NLRB: Atlanta Coca-Cola Enterprise Employees to Get Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Back Pay

/PRNewswire/ -- In a victory for Atlanta Coca-Cola Enterprise workers seeking to form a union with the Teamsters, the National Labor Relations Board has approved a settlement that will grant thousands of dollars of wage adjustments for hourly employees at CCE's Marietta bottling plant that will be paid dating back to April 2, 2010.

Coca-Cola also agreed to refrain from committing a series of unfair labor practice violations against the approximately 340 workers at its Marietta, College Park and Atlanta West facilities. For more than a year, these Atlanta-area CCE workers have been trying to form a union with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The NLRB has required Coca-Cola to post a notice to employees stating the company will not interfere with their right to form a union, grant the retroactive raise to the Marietta employees, and rescind an unjust discipline issued to a key union activist.

"We're pleased that the NLRB has intervened to help negotiate an agreement with Coca-Cola Enterprises," said Randy Brown, President of Teamsters Local 728 in Atlanta. "We hope these workers can proceed with their organizing campaign free from intimidation, threats and broken promises, and we look forward to the day when we can welcome them as Teamsters."

"We are so excited by this settlement. It shows that we have power when we stand together. But the big goal is to win permanent change through a Teamster contract," said Delorace McFadden, a CCE worker and an Organizing Committee member. "We will not stop until the job is done."

The Teamsters currently represent more than 14,000 Coca-Cola employees throughout the United States.

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Coca-Cola Commits to Climate-Friendly Refrigeration Through Engagement with Greenpeace

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Days before the United Nations summit on climate change begins in Copenhagen, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners today announced that 100 percent of their new vending machines and coolers will be hydrofluorocarbon-free (HFC-free) by 2015. Coca-Cola is committing to use its scale to aggregate demand and encourage supply as a means of accelerating the transition to HFC-free refrigeration equipment. This announcement is a direct result of work with Greenpeace that began in 2000, and a demonstration that phasing out the use of HFCs is a tangible and near-term action corporations can take to protect the climate.

The transition to HFC-free refrigeration will reduce the equipment’s direct greenhouse gas emissions by 99 percent. A recent peer-reviewed report by top scientists shows that HFCs will be responsible for between 28 percent and 45 percent of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050 if society reduces carbon dioxide while leaving HFCs unchecked. Eliminating HFCs in the commercial refrigeration industry would be equivalent to eliminating the annual greenhouse gas emissions of Germany or Japan.

“Climate change is real and the time to act on solutions is now,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “Greenpeace has played a critical role in raising our awareness about the need for natural refrigeration. Our announcement today demonstrates a commitment to use our influence in the marketplace to drive innovation and help shape a low-carbon future.”

This step by Coca-Cola will help accelerate a market shift in commercial refrigeration away from HFCs. The Coca-Cola Company has invested more than $50 million in research and development to advance the use of climate-friendly cooling technologies. In 2010, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners will purchase a minimum of 150,000 units of HFC-free equipment, effectively doubling the current rate of purchase to enable alignment with an interim goal to purchase 50 percent of all new coolers and vending machines without HFCs by 2012.

The Company and its bottling partners have approximately 10 million coolers and vending machines in place today around the world, comprising the largest element of the Coca-Cola system’s total climate impact. As a result of the commitment to eliminate the use of HFCs in this equipment, carbon emission reductions will exceed 52.5 million metric tons over the life of the equipment – the equivalent of taking more than 11 million cars off the road for one year.

“We welcome Coca-Cola’s commitment to help tackle climate change; large enterprises have both an opportunity and responsibility to change the game and Coca-Cola’s action leaves no excuse for other companies not to follow,” said Kumi Naidoo, Executive Director, Greenpeace International.

Coca-Cola currently utilizes two HFC-free solutions. Hydrocarbon refrigeration is used in smaller refrigeration equipment and carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in larger equipment. CO2 is a safe, reliable and energy efficient alternative with positive characteristics as a refrigerant. It does not deplete the ozone layer and it is 1,430 times less damaging to the climate than a typical HFC.

Already, as a direct result of Coca-Cola’s supply chain engagement, a major supplier has communicated its intention to build a dedicated CO2 compressor production facility, helping to meet the growing demand for HFC-free refrigeration options throughout the industry.

