Hi! Thanks for the question.
I have found the following Coca Cola company activities for 2003. I
will categorize them according to different elements of the company’s
activities. I will also provide small snippets from the articles
whenever possible so as to save you time but I highly recommend that
you read them in their entirety so as to get a better understanding of
the issues.
Market Analysis:
1. Coke vs. Pepsi
“No matter how hot or "cool" the flavor feud becomes this summer, Coke
won't be sweating it too much.”
“In fact, the company increased its market share of the $63 billion
U.S. soft-drinks market by 0.6 percent to 44.3 percent in 2002.”
“Industry analysts credit Vanilla Coke, launched last year, as a huge
success for Coke similar to Pepsi's breakthrough in 2001 with Mountain
Dew Code Red, a cherry-flavored variation of the drink.”
“Industry watchers say Coke's pick of Sprite as its "golden child"
this year is clever, given that Sprite is the company's
third-strongest brand in the United States.”
“Coke vs. Pepsi: What's your flavor?”
http://money.cnn.com/2003/04/17/news/companies/coke_pepsi/
“Financially speaking, Coke is the real thing. The company expects to
produce an average of just over $6 billion in annual cash flow over
the next five years. While it's true that the stock ran ahead of its
sobering fundamentals during the 1990s, the frothy fizz is over.”
“Coke vs. Pepsi”
http://www.fool.com/specials/2003/03041400sp.htm?source=mppromo
2. Coke’s Global Water Business
“Coke's fledgling water network has come together with little fanfare
and still resembles more of a patchwork than a formal strategy. But
observers think Coke is aiming at getting a bigger and bigger handle
on the world's water market. 'They've been aggressive in buying
brands,' said John Faucher, an analyst with JP Morgan. 'From an
acquisition standpoint, water has been a big focus for them.'”
“However, water remains a small part of Coca-Cola's business. Coke
still gets 85 per cent of its business from soft drinks. But in 2002,
Coca-Cola's global water business grew by 68 per cent. Coke spokesman
Kelly Brooks said the company's three-year compounded growth rate for
water was 59 per cent.”
“Coke slowly builds up a water empire”
http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:9_igmbhPJdwJ:business-times.asia1.com.sg/storyprintfriendly/0,4568,84379,00.html+coke+%22water+empire%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
----------------------
New Projects and Business Moves:
A. Products
1. Swerve
“After tinkering with milk products for at least two years, Coca-Cola
is planning to roll out a new milk-based drink called Swerve. At the
same time, Coke is dropping two brands that were in testing.”
“Swerve will be made with at least 50 percent milk, Beverage Digest
said Friday in a report that was confirmed by Coke. With a low fat
content and about 150 calories per 12-ounce can, Swerve could find a
niche in places like schools, where soft drinks are increasingly
coming under fire.”
“Coke swerves into dairy market”
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/mcherald/business/5937039.htm
“The new drink, which will be called Swerve, will come in chocolate,
vanilla-banana and blueberry flavors and contain more than 50 percent
dairy products, allowing it to carry the "Real" seal of the American
Dairy Association.”
“Coke to unveil dairy drinks this summer”
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/05/19/daily53.html
2. Sprite Remix (US)
“Atlanta-based Coke (NYSE: KO) said "Sprite Remix" will first hit
shelves in 20-ounce bottles, and then will be available in additional
package sizes later in the spring and summer.”
“Coca-Cola plans new Sprite flavor”
http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/02/24/daily17.html
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030225_americas_sprite_remix.html
3. Sprite Ice (Canada)
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030409_canada_sprite_mint_flavor.html
4. Sprite Super Lemon (Hong Kong)
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030402_china_sprite_super_lemon.html
5. Fanta Blueberry Plush (Thailand)
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030620_thailand_fanta_blue_success.html
6. New Nestea Lemon (Thailand)
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030306_thailand_nestea_launch.html
7. Coke Light Lemon (Germany)
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030214_europe_coke_light_lemon.html
8. New Odwalla Products
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030204_odwalla_new_juices.html
9. New Nescafe Patented Technology
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030410_china_coffee_series.html
10. Improved Marocha Green Tea
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030210_japan_marocha_tea.html
B. Promotional Programs
1. Theme Park Partnerships
“The world's largest beverage maker said Tuesday it has entered into a
10-year marketing partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts, a
division of television and film giant Vivendi Universal.”
