WE PROVIDED SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY WILDFIRES THROUGH A DONATION OF NEARLY 50,000 LITERS OF PRODUCTS

In response to the devastating wildfires that affected southern and central parts of Serbia, as well as areas in Montenegro during the summer, our company donated nearly 50,000 liters of its products in cooperation with local humanitarian organizations and the non governmental sector, in order to support affected communities and firefighting and rescue teams on the ground.

In Serbia, we donated a total of 42,948 liters of beverages, in cooperation with the Food Bank of Vojvodina and the Red Cross of Serbia, intended for vulnerable citizens and firefighting and rescue units operating in the Toplica District. In Montenegro, we donated 6,417 liters, part of which was delivered in cooperation with the Red Cross of Montenegro, while the remainder was delivered directly to firefighting units engaged in the Podgorica area.

“Our commitment to the communities in which we operate is particularly important in times of major challenges, when, as in this case, solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility are crucial in mitigating the harmful consequences of natural disasters. Through a rapid response and partnerships with local organizations, we mobilized resources to support those most affected and to express our deep gratitude to firefighting and rescue services for their exceptional dedication. As part of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, we are proud to continue a long tradition of socially responsible initiatives that empower and strengthen local communities,” said Saša Marković, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Montenegro.

Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Montenegro, with decades of operations in these markets, is deeply rooted in the local community through production and distribution, as well as cooperation with local suppliers and customers across the entire value chain, reaffirming its long-term commitment to strengthening community resilience and preserving the natural environment.

The past summer brought an unprecedented wave of wildfires to Serbia and Montenegro. In Serbia alone, more than 3,500 fires were recorded in July, with the most critical areas located in the southern and central parts of the country. In Montenegro, Podgorica and surrounding settlements were particularly affected in mid-August, requiring the engagement of both domestic and international firefighting and rescue forces.

As part of a broader regional response to natural disasters affecting multiple territories in which it operates, Coca-Cola HBC, through the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation, donated a total of 2.3 million euros to support communities in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania that were affected by devastating wildfires and floods. The funds are intended for the restoration of natural forests and for strengthening community resilience through the procurement of equipment and volunteer training.

The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation was established in 2023 with the mission to support communities in the countries where Coca-Cola HBC operates by awarding grants to non-governmental organizations across four key areas: community resilience and emergency response, access to clean water, youth economic empowerment, and the circular economy.