“Addressing climate change requires leadership and collaboration,” said Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “Just days away from the negotiations in Copenhagen, this announcement by Coca-Cola and Greenpeace demonstrates that investments in low-carbon technologies can make business sense.”

This announcement is a direct result of discussions with Greenpeace that began in the run-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Greenpeace challenged Coca-Cola to go HFC-free in all of the equipment it supplied to the Games. By the Torino Games in 2006 and the Beijing Games in 2008, the Company was using all HFC-free technology at Olympic venues. For the past five years, the relationship between Greenpeace and Coca-Cola has become increasingly cooperative as both sought a cost-effective alternative to HFCs.

“At Coca-Cola, we are deploying our scale and working with suppliers to deliver cost effective alternatives to HFC, for us and for others,” said Rick Frazier, Vice President, Supply Chain, The Coca-Cola Company.

“Greenpeace increasingly works with businesses to make fundamental manufacturing and sourcing changes by connecting regulation, economies of scale and supply chain security,” said Amy Larkin, Director of Greenpeace Solutions. “Coca-Cola’s commitment today runs ahead of regulation and takes some fear out of rapid change.”

Coolers and vending machines impact the climate in three ways: through direct energy use (operating the machine), through chemicals used in the machine's insulation foam, and by leakage or improper end-of-life disposal of the refrigerant gas used in the cooling system. In addition to its refrigerant gas commitment, Coca-Cola developed a proprietary energy management system (EMS) that delivers energy savings of up to 35 percent and has placed over 1.7 million of these units around the world. In 2006, the Company completed the transition to HFC-free insulation foam for all new purchases of refrigeration equipment. Together, HFC-free insulation and HFC-free refrigerant will generate 99 percent fewer direct greenhouse emissions than traditional equipment.

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Governor Perdue Lauds Coca-Cola Expansion

Governor Sonny Perdue today praised The Coca-Cola Company for its continued effort to grow its business presence and invest in Georgia, as the Company prepares to open a $100 million-plus expansion to its Atlanta production facilities.

“Coca-Cola is a very important part of Georgia's economy,” Governor Perdue said. “I am thrilled that after more than a century of doing business in Georgia, Coca-Cola continues to see this state as a great place for new investment in facilities and jobs.”

The plant expansion will contain production facilities for the concentrated ingredients used in the new Coca-Cola Freestyle™ fountain dispenser. Coca-Cola Freestyle™ is the brand name for the “fountain of the future” from The Coca-Cola Company that uses microdosing technology to dispense more than 100 sparkling and still beverage brands from a single freestanding unit.
“The future looks bright for Coca-Cola Freestyle,” said Sandy Douglas, President Coca-Cola North America. “And that creates the potential for even more growth in our facilities and capabilities in Atlanta.”

The new facility will preserve jobs in the Atlanta syrup plant and could lead to job growth in the future. The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Fulton County worked together to aid Coca-Cola in the plant expansion.
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The Coca-Cola Company Creates New Structure to Integrate Three Key Functions; Promotes Five Executives

(BUSINESS WIRE)--In support of its ongoing productivity and transformation initiatives, The Coca-Cola Company today announced the formation of a new structure that will integrate three core functions: Global Business Services, Global Information Technology and Transformational Productivity. The newly formed organization, Global Business and Technology Services (GBTS), will enable the Company to deliver global business services such as compensation and benefits administration, accounting and financial reporting, and application development and support -- services that are highly dependent on technology and standardized processes – to its business units in a more effective and efficient way.

Effective July 1, Harry Anderson, currently vice president and controller, will lead this new organization and report to Alex Cummings, chief administrative officer, and Gary Fayard, chief financial officer.

Mr. Anderson joined the Company in 2001 and, prior to his most recent role, served as chief financial officer of Coca-Cola North America from 2004-2007. In 2003, he was named vice president and director of Supply Chain and Manufacturing Management. Before joining the Company, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., where he was executive vice president of Finance and Operations for Turner Entertainment Group. Prior to his roles at Turner Broadcasting, Mr. Anderson worked in Audit and Accounting Services at Price Waterhouse. He has a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Alabama.

