The Coca-Cola system in South Africa today announced the results of a comprehensive socio-economic impact study conducted by global consulting firm Steward Redquin.
“This new independent study highlights the scale of the Coca-Cola system's contribution to South Africa's economy, jobs and communities,” said Luis Felipe Avelar, president of The Coca-Cola Company's Africa operations unit. He spoke during a media briefing hosted by the Honorable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau, ahead of the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, where the Coca-Cola system will participate as a sponsor.
The study 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 R51.2 billion in value-added economic activity in 2024.
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 $25.6 billion worth of goods and services supplied from suppliers in South Africa 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.
“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,” said Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
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 Africa Water Management InitiativeInvesting nearly $25 million by 2030 to help address critical water challenges in local communities in 20 African countries.
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.
About Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a holistic beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company aims to refresh the world and bring change. We sell multi-billion dollar brands across multiple beverage categories around the world. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, SmartWater, VitaminWater, Topo Chico, BodyArmor, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayatka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, Innocent, Del Valle, Fairlife and ADES. We are constantly making changes to our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our beverages to bringing innovative new products to the market. We want to make a positive impact on people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities around the world. Learn more here www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us Instagram, Facebook And Linkedin. Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, Innocent, Del Valle, Fairlife and ADES. We are constantly making changes to our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our beverages to bringing innovative new products to the market. We want to make a positive impact on people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities around the world. Learn more here www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us Instagram, Facebook And Linkedin.