“The new agreement also extends Coca-Cola's relationship to Universal
Studios Hollywood and CityWalk Hollywood and Universal Orlando, which
includes Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida
and CityWalk Orlando.”
“Coke extends marketing partnership with Universal theme parks”
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/4892007.htm
2. Marketing Partnership with College Sports Network
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030407_corporate_cstv_partnership.html
3. IHOP Deal
“Coca-Cola Foodservice and Hospitality, the division of Atlanta-based
Coca-Cola North America that serves the restaurant and food service
industry, will continue to be IHOP's preferred beverage provider,
supplying soft drinks including Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite to the
chain's restaurants.”
“IHOP extends Coke contract”
http://losangeles.bizjournals.com/losangeles/stories/2003/05/26/daily4.html
4. TV Network Marketing Alliance
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030313_americas_tnt_alliance.html
C. Social Projects:
1. Africa AIDS Healthcare
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030415_hivaids_benefits.html
2. Texas Recycling Program
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030324_americas_nascar_recycling_program.html
3. Independent Filmmaking
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030305_americas_project_greenlight.html
D. Management
1. Chief Marketing Officer – Daniel P. Palumbo
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030603_corporate_palumbo.html
“Coca-Cola Co. named an outsider its new chief marketing officer on
Tuesday, four days after he resigned as an executive at Eastman Kodak
Co.”
“Daniel P. Palumbo worked at Rochester, N.Y.-based Eastman Kodak as a
senior vice president and head of consumer imaging products and
services - the photographic unit that accounts for half of the
company's sales. The company announced he was leaving Friday ‘to
pursue other interests.’”
“Coke names outsider new chief marketing officer”
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/local/6005397.htm
2. New Officers
Senior Vice President – Danny Strickland
Vice Presidents – Ralph Carlton and Harry L. Anderson
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030416_corporate_elects_officers_regular_dividend.html
3. Board of Directors – Maria Elena Lagomasino
http://www2.coca-cola.com/presscenter/nr_20030416_corporate_shareowners_elects_lagomasino.html
4. “Coke Consolidated completes $53.5M deal”
http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2003/03/31/daily1.html
---------------------
International Projects:
1. Australia
“Soft drink manufacturer and distributor Coca-Cola Amatil has said it
has increased its stake in water bottler Neverfail Springwater to
76.11 per cent.”
“Coke increases Neverfail stake”
http://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/newsmaker_article.asp?idNewsMaker=3681&fSite=AO545
“SOFTDRINK company Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd has waded further into the
bottled water market with its acquisition of Peats Ridge Springs'
assets.”
“The move is on top of CC-Amatil's $280 million hostile takeover offer
for Neverfail Springwater, with some investors also speculating the
group could be eyeing Palm Springs Ltd.”
“Coke targets Peats Ridge”
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,6532463%255E1702,00.html
2. India
“Finally, Coke is starting to inject some fizz into its Indian
operations. On Feb. 28, the company plans to sell 49% of its Indian
bottler, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, for $41 million.”
“Key to Coke's battle plans is operations chief Sanjeev Gupta. After
being promoted from marketing director three years ago, the boyish,
straight-talking Gupta persuaded his Coke bosses to change the way
they do business.”
“Finally, Coke Gets It Right in India”
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_06/b3819080.htm
---------------------
Lawsuits and other problems:
1. Fraud Claims
“A former employee of The Coca-Cola Co. filed a lawsuit against the
company May 19 which charges it used theft, fraud and deception to
cheat shareholders, customers and competitors.”
“Coke hires firms to investigate fraud claims”
http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/05/19/daily20.html
2. India Environmental Problems
“The activists are protesting against a Coca-Cola plant located in
Mehdiganj, some 20 kilometers from Varanasi. They claim that the plant
draws electricity from two diesel power generators, one of which
consumes 360 liters of diesel per hour. Two tube-wells draw thousands
of liters of underground water.”
“Water-Guzzling Coke Plant Triggers Protests in Indian Town”
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=655&ncid=655&e=3&u=/oneworld/20030624/wl_oneworld/105021056456386
3. Indian Politics
“The government of India is on the verge of changing its policy
because of the pressure exerted by the Atlanta, US-based soft drinks
giant, Coca-Cola.”
