Coke Makes Milestone Delivery in Burma

For the first time in more than 60 years, The Coca-Cola Company has made a delivery of Coca-Cola to local customers in Yangon, Myanmar (also known as Burma). As the country opens up to the world, Coke is there with a long-term commitment to bring its global brands to Burma.

 

"The Coca-Cola Company has been a part of the community fabric in countries around the world for decades," says Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company. "In every nation and city where we do business, our employees strive to create economic value and build sustainable communities. We are privileged to once again have the opportunity to play a role in building a better future with the people of Myanmar."

 

Kent was in Yangon recently as a member of the U.S.-ASEAN Eminent Persons Group, which provides independent recommendations to leaders on how to significantly enhance U.S.-ASEAN ties. He also oversaw the first deliveries of Coca-Cola product.

 

The company is working towards establishing a bottling entity in Myanmar that will combine the company's global expertise with the capabilities of the local soft drinks company, Pinya Manufacturing Co Ltd. The prospective collaboration aims to bring the best of Coca-Cola's global system business practices to Myanmar and leverage existing local business talent and market insights.

 

The intent is to commence local production as soon as possible, building on an initial distribution agreement established with Pinya to make product available throughout the country immediately. Coca-Cola has a general practice of operating as a local business in every market it serves, including selling, distributing, manufacturing and hiring locally.