The Company’s management will recommend at the July Board of Directors meeting that the Board elect Kathy Waller as controller, effective August 1. Ms. Waller is currently vice president and chief of internal audit. Ms. Waller is a Certified Public Accountant who joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1987 as a senior accountant in the Accounting Research Department. Three years later, she became principal accountant for the Northeast Europe/Africa Group and, in 1991, she became marketing controller for the McDonald’s Group. Ms. Waller was then named financial services manager for the Africa Group and The Minute Maid Company in 1996. She served as the director of Financial Reporting from 1998 to 2004 when she assumed her current position. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Waller worked for the firm now known as Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. She received her bachelor’s and MBA degrees from the University of Rochester in New York.

The Company’s management also will recommend at the July meeting that the Board of Directors appoint Connie McDaniel to the role of chief of internal audit, effective August 1. Ms. McDaniel, currently vice president and head of Global Finance Transformation, has played an instrumental role in leading the finance transformation over the last two years.

Previously, Ms. McDaniel served as controller, a role held from 1999 to 2007. Prior to that, she served in other critical leadership roles including division finance manager of Germany, division finance manager of the Southeast and West Asia Division, and director of Financial Reporting. Before joining the Company, Ms. McDaniel spent nine years at Ernst & Young. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Georgia State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Jeremy Faa, currently global director of Finance Transformation, will expand his responsibilities to include the overall strategic direction and implementation of the global finance transformation.

Prior to his leadership role in the Finance Transformation, Mr. Faa served as Group CFO and director of Business Strategy for the Pacific Group. He joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1997 and has since held a number of roles, including the Business Development manager and Operations director for Coca-Cola Indonesia and director of Business Planning and executive assistant to the Coca-Cola Asia Group President. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Mr. Faa was a consultant at the L\E\K Partnership with assignments in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand. Mr. Faa has degrees in law and commerce from Bond University in Australia.

Ann Taylor, currently vice president and chief financial officer, Transformational Productivity, will head up Global Business Services, effective July 1, reporting to Mr. Anderson. Since joining the Company in 1984, Ms. Taylor has held a variety of finance roles with increasing responsibilities, including director of Investor Relations from 2004 to 2008. Ms. Taylor served as chief financial officer for the Europe, Eurasia and Middle East group, and prior to that role, she was division finance manager for Great Britain and Ireland, division finance manager for Northwest Europe, and chief financial officer for Western Europe. Before joining the Company, she worked at what is now Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Ms. Taylor has a bachelor’s degree in math and economics from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in business from the University of Virginia.

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The Coca-Cola Company Introduces Innovative Bottle Made from Renewable, Recyclable, Plant-Based Plastic

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Coca-Cola Company unveiled yesterdayge a new plastic bottle made partially from plants. The “PlantBottle™” is fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on a non-renewable resource, and reduces carbon emissions, compared with petroleum-based PET plastic bottles.

“The ‘PlantBottle™’ is a significant development in sustainable packaging innovation,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “It builds on our legacy of environmental ingenuity and sets the course for us to realize our vision to eventually introduce bottles made with materials that are 100 percent recyclable and renewable.”

Traditional PET bottles are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The new bottle is made from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30 percent plant-based materials.

“The Coca-Cola Company is a company with the power to transform the marketplace, and the introduction of the ‘PlantBottle™’ is yet another great example of their leadership on environmental issues,” said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, U.S. “We are pleased to be working with Coke to tackle sustainability issues and drive innovations like this through their supply chain, the broader industry and the world.”

The “PlantBottle™” is currently made through an innovative process that turns sugar cane and molasses, a by-product of sugar production, into a key component for PET plastic. Coca-Cola is also exploring the use of other plant materials for future generations of the “PlantBottle™.”

Manufacturing the new plastic bottle is more environmentally efficient as well. A life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the “PlantBottle™” with 30 percent plant-base material reduces carbon emissions by up to 25 percent, compared with petroleum-based PET.

Another advantage to the “PlantBottle™” is that, unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET. So, the material in the “PlantBottle™” can be used, recycled and reused again and again.

Coca-Cola North America will pilot the “PlantBottle™” with Dasani and sparkling brands in select markets later this year and with vitaminwater in 2010. The innovative bottles will be identified through on-package messages and in-store point of sale displays. Web-based communications will also highlight the bottles’ environmental benefits.

“The ‘PlantBottle™’ represents the next step in evolving our system toward the bottle of the future,” said Scott Vitters, Director of Sustainable Packaging of The Coca-Cola Company. “This innovation is a real win because it moves us closer to our vision of zero waste with a material that lessens our carbon footprint and is also recyclable.”

