The Coca-Cola system in Kenya has announced an investment of nearly $100 million in Kenya, as it seeks to diversify its product offerings in Kenya.
The new drinks will be produced locally through a new $26 million dollar, hot fill line at the CCBA- Nairobi Bottlers Ltd in Embakasi. This investment brings the total investment by The Coca-Cola Company in Kenya, between 2016 and 2018, to $90 million.
The new filling line is currently being used in the manufacture of the Minute Maid range of juice and will extend to the production of other soft drink beverages starting 2018.
“We no longer see ourselves as just a soda manufacturing company; The Coca-Cola Company has grown to be bigger than brand “Coca-Cola. In 2016, we embarked on a transformational journey, as the leader of the beverage industry that places our stakeholders and consumers firmly at the center of our business strategy. This is important if we have to grow responsibly,” said Brian Smith, the President for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at The Coca-Cola Company, during a visit to Nairobi.
The investment falls under The Coca-Cola Company’s global vision to become a total beverage company, by reshaping its growth strategy and operating model in line with the changing customer tastes and buying habits. This will include the introduction of more low- and no-sugar options and drinks in emerging categories.
“With innovation at the center of this new business strategy, we will be able to create more opportunities for to use local ingredients and other inputs. We will also create more jobs for farmers, youth, and women. This has a positive ripple effect on both the micro and macro economy, and this illustrates the overall impact on Kenya and other African countries where we operate,” added Brian.
This was Smith’s first visit to Kenya in his official capacity, having been appointed to the position last year in May. He is one of the direct reports to James Quincey, the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. In his role, he oversees the operations of six clusters, including the South and East Africa Business Unit, where Kenya falls.