Coca-Cola Consolidated Celebrates $50 Million Investment in Company’s Sandston Campus Joined by Customers, Community Partners and Elected Officials

Ashley Brown2024-04-08T22:23:33-04:00April 8, 2024|Company News|

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tyrone Nelson joined Coca-Cola Consolidated leaders and Teammates on March 25 for the unveiling of a completed $50 million expansion project at our Sandston, Virginia, campus. A new state-of-the-art building, along with energy-saving upgrades, will further economic growth at the campus and in the surrounding community.

Gov. Youngkin was joined by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tyrone Nelson, Delegates Delores McQuinn and Dave Owen, members of the Virginia Beverage Association, several civic and community leaders, and Coke Consolidated customers and Teammates.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Invests in Sandson Facility

As part of our dedication to finding innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact, the upgrades to our 63-acre Sandston campus include:

A new 210,000-square-foot warehouse.
LED lighting to improve energy savings.
New equipment on our can line to improve efficiency.

“The updates we’ve made to our Sandston location echo our sustainability initiative priority of Refresh, Recycle, Renew, which we’ve put into practice with various partners in the Commonwealth,” said John Eady, Plant Director II, Coca-Cola Consolidated. “For example, at the Richmond Raceway we collected bottles and cans and had them processed to be remade into another bottle or can, giving our packaging a new life.”

Coke Consolidated has done business in Sandston for more than eight years. Our campus is home to nearly 450 Consolidated Teammates in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, equipment services, Red Classic Truck fleet and transportation.

The Sandston site expansion will enable us to build upon our existing excellent customer service.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Walks with Coca-Cola Consolidated Teammate

Consolidated Growth in Sandston Means Economic Growth for the Community
In addition to bringing more Teammates to the Sandston location, our investment will help current and future Teammates develop new skills and continue to grow their careers at the site.

“The investment we’ve made here at our Sandston campus is evidence of our focus on making major advances in our infrastructure to support future growth,” said Dave Shelek, VP/General Manager, Coca-Cola Consolidated Mid-Atlantic Market Unit. “The expansion and improvements will not only benefit our customers and Teammates but also the Sandston community by way of economic growth.”

Coke Consolidated’s Investment Beyond Sandston
We have more than 2,000 Teammates serving more than 17,700 customers across Virginia and Washington, D.C., and our Sandston campus is one of eight Consolidated facilities in the area.

We take pride in supporting the states and communities we serve and are honored to have invested more than $91.2 million in Virginia between 2019-2023. This investment is part of The Coca-Cola Company’s $869 million economic impact on Virginia through its network of suppliers, distributors, and retailers. We are pleased to contribute to this number.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Promotes Jed Thomas and Roni Jansen into Key Leadership Roles

Bronte Johnson2024-03-22T11:55:04-04:00March 22, 2024|Company News, Uncategorized|

Coca-Cola Consolidated is pleased to announce the promotions of Jed Thomas and Roni Jansen, recognizing their outstanding contributions and dedication to the Coca-Cola Consolidated customers, Company, its Teammates.

Jed Thomas, with over 20 years of exemplary service at Coca-Cola Consolidated, has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Equipment Services. Throughout his career, Thomas has not only excelled in driving results but has also been instrumental in nurturing talent and fostering key relationships within the marketplace and the Coca-Cola System.

In his new role, Thomas will help grow overall franchise business as well as foster and develop key relationships in the marketplace and within the Coca-Cola System.

“I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to serve our team in an expanded capacity,” said Thomas, “I am grateful for the chance extended to me to continue to learn, teach and grow professionally, as well as have the chance to positively impact our company and broader beverage industry.”

Roni Jansen, who has showcased exceptional performance across her eight years at Coca-Cola Consolidated, has been promoted to the role of Vice President Sales Operations and Strategy. Jansen’s ability to deliver impressive results, grow her team and cultivate relationships has been consistently evident throughout her career.

Jansen will oversee sales operations, develop and implement sales strategies, set and track sales goals, motivate and coach her sales team, and build relationships with key customers and partners.

“I feel profoundly honored to take on this role,” said Jansen, “My new role will significantly broaden my scope of understanding about how our system runs and how we plan for the future. I genuinely enjoy the complexity and challenge of the work we do.”

