ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co., which earlier this summer announced plans to invest $5 billion in India from 2012 through 2020, on Oct. 26 unveiled plans to invest $300 million over the next three years in Vietnam. The investment, which will begin in 2013, will bring Coca-Cola’s investment in Vietnam to $500 million.
“Vietnam is an important growth market in Asia Pacific as we work to achieve our 2020 Vision goal of doubling system revenues this decade,” said Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Co. “Vietnam’s economy has maintained healthy growth in recent years, and this new financial commitment is more than an investment in Coca-Cola’s expansion in Vietnam, it is also an important acknowledgement of our belief in the long-term potential of this key market. Our continued investments in Vietnam underscore our commitment to building new infrastructure to support strong and sustainable growth, applying world-class marketing practices, creating new jobs, developing local talent, developing stronger partnerships with our local customers and investing heavily in the thousands of communities across Vietnam we proudly serve.”
As part of its earlier investment in Vietnam, Coca-Cola has increased local manufacturing and distribution capacity with new filling lines and the installation of new cold-drink coolers with local customers, helping local businesses boost beverage sales. The company’s most popular beverages in Vietnam include sparkling brands Coca-Cola, Coke Light, Fanta and Sprite, and still brands Minute Maid Teppy, Minute Maid Nutriboost, Samurai, Real Leaf and Dasani.