During his first presentation as President at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Coca Cola executives announced to Mauricio Macri that the company will be making a USD 1000 million investment in the next four years in Argentina.

The investment will destined to the development of operational and distributive infrastructure, environmental initiatives and the promotion of physical activity. It will be developed by the Coca-Cola System, integrated by Coca-Cola Argentina and its four bottling company partners: Coca-Cola Andina, Arca Continental, Coca-Cola FEMSA and Reginald Lee.

Muhtar Kent, President of the Board of Director and CEO of Coca-Cola, together with José Antonio Fernández, Executive President of FEMSA’s administration council, and Carlos Salazar, General Executive Director of FEMSA, kept a private meeting with President Macri, during which they also talked about the importance of working with the government to develop programs in the areas of sports and health to promote active and healthy lifestyles. These new projects with significantly expand the collaborations Coca-Cola already does in the country, to which they have spent around USD 16 million in 2015, supporting clubs, gyms and sport associations, competitions and physical activity and educational initiatives and the improvement of sports infrastructure.

“Coca-Cola has a 74 years history in Argentina. We have always worked with the same passion and commitment, together with our bottling company partners, to create value and make a difference in the Argentinian society. The investment we have announced to President Macri is another token of our contribution to the economic and social development of the country, which has prevailed even in times of great challenges. We believe that it will contribute to generate more growth and employment; it will make our operations more sustainable and strengthen our bond with consumers”, pointed out Muhtar Kent by the end of the meeting.

The Coca-Cola System generate in Argentina 15 thousand direct and indirect Jobs and tends the needs of over 260.000 customers, from which 85% are small traders. It has 10 productive plants in the country, providing a significant contribution to regional economies. The System annually buys consumables from local providers to elaborate beverages for a value over USD 850 million. In addition it is one of the main clients of fruit farms in the country, buying over 37.000 tonnes of concentrated orange, lemon, grapefruit, apple, pear, peach, and grape juice.  It is also one of the largest tax contributors in the country, with over ARS 6.3000 million payed in taxes in 2014.