These promotions not only signify individual achievements, but also underscore the Company’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent.

Coca-Cola Consolidated is committed to creating a culture and work environment that puts the people behind the bottle—our One Team—first. We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, resources, and special programs to help our teammates grow and thrive, in a place where everyone has a Seat at the Table and can bring their whole self to work.

Because behind every bottle, every mini can, every sparkling new flavor and timeless classic, is something much greater.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Consolidated and available career opportunities.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Named Official Beverage Sponsor of the Baltimore Orioles and Camden Yards

Bronte Johnson2024-03-21T08:41:17-04:00March 21, 2024|Company News|

The Baltimore Orioles and Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., today announced a multiyear partnership designating Coca-Cola as the official beverage sponsor of the Orioles and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

“We are excited to join forces with Coca-Cola Consolidated and their family of brands and flavors,” said T.J. Brightman, Orioles Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer. “This partnership represents our shared commitment to providing exceptional products that enhance our guest experience.”

Fans will now have the opportunity to enjoy Coca-Cola beverages as fountain drinks, in bottles and in cans while cheering on their home team – which will begin with MLB’s Opening Day on March 28 when the Orioles host the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park. In addition, spectators will experience several Coca-Cola Consolidated-led community events and drink samplings at select games.

“There’s just something special about watching baseball with a Coca-Cola in your hand at Camden Yards, so we are thrilled to be part of creating memories alongside Orioles fans,” said Heather Hucks, Vice President of Consumer Connections at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “As Baltimore’s local bottler, we are excited to positively impact the Baltimore community.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated makes, sells and distributes beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers. It has served as the region’s local Coca-Cola bottler since 1902. Coca-Cola Consolidated currently has more than 725 teammates and serves more than 640 customers right here in Baltimore.

In addition, Coca-Cola Consolidated is dedicated to strengthening the communities in which we live and work and has been a supporter of more than 20 community organizations across the Baltimore area.

Coca-Cola Consolidated is also the official beverage provider for other MLB franchises, such as the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Named Official Beverage Sponsor of the Charlotte Knights and Truist Field

Ashley Brown2024-03-14T09:07:14-04:00March 14, 2024|Company News|

The Charlotte Knights and Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., today announced a multiyear partnership designating Coca-Cola as the official beverage sponsor of the Knights and Truist Field.

“We are very pleased to welcome Coca-Cola Consolidated and its family of brands and flavors to Truist Field,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to partnering with Coca-Cola Consolidated, a company that shares our commitment to providing exceptional products to enhance our fans’ experience at Truist Field.”

Fans will now have the opportunity to enjoy Coca-Cola beverages as fountain drinks, in bottles and in cans while cheering on their home team – which will begin with the Knight’s opening home game on Tuesday, April 2 against the Norfolk Tides. In addition, spectators will experience a number of Coca-Cola Consolidated-led community events and drink samplings at select games.

“There’s just something special about watching baseball with a Coca-Cola in your hand, so we are thrilled to be part of creating memories alongside Knights fans in the Queen City,” said Heather Hucks, Vice President of Consumer Connections at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “As Charlotte’s local bottler and the city of our headquarters, we are excited to positively impact the Charlotte community.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated makes, sells and distributes beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers. It has served as the region’s local Coca-Cola bottler since 1902. Coca-Cola Consolidated currently has more than 6,100 teammates and serves more than 45,200 customers right here in the Carolinas.

In addition, Coca-Cola Consolidated is dedicated to strengthening the communities in which we live and work and has been a supporter of numerous local community organizations across North and South Carolina.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Teammate Named Manufacturing Institute Women MAKE Awards Honoree

Bronte Johnson2024-03-08T10:18:43-05:00March 8, 2024|Company News|

Coca-Cola Consolidated Teammate Named Manufacturing Institute Women MAKE Awards Honoree

Coca-Cola Consolidated is excited to announce that Melanie Sabella, Vice President of Technical Services for Coca-Cola Consolidated, has been recognized by The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers— as a 2024 Women MAKE Awards  Honoree. This annual national awards program honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.

“I am very honored to be recognized with this award,” said Melanie Sabella, Vice President of Technical Services for Coca-Cola Consolidated. “As a woman in manufacturing, it is important to share that these jobs are not just for men. Coca-Cola Consolidated is a fantastic place to work and I truly feel supported by leadership and the Company.”

