“Celebrating you, Celebrating 132!”; Coca-Cola into 132 years of operation

On 8th May, 2018, Coca-Cola celebrates its 132nd anniversary. The history of the world’s favorite drink- Coca-Cola began on May 8th, 1886, when the curiosity of a pharmacist in Atlanta, Dr. John S Pemberton, led him to create a distinctive tasting soft drink; Coca-Cola. The super drink that conquered the hearts of millions worldwide has been refreshing people across the globe since its first production. It would be hard to find someone who has not heard about the famous Coca-Cola line "Taste the Feeling". The drink has associated itself with refreshment, enjoyment and celebration. The taste of Coca-Cola is unique in itself and for years, it has given people around the world, drinks they want and love.

Dr. Pemberton's partner and bookkeeper, Frank M Robinson, is credited for naming the beverage 'Coca-Cola' as well as designing the trademark, distinct script, still used today. Though Dr. Pemberton created the drink, it was Asa G Candler, who grew the business, spreading it across the USA. Now, the company operates in more than 200 countries. Coca-Cola was introduced in Nepal in 1979 and has two plants in the country in Balaju and Bharatpur. The Coca-Cola Company strives to refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism, and create value and make a difference.

For Coca-Cola in Nepal, sustainability is at the heart of the business. The system in Nepal is also committed to creating lasting positive impact on the communities they proudly serve, actively leveraging partnerships with communities, government agencies and non-profits, through a “golden triangle” approach for partnerships. The company has a number of initiatives focused on water replenishment, improving water efficiency, supporting WASH programs in public schools, a focused effort on recycling PET bottles, and also empowering women.

Mr. Puneet Varshney, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal Limited said, “On this special occasion of The Coca-Cola Company’s 132nd birthday, we are celebrating our people, our consumers and rejoicing their affection towards our brand.  Nepal has loved us for over 4 decades now and it gives me immense pleasure to be celebrating this moment of happiness by creating value for the community we serve in. We would like to especially thank our customers who are an invaluable part of our journey in Nepal."

“To celebrate 132 years, Coca-Cola across the world is celebrating their people. It’s fundamentally a story of people – people from all cultures, backgrounds and ways of life – all united behind an enduring love for our business and our brands. We look forward to continue to be a part of our consumers’ every day moments,” shared Mr. Ambuj Singh,

Country Director of Coca-Cola in Nepal.

In addition to the ongoing programs and sustainability commitments, marking the 132 years of the Company’s existence this week, Bottlers Nepal Limited (authorized bottler of the Coca-Cola Company) is collaborating with RAP 3 CONNECT (IMC Worldwide); a program conceived in 1999 through Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland acting through the Department of International Development (“DFID”), by providing its existing basket to sell RAP's products through its vibrant network of women micro-entrepreneurs in six districts in the Mid and Far-West of Nepal. The collaboration seeks to deliver training to 400 Hamri Didis in two groups, first in Nepalgunj on 9th May and then in Dhangadhi on 16th May. Moreover, it is planning to provide the Hamri Didi's of RAP 3 CONNECT with 5by20 training. 5by20 is The Coca-Cola Company's global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company's value chain by 2020.