The Coca-Cola Company – the first company to introduce a beverage bottle made with recycled plastic – has been focused on ensuring the sustainability of its packaging for decades. It has put resources behind creating packaging that is recyclable and investing in recycling infrastructure to ensure that its packages are collected, recycled and re-used. Earlier this year, the Company opened the world’s largest plastic bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Spartanburg, S.C. The plant will produce approximately 100 million pounds of recycled PET plastic for reuse each year – the equivalent of nearly 2 billion 20-ounce Coca-Cola bottles. These efforts are all focused on helping “close the loop” on packaging use and produce truly sustainable packages for consumers.

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The Coca-Cola Company Commits US$30 Million to Clean Water Projects across Africa

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Coca-Cola Company announced today that it has committed US $30MM over the next six years to provide access to safe drinking water to communities throughout Africa through its Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN). Implemented by The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, RAIN will provide at least 2 million Africans with clean water and sanitation by 2015.

“Africa’s water crisis threatens the health of its population and, therefore, its prospects for economic growth,” said Muhtar Kent, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “Communities need strong, healthy people to thrive, and our business needs strong, healthy communities to grow and be sustainable. Helping African communities tackle their water challenges is an important priority for our Company and our bottling partners and is an area where we can make a positive and lasting impact.”

According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million Africans lack access to safe drinking water, and millions of them die each year from preventable waterborne illnesses. Up to half of the region’s population at any one time suffers from diseases related to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.

Between 2004 and 2015, the number of people living without access to safe water in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase by 47 million people. Africa is expected to miss the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals target for access to clean drinking water by 111 million people and the sanitation target by 289 million.

“No single organization can resolve Africa’s development challenges, but together with civic society, nongovernmental organizations and government we can make a positive difference in the lives of the people who make up our communities,” said William Asiko, President of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation currently has water projects in 19 African countries – Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia – reaching over 300,000 people.

These water projects are all implemented in partnership with local communities in each country. They also contribute to The Coca-Cola Company’s aspirational water stewardship goal of returning to communities and to nature an amount of water equivalent to what we use in all of our beverages and their production. The Company’s strategy for achieving that goal has three components:

* Reduce - Improving water efficiency by 20 percent by 2012, compared to a baseline year 2004.
* Recycle - Returning all water the Company uses for manufacturing processes to the environment at a level that supports aquatic life and agriculture by the end of 2010.
* Replenish - Expanding the Company’s support of healthy watersheds and sustainable community water programs to balance the water used in its finished beverages.

“Having access to clean water still remains a luxury, not a given, in large parts of the continent,” Asiko said. “RAIN helps us both fulfill our environmental goals while also providing health benefits that will allow our communities and our business to grow and prosper.”

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The Coca-Cola Company Increases Annual Dividend by 8 Percent; 47th Consecutive Annual Increase

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company today approved the Company's 47th consecutive annual dividend increase, raising the quarterly dividend approximately 8 percent from 38 cents to 41 cents per common share. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.64 per share, up from $1.52 per share in 2008. The dividend is payable April 1, 2009, to shareowners of record as of March 15, 2009.

The increase reflects the Board's confidence in the Company's long-term cash flow. The Company returned $4.6 billion to shareowners in 2008, through $3.5 billion in dividends and $1.1 billion in share repurchases. In the past five years, the Company's dividends have grown at a compound annual rate of more than 10 percent.

The Board also elected Javier Goizueta as vice president of the Company. Earlier this month, he was named president of The McDonald’s Division. In this role, he will be responsible for building and strengthening the Company’s strategic alliance with McDonald’s in 118 countries and over 31,000 restaurants. Mr. Goizueta succeeds Jerry Wilson, who was recently named the Company’s chief customer and commercial officer.

Since joining the Company in 2001, Mr. Goizueta has served as vice president, USA within The McDonald’s Division, vice president, Global Still Beverages Operations and Commercialization, and vice president, Global New Business Models. Prior to joining The Coca-Cola Company, he spent 20 years with Procter & Gamble, 10 years in their U.S. Operations and 10 years in Latin America. Trilingual in Spanish, English and Portuguese, Mr. Goizueta received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University.