The Women MAKE Awards are part of the Manufacturing Institute’s Women MAKE America initiative, which is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. Women account for about half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce. Women MAKE America aims to build the 21st-century manufacturing workforce by empowering and inspiring women in the industry.

“Melanie consistently demonstrates the ability to drive results, foster collaboration and inspire excellence among her teammates,” said Donnie Etheridge, Executive Vice President, Product Supply at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “There is a continued need to fill jobs in manufacturing and we are proud of the work Melanie has achieved and will continue to do in this field.”

The Women MAKE Awards gala honors 100 industry leaders (“Honorees”) and 30 rising stars (“Emerging Leaders”) who have been nominated by their companies as the “go-to” women, recognized for their innovation, dedication, contributions and good counsel.

Coca-Cola Consolidated supports its Teammates in many areas of professional development and fosters a culture of diverse Servant Leaders who aim to enable others and help them achieve their full potential through learning journeys and development opportunities.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Consolidated and available career opportunities.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Welcomes New Coke Scholars

Bronte Johnson2024-03-07T14:32:04-05:00March 7, 2024|Community Engagement|

Coca-Cola Consolidated is honored to have 20 students within our 14-state territory join the new class of 2024 Coke Scholars.

Coke Scholars are change agents, positively affecting others in their community. They exemplify superior leadership, service and academics.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (CCSF), is a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers, including Coca-Cola Consolidated. The program was founded in 1986 to celebrate Coca-Cola’s centennial. Its aim was to develop a powerful network of community leaders, touched by Coca-Cola, whose vision would help shape the world, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Three decades since its creation, more than 6,750 Coca-Cola Scholars have received over $81 million in scholarships, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the country.

The previous 2023 class of Coke Scholars celebrates during Scholars Weekend

Once selected, 150 scholars are flown to Atlanta, GA, for Scholars Weekend, the annual Scholars Banquet, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute.

Throughout their lives, Scholars are provided with meaningful engagement and leadership development opportunities through CCSF, including:

· The Leadership Development Institute (LDI)

· 1-on-1 Scholar coaching

· Leadership & Service Summits

· Regional networking

· Virtual learning events

· An exclusive digital networking platform

· An Alumni Advisory Board

The investment of the Coca-Cola system has brought together some of the most talented, compassionate, and extraordinary young people into a single network. Through college scholarships and lifelong learning opportunities, this program has fueled their passion to change the world for the better.

Coca-Cola Consolidated is honored to welcome and congratulate the newest class of Coke Scholars within our 14-state territory:

Arjun Bangalore

Rhea Choudhary

James Couch

Saumik Das

Bahar Djour

Lahari Donepudi

Adan Eftekhari

Chelsea Hu

Palash Kapoor

Daniel Mathew

Naisha Patel

Lily Peng

Dhruti Shah

Rahul Solleti

Paisley Tabor

Devan Tatlow

Angelina Xu

Andy Yang

Jason Yoo

Brian Zhou

Learn more about the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation here.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Named to Prestigious Fortune and Forbes Lists

Ashley Brown2024-02-20T08:09:21-05:00February 20, 2024|Company News|

Recognized among “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune and
“America’s Most Successful Midsize Companies” by Forbes

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the nation’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, is honored to be named to the 2024 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list by Fortune and 2024 “America’s Most Successful Midsize Companies” list by Forbes.

“These awards are a direct reflection of the hard work our 17,000 teammates put in every day, passionately serving each other, our customers and our communities,” said Dave Katz, President and Chief Operating Officer at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “It’s truly an honor to be included among these high-performing companies.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated was founded in 1902 and is one of the nation’s oldest Coca-Cola bottlers. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partners to about 60 million consumers across 14 states and the District of Columbia. We strive to strengthen the communities we serve by proudly supporting youth development, education, health and wellness, crisis assistance initiatives, veterans and first responders throughout our territories.

The prestigious Fortune list, which is a reputation-based ranking of companies around the globe, is compiled by assessing company strengths from innovation and investment value to social responsibility and people management. Coca-Cola Consolidated ranked #3 in the beverage category.

