Coca-Cola has finalised agreements with two new US-based bottling partners for the granting of new distribution territory.
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida will become an official Coca-Cola bottler in the southern state – including Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota – while Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution will have responsibility for the greater Chicago and northwestern Indiana region.
The Coca-Cola Company and the two new bottlers will collaborate on implementing key elements of an evolving US operating model, including more rational and contiguous operating territories; a grant of exclusive territory rights and the sale by Coca-Cola Refreshments of distribution assets and cold drink equipment; an improved, more integrated information technology platform; and a finished goods model and a new beverage agreement that supports the evolving operating model.
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida CEO Troy Taylor said: “It’s always been my dream to be a Coca-Cola bottler and today I’m honoured to establish a locally owned and operated bottling operation in the state of Florida. Together with The Coca-Cola Company we are committed to delivering excellent customer service, bringing moments of refreshment to our customers and building lasting partnerships with our community in the Sunshine State.”
Coca-Cola North American president Sandy Douglas added: “As we have said, the Coca-Cola system should be a reflection of the communities where we operate and the consumers and customers that we serve. The announcement today with two of our newest bottling partners – Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution, LLC and Coca-Cola Beverages Florida – is further evidence of that commitment. As we continue to align our US operations with highly capable partners in order to move our refranchising efforts forward, both bottlers will be instrumental as we implement a more agile, modern, customer-focused beverage partnership model.”
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