“Coke is one of the best-known brands in the world. But the
corporation and its Indian associates have not exactly covered
themselves with glory by the manner in which they appear to have
successfully lobbied with the government in New Delhi to change the
rules of the game.”
“Finance Minister Jaswant Singh recently overruled the views of
bureaucrats in his own ministry and recommended that the Union Cabinet
change government norms related to divestment of equity shares by
international companies in their Indian associates.”
“How Coke arm-twisted the Indian government”
http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jun/21paran.htm
4. Labor Problems
“Over 100 trade unionists and supporters marched through the Pilsen
neighborhood on May 3 to rally in front of the Coca-Cola bottling
plant on Cermak Road. The crowd had gathered to protest Coke’s
complicity in the murder of trade unionists in Coca-Cola’s bottling
plants in Colombia.”
“Stop Coke killings!”
http://www.newsandletters.org/Issues/2003/June/Coke_June03.htm
“Daft said Coke and its bottlers have not abused or condoned abuse of
trade unions in Colombia and the company has worked hard to deal with
human rights issues in China. “
“In Venezuela, the company's operations were shut down during the
national strike in January and February.”
“The biggest decline abroad for Coke was in Germany, where unit case
volume dropped 10 percent due to a new deposit law on nonreturnable
packages, such as beer or soda cans. The January change resulted in
major retailers pulling nonreturnable packages, Coke said.”
“Coke shares plunge despite solid earnings”
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/business/5646184.htm
5. Sports
“Houston Rockets star Yao Ming is suing Coca-Cola's Chinese subsidiary
in an effort to stop it from using his picture on commemorative
bottles sold in his hometown of Shanghai.”
“Yao sues over Coke promotion”
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/2003/05/27/sports/5950228.htm
6. OSHA violations
“A list released by OSHA in February that identifies 14,200 U.S.
facilities that had accident and illness rates at twice the national
average of about three illnesses or injuries for every 100 workers
included 96 facilities owned by Coke bottlers. “
“OSHA cites Coke for 222 violations”
http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/04/14/story1.html
7. Coke NCAA deal
“Despite a national marketing and sponsorship partnership with soft
drink giant Coca-Cola, when the NCAA's Frozen Four tournament is held
at Buffalo's HSBC Arena, hockey fans will be drinking Pepsi products.”
“The arena has a longstanding and exclusive arrangement with Pepsi.
All non-alcoholic beverages served in the downtown arena are Pepsi or
Pepsi-distributed.”
“Coke deal won't dry up Pepsi”
http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2003/04/07/story5.html
8. Burger King Lawsuit
“Burger King franchisees are organizing to seek up to $65 million in
compensation from The Coca-Cola Co. for their expenses related to
selling a failed Frozen Coke, USA Today reported on its Web site.”
“Burger King franchisees debate lawsuit against Coke”
http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/06/02/daily40.html
9. Defective Beverage Machines
“A former Coca-Cola manager alleged Wednesday that more than 80,000 of
the company's frozen beverage machines nationwide are defective and
tainting slush drinks with metal residue.”
“Whitley said he notified Coke about the problem in February. A week
later, he said, Coke gave him the worst performance review of his
11-year career and fired him seven weeks later.”
“The complaint says the machines located at stores such as Burger
King, 7-11 and Wal-Mart cost about $10,000 each and bring in about
$100 million in annual syrup sales for Coke.”
“Former employee claims Coke frozen beverage machines tainting
product”
http://boston.com/dailynews/176/economy/Former_employee_claims_Coke_fr:.shtml
10. Sweden Naming Rights
“The Coca-Cola Co. and some Swedish people named Urge are locked in a
naming-rights dispute - the surname is the same as a Coke citrus
beverage.”
“The family surname Urge also happens to be the name of a citrus drink
bottled by Coke that's available only in Norway.”
“Swedish law prohibits registration of trademarks that use someone
else's family name. But the Court of Patent Appeals ruled in favor of
Coca-Cola last month, saying the English word ‘urge’ was more commonly
known than the family name, which is pronounced ‘OOR-geh’."
“Coke, Swedes in Naming-Rights Dispute”
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/business/5638546.htm
Search terms used:
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