As part of a refranchising strategy, Coca-Cola has completed the divestment of its Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada (CCRC) bottling division to Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited (CCCBL), which will now control Coca-Cola distribution and bottling processes across the country. This is a significant shift that includes five production facilities and 50 sales and distributions centres that were part of CCRC previously.
This news follows Coca-Cola’s non-binding agreement with Larry Tanenbaum, CEO of Kansas City-based Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, to carry out the divestment of the Canadian bottling arm.
“We’re extremely excited to work without our new partners at CCCBL to harness the full power of our incredible system. With their passion of our brands and commitment to world-class portfolio execution, we’re confident we have the right partners for our business to continue to grow and succeed in the Canadian market,” said Shane Grant, business unit president of the Coca-Cola Company, Canada.
“With a history that spans more than 120 years, Coca-Cola has deep roots in Canada – and we do not take that for granted. We’re humbled and privileged to be custodians of that legacy as we return Coca-Cola bottling in Canada to its local roots. We’re energised by the opportunity to innovate and grow with our customers, and to continue strengthening our relationships with the communities we serve,” said president and CEO, Todd Parsons, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited.
