Coca-Cola India and NSDC Empower 14,000 Retailers in Odisha with Super Power Retailer Program
Coca-Cola India, in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has successfully empowered over 14,000 retailers in Odisha through the Super Power Retailer Program. Launched on October 15, 2023, by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this initiative aims to transform the retail landscape in the state by providing crucial skills to the retail community, including women retailers.
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, emphasized the program’s importance in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving retail sector. “We are invested in upskilling our retailers by building their capacity and capability. This partnership with Coca-Cola India is key to equipping beneficiaries with the necessary knowledge to expand their businesses and enhance consumer experiences, ultimately strengthening India’s economy,” Tiwari stated. He also highlighted the integration of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which provides learners with access to digital content and in-demand skills anytime, anywhere.
Irene Tan, Vice President of Human Resources at Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, echoed Tiwari’s sentiments, saying, “At Coca-Cola, we strive to create a conducive and enabling environment for retailers, allowing them to expand their businesses and enhance consumer experiences. The Super Power Retailer program showcases our commitment to positively impacting societies.”
The program offers industry-specific skills, including customer management, inventory and stock management, and financial management, tailored to the professional needs of retailers. It has fostered gender diversity by including women participants, highlighting Coca-Cola India’s dedication to driving change and boosting employment prospects.
The initiative features a combination of classroom training sessions in Odisha and an online certification program across India, enabling small shopkeepers and large businessmen to better adapt to changing market trends. The training, delivered in the local language, has significantly expanded the reach and accessibility of the participants.
