KATHMANDU: Coca-Cola in Nepal has launched its bottled drinking water brand Kinley, making a foray into the fast-growing segment of the beverage market.

Packaged drinking water in Nepal is estimated to be the second largest segment in the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage category after sparkling products. Kinley water comes with the assurance of high quality, safe drinking water from the Coca-Cola company and is produced with state-of-the-art technology using an eight-step purification process, according to a media release.

Legendary and respected actor Rajesh Hamal, brand ambassador for Kinley, unveiled the brand, along with the Country Director of Coca-Cola in Nepal, Ambuj Singh and Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal, Puneet Varshney.

Prior to the launch, water experts Kabindra Pudasaini, senior programme manager of Water Aid Nepal and Ghanashyam Gurung, senior conservation programme director of WWF Nepal, highlighted the current scenario of water availability and quality of drinking water in Nepal.

Both shared how they are partnering with Coca-Cola on innovative measures to replenish groundwater with projects on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, in and outside Kathmandu Valley.