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The Coca-Cola Company Announces Neville Isdell Will Not Stand for Re-Election to Board of Directors; Board Intends to Elect Muhtar Kent as Chairman

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Coca-Cola Company announced December 11 that it received a letter from its Chairman of the Board, Neville Isdell, confirming that, consistent with the succession plan announced in December 2007, he will not stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at the April 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareowners. James D. Robinson III, Presiding Director of The Coca-Cola Company, also announced that the Board intends to elect President and Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent to succeed Mr. Isdell as Chairman of the Board following the April Annual Meeting of Shareowners.

“I have always believed that well-conceived and well-executed succession planning is a vital responsibility of public company boards,” said Mr. Isdell. “We met that responsibility when we announced one year ago just such a plan, including placing the future leadership of the Company in the experienced and talented hands of Muhtar Kent, who is providing outstanding leadership as he manages both for today and tomorrow.”

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The Board Of Directors Of The Coca-Cola Company Declares Quarterly Dividend; Elects Tuggle As Officer

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 38 cents per common share. The dividend is payable Dec. 15, 2008, to shareowners of record as of Dec. 1, 2008.

The Board also elected Clyde Tuggle as a senior vice president of the Company. Mr. Tuggle leads the Company's productivity efforts and oversees the Company’s Public Affairs and Communications and Strategic Security and Aviation functions. Prior to this newly created role, Mr. Tuggle served as president of the Russia, Ukraine and Belarus Business Unit.

A 19-year veteran of the Company, Mr. Tuggle has twice held the role of executive assistant to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From 1998 to 2000, he worked in the Central European Division, first as director of operations development and deputy to the division president, and then as region manager for Austria. Mr. Tuggle was named Worldwide Communications director in 2001 and served as director of Worldwide Public Affairs and Communications from 2002 to 2005.

Mr. Tuggle has a bachelor’s degree in German and economics from Hamilton College, a master’s degree from Yale University and has completed the executive program at the University of Virginia’s Darden Business School.

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

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National Society of Hispanic MBAs to Honor Brillante Award Recipients During Hispanic Heritage Month

PRNewswire -- As the National Hispanic Heritage Month begins, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2008 Brillante Awards for Excellence. The Brillante Award for Excellence is the most prestigious honor presented to the Hispanic community's most outstanding leaders and corporations whose work and contributions reflect NSHMBA's mission to foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development in order to improve society. Six recipients will be recognized at the Brillante Awards Gala, hosted by Deloitte, during the NSHMBA 2008 Conference and Career Expo on October 11th in Atlanta, GA.

This year, nominations are for three outstanding individuals and three leading organizations. Individual honorees for 2008 include Rudy Beserra, VP Latin Affairs, The Coca-Cola Company, recognized for Corporate Executive Excellence; Loida Rosario, DePaul University, recognized for Member Service Excellence; and Tillie Hidalgo Lima, President/CEO, of Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc. for Entrepreneur Excellence Award. The awards recognizing organizations this year are bestowed upon American Express for Corporate Excellence, Florida International University for Educational Excellence, and the National Hispanic Business Association for Not-For-Profit Excellence.

"The individuals and organizations awarded the Brillante Award for Excellence are truly dedicated and determined to make a significant impact in the business world and the Hispanic community," states Lourdes Hassler, NSHMBA CEO. "They are true role models to our nation and an inspiration to our Hispanic community."

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GMSDC Makes History with Appointment of First Asian-American as Chairman of the Board

BUSINESS WIRE --The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (GMSDC) announces the election of Dr. Rengen Li, Supplier Diversity Manager at The Coca-Cola Company, as Board Chairman.

A native of China, Dr. Li worked for many years in supplier diversity for The Coca Cola Company. He helped increase the diversity spending threshold at The Coca-Cola Company by more than 450 percent. Rengen will support GMSDC’s Board, leadership and staff in carrying out its mission and strategic plan in compliance with the goals of its constituents and other key stakeholders.

“As the face of ‘Diversity’ evolves in the supplier diversity marketplace, GMSDC remains committed -- more than ever -- to our core of building competency and capacity for ethnic minority business enterprises in the mix,” said GMSDC President & CEO Stacey J. Key. “We anticipate Rengen’s expertise, experience and leadership will support us in mobilizing against our mission and maintain our leadership position in minority business development,” said Key.

