After meeting with Milei, Coca-Cola announced an investment of USD 1.4 billion

The Coca-Cola company announced that it will invest more than 1.4 billion dollars in Argentina over the next four years to strengthen production, optimize logistics, and improve infrastructure.

The company made this known on Thursday along with its bottling partners, following a meeting between its top executives and President Javier Milei, who was informed about the investment.

Official sources indicated that the president of Coca-Cola Company, John Murphy, and the president of the Latin America Operating Unit, Bruno Pietracci, were received by the head of state.

According to the company, these funds will be allocated to the modernization of equipment and production lines with advanced technology, as well as the construction and improvement of distribution centers and the renewal of its logistics fleet. Additionally, digital solutions will be implemented to increase operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives will be strengthened to optimize resource use.

"We are committed to Argentina's future," expressed Murphy, who added that "this investment not only reinforces our local operations but also reflects confidence in the growth potential of the Argentine market and our key role as a driver of the country's economy."

Accompanying Murphy and Pietracci during the announcement were Teodoro Kundig, general manager for Argentina of Coca-Cola FEMSA; Pedro Massa, vice president for the Southern Cone of Coca-Cola Company; Enrique Pérez Barba, executive director of Peru and South America of Arca Continental; and Sergio Giménez, general manager of ARCA Continental.

Also present were Luciana Batista, president for Brazil and the Southern Cone of Coca-Cola Company; Fabián Castelli, general manager for Argentina of Coca-Cola Andina; Victoria Lee, general manager of Reginald Lee; David Lee, president of Reginald Lee; Miguel Ángel Peirano, executive vice president of Coca-Cola Andina, and Leonardo García, general manager of Coca-Cola Company Argentina.

In a statement, the company highlighted that "the investment is a key component of a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening production capacity in strategic locations across the country, ensuring modernized and efficient operations."

This announcement adds to the recent installation of a new returnable packaging line at the Coca-Cola Andina plant in Mendoza, inaugurated in November 2024, with an investment of 40 million dollars in Godoy Cruz. This plant produces returnable PET containers of 2 and 2.5 liters, and 1.25-liter glass bottles, with the capacity to process up to 48,000 liters of soda per hour in various formats simultaneously.

The project aims to generate a positive impact in the social, economic, and environmental areas, as returnable bottles follow a 100% circular model and contribute to reducing the product cost for the end consumer.

"Through this plan, the Coca-Cola System seeks to modernize its operations in various regions, fostering innovation, expanding its logistics network, and generating new employment opportunities throughout the country," they noted.

"With this investment, we reaffirm our commitment to Argentina's economic development, contributing to job creation and strengthening the local industry," expressed Leonardo García, general manager of Coca-Cola for Argentina and Uruguay. "We continue to work closely with our bottling partners to promote sustainable and long-term growth in the country," he added.

Last year, the company highlighted that "in the Latin American context, Argentina represents the third most relevant country for the company, after Mexico and Brazil. With a significant effect on the development of each of the countries in which it operates, the Coca-Cola System (composed of Coca-Cola Argentina and its bottlers: Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Andina, Arca, and Reginald Lee) along with its value chain in the country, contribute 0.7% of the GDP and directly employ around 15,300 people, generating 157,000 indirect jobs."