Celebrating social responsibility

The company has aligned its policies to tackling socio-economic problems and improving the quality of life in local communities and its staff give willingly of their time and energy as part of their "Live for a Difference" campaign, which reaches a number of projects that require a helping hand.

Denise Green, manager, CSI Projects at PenBev indicated, "An important focus for us is to invest in sustainable initiatives, which include the building of either an Educare centre or home for abandoned or abused children or education initiatives. The company also engages with many special events, sponsoring all the beverages for those participating in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, The Discovery Health Big Walk and the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, amongst others.

"Without the support of customers and consumers, these community projects would not be possible. The company and the staff receive so much in the way of fulfilment from taking part in these uplifting initiatives, we are truly grateful that we are able to continue to give something back."

Global giant

Globally, the Coca-Cola brand is valued at $67 billion and reportedly is the number one in sales of sparkling drinks, juice and juice drinks and ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and teas. With operations in more than 200 countries and over 900 bottling facilities, Coca-Cola is an international business. 1.7 billion servings of Coca-Cola beverages are enjoyed each day.

Firsts, facts

• 1916: Coca-Cola's unique contour bottle was designed and approved.
  
• 1960: The familiar shape was granted registration as a trademark, an honour then only accorded to a handful of other packages. The bottle thus joined the following trademarks - "Coca-Cola", registered in 1893 and Coke registered in 1945.
  
• 1925: The Board passes a resolution placing the secret formula for Coca Cola in a bank vault in Atlanta; the formula for Coca-Cola is the best kept commercial secret of all time.
  
• 1950: Coca Cola becomes the first product to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
  
• 1963: Tab, the first diet drink produced by the company, is launched. Its name is selected from a computer-generated search that yields more than 300,000 options.
  
• 1985: Coca-Cola was the first soda to be consumed in space.
  
• Coca-Cola reaches an estimated 98% of the world's population.
  
• Thirsty consumers around the world enjoy Coca-Cola products 1.7 billion times a day - that's about 19,400 beverages every second.