Rengen has served held a variety of leadership positions with the Council including most recently as First Vice Chair; Committee Chairman for several committees including Long Range Planning; and Corporate Supplier Diversity Coordinators’ Forum. Li’s two-year term was effective on September 1. Ruby Patton of Cox Communications and GMSDC’s outgoing Interim Chair will serve as First Vice Chairperson on the Board.

“I am honored to hold this position during such an exciting time for minority business development,” said Li. “With hot trends such as globalization presenting challenges as well as enhanced opportunities for both corporate supply management and minority businesses, I’m committed to helping the organization deliver world-class services that help them compete in today’s changing business landscape and maximize all the benefits of supplier diversity partnerships,” Li added.

A testament to his great works in supplier diversity, Rengen has been recognized with multiple honors from organizations across the globe including the Top 50 Asian Americans in Business by Asian American Business Development Center of New York and 100 Men Impacting Supplier Diversity by Minority Business News.

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The Coca-Cola Company Offers To Buy Huiyuan Juice Group

BUSINESS WIRE --The Coca-Cola Company announced today its intention to make cash offers to purchase China Huiyuan Juice Group Limited, a Hong Kong listed company which owns the Huiyuan juice business throughout China.

The Coca-Cola business in China has been operating since 1979 and is well known for its sparkling beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. In the last few years, the Company has also introduced a number of still beverage brands, including Guo Li Chen (Minute Maid Pulpy) and Yuan Ye (Original Leaf Tea), with the objective of offering consumers a wide range of beverage choices. In line with this, the Company is seeking to further develop its beverage business through this acquisition.

“Huiyuan is a long-established and successful juice brand in China and is highly complementary to the Coca-Cola China business,” said Muhtar Kent, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.

“This acquisition will deliver value to our shareholders and provide a unique opportunity to strengthen our business in China, especially since the juice segment is so dynamic and fast growing in China. It is also further evidence of our deep commitment to China and to providing Chinese consumers with the beverage choices that meet their needs,” Mr Kent said.

If successful with the offers, the Company will use its expertise as a global beverage company to further develop the Huiyuan brand to address the evolving needs of consumers. There are anticipated synergies that will drive operational efficiencies, particularly in the Huiyuan business’ production footprint and in Coca-Cola’s distribution and raw material purchasing capabilities.

The making of the offers is subject to preconditions relating to Chinese regulatory approvals.

The Coca-Cola Company intends that the Huiyuan business will continue to carry on its business, while reviewing its operations and synergies over time.

“I am very pleased that the current Chairman of the Huiyuan business, Mr Zhu, has agreed to take up the role as Honorary Chairman. Both the Huiyuan business and The Coca-Cola Company will benefit from his deep understanding of the beverage business in China, as well as his on-going experience and advice,” Mr Kent said. “We are strongly committed to building on the Huiyuan business’ current brand, improving the utilization of its fixed assets and enhancing opportunities for employees of the Huiyuan business.”

The Coca-Cola Company is offering HK$12.20 per share, and an equivalent price for outstanding convertible bonds and options.

The Company has accepted irrevocable undertakings from three shareholders for acceptance of the offers, in aggregate representing approximately 66 percent of the Huiyuan shares.

Assuming full acceptance of the offers, the deal is valued at approximately US$2.4billion. The transaction is expected to be dilutive to the Company’s earnings per share by $0.03 to $0.04 in the first full year following completion of the acquisition and accretive to earnings per share in year 3 after completion.

The Company now expects to repurchase a total of $1 billion of its stock for the full year.

Forward-Looking Statements

This presentation may contain statements, estimates or projections that constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from The Coca-Cola Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks include, but are not limited to, obesity concerns; scarcity and quality of water; changes in the nonalcoholic beverages business environment, including changes in consumer preferences based on health and nutrition considerations and obesity concerns; shifting consumer tastes and needs, changes in lifestyles and increased consumer information; increased competition; our ability to expand our operations in emerging markets; foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations; our ability to maintain good relationships with our bottling partners; the financial condition of our bottlers; our ability to maintain good labor relations, including our ability to renew collective bargaining agreements on satisfactory terms and avoid strikes or work stoppages; increase in the cost of energy; increase in cost, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials; changes in laws and regulations relating to beverage containers and packaging, including mandatory deposit, recycling, eco-tax and/or product stewardship laws or regulations; adoption of significant additional labeling or warning requirements; unfavorable economic and political conditions in international markets, including civil unrest and product boycotts; changes in commercial or market practices and business model within the European Union; litigation uncertainties; adverse weather conditions; our ability to maintain brand image and product quality as well as other product issues such as product recalls; changes in legal and regulatory environments; changes in accounting standards and taxation requirements; our ability to achieve overall long-term goals; our ability to protect our information systems; additional impairment charges; our ability to successfully manage Company-owned bottling operations; global or regional catastrophic events; and other risks discussed in our Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Coca-Cola Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

