We continue to walk the path of sustainability

Technological development and digitization, macroeconomic changes and geopolitical events are shaping our economies and societies and with that change comes an inevitable transformation in the business landscape. 

In today's world, consumers expect environmental responsibility more than ever before, while employees seek a company that aligns with their values. As stakeholders' expectations evolve, the perspective of management is also undergoing a shift.

Recognizing that businesses thrive when communities thrive, we prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our operations. It is a process that requires us to acquire new knowledge and skills, to recalibrate our priorities and to commit to driving the desired changes together with our partners.

We are moving to an era of empathetic and inspiring leadership teams, who steer the organization by empowering people to work and learn together. 

 

2. How does your company strive to achieve sustainable goals?

Within the entire Coca-Cola HBC Group, we have a defined Mission Sustainability 2025, which aligns our goals with the United Nations' sustainability goals. We view sustainability as a comprehensive process that encompasses changes starting from the procurement of raw materials, production and packaging of products, our operations, collaboration with customers, employee relations, and extends to our communication with end consumers. These goals are not merely words on paper; we regularly monitor our progress and transparently report the results through our Annual Sustainability Report.

We recently celebrated a significant milestone with the release of our 10th Sustainability Report. I would like to highlight a few achievements: over the past 15 years, we have reduced water consumption by approximately 54% and energy consumption by 59% per liter of beverage produced. In 2022, through various investments in production, projects, and activities, we continued to reduce CO2 emissions, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

I take great pride in the results we have achieved thus far and in the fact that we are moving forward together with our customers, suppliers, industry, and community in the same direction. While we recognize that there is still a long journey ahead, we are fully committed to continuing our path of sustainability with unwavering determination.

 

3. What do you think is the key to achieving results and a sustainable future?

Partnerships play a key role in the transformation toward a better and more promising society, especially when shared responsibility for the common good is at the forefront.

To address social challenges and achieve sustainable outcomes, we require innovative, distinct, and courageous approaches that can only be realized through the power of collaboration and collective action.

 

4. Everything we do to make the planet more sustainable is driven by the desire to create a better future for the next generations. How do you support young people and their desire to change the world for the better?

Young individuals are a tremendous source of inspiration for us. They consistently challenge the status quo and possess the power to drive transformation within organizations. We wholeheartedly back their endeavors and provide support along their journey. For instance, we recently welcomed the 11th generation of interns through our unique summer internship program “Coke Summership”. These interns infuse our company with a special energy, and it is always exciting to witness their contributions. In fact, we have observed that a significant number of interns go on to become valuable members of our team following their internship.

To commemorate our 25 years of business in Serbia, we have awarded 25 young talents from across the country with valuable scholarships. Having had the pleasure of meeting them, I can confidently say that they are the generation that will bring about positive change in the world.

Through the multi-year national program "Coca-Cola Youth Empowered", we have so far empowered over 10,000 young people in Serbia by providing them with training and education, and the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. This initiative has been recognized as one of the most impactful projects supporting young individuals, and we are committed to its continuation.

 

5. Last year you opened a new bottling plant in the municipality of Kučevo and new jobs in the municipality where every job means a lot. How does this investment fit into your plans for growth and development in the market?

The opening of the Rosa Homolje sparkling water bottling plant in the municipality of Kučevo last year marked the beginning of a new era of business and growth for us. This investment aligns with our plans for expansion and development in the market while reinforcing the local character of our comprehensive 24/7 portfolio.

The opening of this bottling plant signifies more than just the establishment of a new facility. It represents a catalyst for new perspectives and opportunities within the entire local community, creating new jobs and fostering economic growth.

In the first year alone, we invested approximately 5 million euros in this project and employed over 50 individuals at the bottling plant. We take great pride in contributing to the development of the local economy through such initiatives. This investment marks the fifth significant undertaking by the Coca-Cola System in Serbia within a span of less than two decades. It demonstrates our commitment as a reliable partner to the Serbian economy, operating responsibly and making continuous investments in the community and the market.

 

6. Finally, how do you see the future, in the context of the challenge of inflation and slow growth in the past years?

Despite the challenges of inflation and slow growth experienced in recent years, we, as the Coca-Cola System in Serbia and the Bambi company, have continued to make a significant contribution to the national economy. In 2021 alone, we created 360 million euros of added value, which accounts for 0.7% of the national GDP. Moreover, through the taxes we pay directly and the tax revenues generated throughout our value chain, we contributed 1% of the total tax revenue in Serbia. These numbers highlight the positive impact of our successful system.

During these challenging times, we launched Coke Academy, a unique customer support program aimed at assisting businesses of all sizes, including small-scale commerce. We share our knowledge and experience, because we want to successfully sail together with our customers on the waves of all the changes coming our way. I believe that investing in people, both our employees and our associates and partners, along with investing in sustainable business, is the best answer to all the scenarios that the future brings us.