Bengaluru, July 1, 2024: Beverage company Coca-Cola India in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has empowered more than 14,000 retailers, including women entrepreneurs, in Odisha in seven months through its Super Power Retailer Program.
Launched on October 15, 2023, by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and former Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Super Power Retailer Program is designed to foster positive transformation within Odisha's retail community. NSDC is under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, emphasised the program's role in upskilling retailers amidst evolving technological advancements.
"Looking at the retail landscape rapidly evolving with the integration of technology, we are invested in upskilling our retailers by building their capacity and capability. I am confident that this partnership with Coca-Cola India will play a key role in equipping the beneficiaries with necessary knowledge to expand their businesses and enhance consumer experiences, ultimately strengthening India’s economy. Moreover, the integration of SIDH (Skill India Digital Hub) will ensure that the learners will have access to digital content, enabling them to acquire in-demand skills anytime, anywhere digitally,” Tiwari said.
Irene Tan, Vice President of Human Resources at Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, reaffirmed Coca-Cola's commitment to enhancing the retail environment.
"The Super Power Retailer program showcases our commitment towards positively impacting societies. Our partnership with Skill India Mission underlines innovative delivery of industry-specific skills in the retailer community, opening doors of opportunity for all," Tan said.
The Super Power Retailer Program offers industry-specific skills such as customer management, inventory and stock management, financial management and more that are tailored to the professional needs of retailers, making the retailers proficient and enhancing their knowledge. The participation of women in the program highlights Coca-Cola India's commitment to promoting gender diversity and enhancing employment opportunities.
As part of the program, a combination of classroom training sessions in Odisha and an online certification program across India led to the participation of 14,000 retailers. The training delivered in local language enabled small shopkeepers and big businessmen to expand their reach, improve accessibility, and better adapt to changing market trends.