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Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Names Steve Cahillane President, North American Group and Hubert Patricot President, European Group

BUSINESS WIRE --Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE) announced today that Steve Cahillane will assume the role of President, North American Business Unit, effective immediately, following the departure of Terrance M. (Terry) Marks from the company. The company also announced the appointment of Hubert Patricot as President, European Group. Previously, Cahillane served as President of the European Group for Coca-Cola Enterprises, and Patricot served as General Manager of Great Britain, Coca-Cola Enterprises.

“Terry has made the decision to leave CCE to pursue outside interests,” said John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer. “Coca-Cola Enterprises has benefited enormously from his leadership and contributions over the last twenty years, and we wish Terry well in his future endeavors.”

“Over Steve’s 20 year career in the beverage industry, he has developed a powerful combination of beverage sales, marketing and distribution experience working in complex markets in the U.S. and Europe,” said Mr. Brock. “Steve passionately believes in teamwork and accountability for delivering results.”

“Hubert is one of our most talented and experienced operators,” continued Mr. Brock. “His strong knowledge of our European operations and customer and consumer landscape make him uniquely qualified for this critical leadership role as we continue to capture opportunities in this important market.”

Mr. Cahillane, 43, has spent his entire career in the beverage industry in both North America and Europe. Prior to joining CCE in 2007, Mr. Cahillane served as Chief Commercial Officer for InBev, where he led the company's global commercial strategy, marketing and sponsorships, innovation, and research and insights. Mr. Patricot, 48, has been with the Coca-Cola system for 22 years. During this time, he has served in a variety of roles including Marketing Director for The Coca-Cola Company, France, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, CCE France and Vice President and General Manager CCE France.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. is the world’s largest marketer, distributor, and producer of bottle and can liquid nonalcoholic refreshment. Coca-Cola Enterprises sells approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company’s bottle and can volume in North America and is the sole licensed bottler for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, and the Netherlands.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Publishes 2007 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report

BUSINESS WIRE --Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE), the world’s largest marketer, distributor, and producer of Coca-Cola products, has published its third company-wide Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) Report, Shape Tomorrow…Today. To access CCE’s 2007 Report in its entirety, please visit http://www.cokecce.com/assets/uploaded_files/2007_CRSReport.pdf. Comments and feedback related to the 2007 Report are welcome at crs@cokecce.com.

The Report follows the G3 guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and announces the company’s first-ever goals and commitments in its five strategic CRS focus areas: water stewardship, sustainable packaging/recycling, energy conservation/climate change, product portfolio/well-being, and diverse and inclusive culture. The Report is a comprehensive look at Coca-Cola Enterprises’ business in the communities in which it operates.

“For the first time, we are announcing a clear roadmap with targets and goals to help us deliver on our commitment to Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability,” said John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer. “As we continue to embed CRS throughout our business, it is playing an increasingly important role in helping us to capture operational efficiencies, drive effectiveness, and eliminate waste.”

CCE has established a goal and targets for each of its five strategic CRS focus areas, including:

• Water Stewardship: Establish a water sustainable operation in which we use one liter of water for every liter of product we produce – what we call water neutrality.
• Sustainable Packaging/Recycling: Maximize our use of renewable, reusable, and recyclable resources, ultimately recycling the equivalent of 100 percent of our packaging.
• Energy Conservation/Climate Change: Reduce carbon emissions in our manufacturing, fleet, sales and marketing equipment, and facilities.
• Product Portfolio/Well-Being: Offer every consumer the right product and package in the right place, at the right moment, in the right way.
• Diverse and Inclusive Culture: Establish a diverse, winning, and inclusive culture.

