Jorge López Dóriga: We began operations in Thailand in 2006, and this was our first incursion outside Latin America. 2011 was our first full year of operations in Indonesia, Vietnam and India. The Southeast Asian market represents a significant opportunity for AJE; these countries have large, young and fast-growing populations with lower per capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks than other regions, such as Latin America.
The results in our two main markets – Indonesia and Thailand – have been impressive! For example, in just four years of presence in the Indonesian market, Big Cola now has a market share of 42% in the carbonated soft drink category. And just recently, in February, Fortune Magazine (Indonesia) dedicated its cover story to us saying Big Cola was the next big thing. In Thailand, despite the recent entry into the market of a strong local competitor, Big Cola remains the third most sold carbonated soft drink in the country.