The Coca-Cola system in South Africa, comprising The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottlers Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, plans to invest ZAR 17.6 billion (approx. $1 billion) in the country by 2030.
The investment will be directed towards expanding production capacity, strengthening distribution and supporting innovation across the company’s value chain.
According to a socio-economic impact study by Steward Redqueen, the Coca-Cola system contributed ZAR 51.2 billion (approx. $3 billion) in value-added economic activity in South Africa in 2024.
The system supported more than 87,000 jobs across its value chain, including 7,822 direct roles and approximately 79,300 jobs through suppliers, partners and customers. The study indicates that each direct job supports around ten additional jobs in the wider economy.
Local procurement reached ZAR 25.6 billion (approx. $1.52 billion) in 2024, spanning sectors such as sugar production, packaging, transport and marketing.
Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said: “South Africa remains one of our most strategic markets in Africa – the beginning of a legacy that dates back to Coca-Cola’s first entry on the continent in 1928. These findings reaffirm the Coca-Cola system’s role as a key driver of shared value and sustainable growth within the South African economy.”
The study assessed direct, indirect and induced impacts using company data and external economic sources, outlining the contribution of Coca-Cola’s operations from agriculture through to retail.
South Africa is also included in the company’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, a nearly $25 million programme running to 2030 aimed at addressing water-related challenges across 20 countries.
The investment follows an agreement by Coca-Cola HBC to acquire a majority stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
by Rafaela Sousa
Source: foodbev.com
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