Highlights from the Report include:

• Achieving the company’s target of a three percent improvement in water use ratio over previous year, using 1.77 liters of water to produce one liter of product
• Launching Coca-Cola Recycling with a mission of recovering or recycling the equivalent of 100 percent of the packaging materials used by the Coca-Cola system in North America
• Installing more than 20,000 energy-saving devices in sales and marketing equipment, reducing CO₂ by 28,000 metric tons
• Adding glacéau, FUZE, and Campbell’s products to the company’s product portfolio
• Increasing the number of light sparkling and still beverages in the company’s portfolio to 47 percent of our sales volume
• Spending more than US$150 million with minority- or women-owned business enterprises
• Contributing US$31.5 million to community investment programs

Coca-Cola Enterprises will continue to improve its reporting capabilities and data-gathering systems. The company is committed to developing greater transparency in reporting and improving the quality and quantity of the data reported.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is the world's largest marketer, producer, and distributor of bottle and can liquid nonalcoholic refreshment. CCE sells approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company's bottle and can volume in North America and is the sole licensed bottler for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, and the Netherlands.

The Board of Directors of the Coca-Cola Company Declares Quarterly Dividend; Elects Two Officers

BUSINESS WIRE--The Board of Directors of The Coca-Cola Company today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 38 cents per common share. The dividend is payable October 1, 2008, to shareowners of record as of September 15, 2008.

The Board also elected Alex Cummings executive vice president and David Taggart senior vice president of the Company. Mr. Taggart’s election is effective immediately; Mr. Cummings’ election is effective October 15, 2008, upon his relocation to the U.S.

Mr. Cummings is the Company’s chief administrative officer, responsible for oversight of key corporate functions that support business operations including, Legal, Public Affairs and Communications, Human Resources, Global Community Connections, Strategic Planning, Information Technology, Product Integrity, Research & Innovation and Science.

Prior to this newly created role, Mr. Cummings served as president of the Africa Group for seven years. He joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1997 as region manager, Nigeria and, in 2000, was named president of the Company's North & West Africa Division. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cummings held several positions with The Pillsbury Company in the U.S., including vice president of finance for Pillsbury International.

Mr. Cummings has a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in finance from Atlanta University. He is chairman of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and serves on the Boards of the African-America Institute, Africare and Clark Atlanta University.

As treasurer, Mr. Taggart oversees the Company’s global treasury operations, including management of its foreign currency, commodity, interest rate hedging and risk programs. He has more than 28 years’ experience with the Company. Mr. Taggart was elected assistant treasurer in 1985. In 1990, he was named president of The Coca-Cola Trading Company and established global procurement for the Company. He was elected vice president and treasurer in 1993.

Mr. Taggart has a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in general management from Harvard Business School. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, Inc.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Names John R. Parker, Jr. General Counsel

BUSINESS WIRE--Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE) announced today that John R. Parker, Jr. has been named Senior Vice President, General Counsel, effective immediately. Mr. Parker succeeds John J. Culhane, who announced his intention to retire at the end of last year. Mr. Parker will continue to report to John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives for CCE.

“John Parker is a seasoned leader with a proven track record,” said Mr. Brock. “His legal experience and knowledge of our operations, as well as the complexities our business and system face, make him the ideal candidate for the role of General Counsel.”

“We would like to thank John Culhane who provided significant legal expertise and played an integral role in the Coca-Cola system over the last 22 years,” said Mr. Brock. “His leadership and counsel were fundamental during major system events, including the formation of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) in 2000.”

Mr. Parker, 56, has 21-years experience in the Coca-Cola system and has previously served as General Counsel to Coca-Cola Enterprises and CCE’s Europe Group. In his most recent position, Mr. Parker oversaw the implementation of key business transformation initiatives and the development of the company’s Global Operating Framework. Prior to that, Mr. Parker served as Vice President and General Manager of CCE’s West Central Region. From 1999 to 2004, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel for CCE. From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Parker was Division Counsel for The Coca-Cola Company’s Nordic and Northern Eurasia Division and General Counsel for CCE’s Europe Group. He began his career within the system as legal counsel for The Coca-Cola Company in 1987, until he became Vice President and General Counsel of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York in 1992.

Mr. Parker is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia and the Bar of the 11^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Parker will continue to oversee the Strategic Initiatives team until a successor is named.