavioural Segmentation
Occasions: PepsiCo segments based on specific events or occasions (e.g., snacks for
parties or family gatherings, beverages for casual or festive occasions).
Usage Rate: Heavy users of beverages or snacks might be targeted with bulk
packaging or multi-packs, while light users may be enticed by single-serve or travel-
sized products.
Benefits Sought: Consumers seeking convenience, taste, energy (like with Gatorade),
or health benefits (with Quaker Oats or Tropicana) will be segmented accordingly.
5. Product-Based Segmentation
PepsiCo offers a wide range of products, so segmenting based on product type is also
important:
Snacks: This includes chips (Lay’s, Doritos), nuts (Planters), and granola (Quaker).
With growing interest in digital engagement and product innovation, PepsiCo has segmented
markets based on:
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. How often do you purchase cold beverages (like Slice, Pepsi, 7UP)?
Daily
2–3 times a week
Once a week
Rarely
Never
Pepsi
Coca-Cola
Slice
Frooti
7UP
Supermarket
Restaurant/Café
4. Have you seen any recent advertisement or offer for Slice, Pepsi, or
7UP?
Yes
No
Cashback/Discount
Limited-time offers
Somewhat
7. How would you rate the availability of Slice or Pepsi products near
you?
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Not Available
8. Would you like to see more visibility (coolers, displays, posters) of your
favourite beverage brand in shops?
Yes
No
Conclusion
The internship at Varun Beverages Ltd. offered valuable hands-on exposure to the
company’s field-level sales and marketing operations. Over the course of two months,
I actively participated in market visits, beat planning, and retail execution in the
MORE – AGTM territory, under the guidance of the Area Sales Manager.
Visiting over 200 retail outlets, tracking product availability and cooler visibility
Monitoring VISI cooler compliance (20Cs and above), with an estimated 65–70%
coverage observed
Engaging with 80+ retailers to collect feedback on product range, pricing, and
promotional visibility
Supporting the field team through daily working sheets, support visit reporting, and
execution photo submissions
Field Notes and Daily Reports submitted during internship under ASM supervision