A comprehensive socio-economic impact study conducted by global consulting firm Steward shows that the Coca-Cola system in South Africa – comprising Coca-Cola and its authorized bottlers – along with its extensive network of local suppliers, distributors and retailers, contributed R51.2bnon in value-added economic activity in 2024.
“This new independent study highlights the scale of the Coca-Cola system’s contribution to South Africa’s economy, jobs and communities,” Luis Felipe Avelar, president of The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa operating unit, said ahead of the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, where the Coca-Cola system will participate as a sponsor.
Through its value chain, the Coca-Cola system supported more than 87,000 jobs through suppliers, partners and customers. This means that for every direct job created by the system, 10 more jobs were supported in the South African economy.
“Our business is embedded with local communities, we work locally, produce locally, distribute locally and source locally where possible, helping to build a stronger, more integrated economy in South Africa,” Avelar said.
Charl Goncalves, managing director of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, emphasized the system's focus on partnerships: “We are committed to creating opportunities for our people, our partners and the communities we serve.”
The study also highlights the strong local integration of the Coca-Cola system, with goods and services worth R25.6bn to be sourced from South African suppliers in 2024.
This local procurement supports diverse industries such as sugar production, packaging, transportation and marketing, strengthening the Coca-Cola system's role as a partner in South Africa's economic development.
Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said, “South Africa remains one of our most strategic markets in Africa – a legacy that dates back to Coca-Cola's first entry on the continent in 1928. These findings confirm the role of the Coca-Cola system as a key driver of shared value and sustainable growth within the South African economy.”
The Coca-Cola system has strengthened its footprint in South Africa through continued investment and innovation, including the launch of a new bottling line at CCBSA's manufacturing facility in Midrand.
This investment highlights the system's commitment to investing, producing and distributing locally, contributing to South Africa's social and economic development.
The contribution of the Coca-Cola system goes beyond economic impact. South Africa is one of the beneficiaries of the Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, an investment of approximately $25 million to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries by 2030.
The study, conducted by Steward Redquin, measured the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of the Coca-Cola system in South Africa, combining company operational data with reliable third-party economic sources.
The analysis shows how Coca-Cola's local operations are spreading throughout the economy – from farmers growing sugar cane to retailers selling the beverage – creating jobs, generating income and creating opportunities.
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