Coca-Cola Consolidated was among 100 mid-sized American companies ranked by Forbes, based on earnings and sales growth, return on equity and total stock return. The full list of recipients can be viewed at the Forbes website.

“Being recognized by these esteemed organizations demonstrates our ongoing commitment to excellence,” said Christine Motherwell, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Coca-Cola Consolidated. “It’s also a testament to the drive of our teammates, who make Coca-Cola Consolidated a great place to work and grow your career.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated is committed to creating a culture and work environment that puts the people behind the bottle—our One Team—first. We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, resources, and special programs to help our teammates grow and thrive, in a place where everyone has a Seat at the Table and can bring their whole self to work.

Because behind every bottle, every mini can, every sparkling new flavor and timeless classic, is something much greater.

Learn more about Coca-Cola Consolidated and available career opportunities.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Shares 5 Tips to Stay Hydrated in 2024

Bronte Johnson2024-02-09T14:35:20-05:00February 9, 2024|Uncategorized|

Did you know that drinking water can enhance your mood, memory and metabolism?

Water also helps control your body temperature, cushion your joints, and avoid headaches and fatigue. It’s an essential nutrient that supports your health and well-being.

As you power through your New Year’s resolutions, we’ve got five tips to help you stay hydrated and feel better in 2024.

Tip #1:

Start your day with a glass of water. This will help you wake up, flush out toxins and hydrate your cells. You can also add lemon, cucumber or mint to your water for some extra flavor and benefits. A good suggestion? Dasani or smartwater.

Tip #2:

Carry a recyclable water bottle. Carrying around a Dasani, smartwater or a regular water bottle with you will remind you to drink more water throughout the day. At Coca-Cola Consolidated, our bottles are made to be remade so once you’ve finished your drink, recycle the bottle so it can be remade into a new one.

Tip #3:

Drink water before, during and after meals. This will help you feel fuller, digest your food, absorb nutrients and avoid cravings. Aim for at least one glass of water with each meal, even more if you are eating spicy, salty or fried foods.

Tip #4:

Set reminders and track your intake. To avoid forgetting to drink water, you can set reminders on your phone, computer or smartwatch. You can also use apps or trackers to monitor how much water you are drinking and how it affects your mood, energy and health.

Tip #5:

If exercising or in the heat, also replenish with electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium and potassium, are essential minerals (and enable your body to function properly. BODYARMOR, BODYARMOR LYTE and Powerade are examples of drinks that can make staying hydrated easier – and provide your body with the electrolytes it needs.

Happy hydrating!

How Coke Consolidated is Giving Back to the West Virginia Community

Bronte Johnson2024-01-25T12:23:58-05:00January 25, 2024|Community Engagement|

Coke Consolidated Teammates Celebrate Giving Back Efforts

Coca-Cola Consolidated has been a long-time partner and supporter of the community in West Virginia. As the local bottler employing more than 370 teammates within the state, we are committed to the communities we serve.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the West Virginia community and to make a positive impact in the lives of others alongside our teammates and partners,” said Joachim Rogers, Vice President, General Manager Central Market Unit, Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Coke Consolidated Teammates Help Distribute Goods

Serving others is part of our purpose. In Huntington, for the third year, we were able to provide 300 Thanksgiving meals to families at the A.D. Lewis Community Center, which offers a safe environment for youth to discover the arts, education and recreation. Beyond this, our teammates enjoy volunteering in a number of other capacities, such as with the Center’s camps.

“We are grateful to Coca-Cola Consolidated for their partnership with our Thanksgiving Dinner box giveaway,” said MaRia Hill, Director of A.D. Lewis Community Center. “Without their partnership we would not be able to serve our community in this capacity and we look forward to working with Coke Consolidated in the near future.”

At Parkersburg Elementary School, Coke Consolidated continues to help when it matters most. Recently, more than 500 brand new shoes were given to the school, ensuring every student received a pair of shoes.

Coke Consolidated Teammates Hold HOPE Packaged Bags

Coke Consolidated has also partnered with the Children’s Home Society for five years, investing in the state’s youth to extend a pathway to opportunity. Children’s Home Society is a non-profit organization that provides services and programs for children and families across West Virginia, such as foster care, adoption, counseling, mentoring and residential care.

Our teammates provided 1300 backpacks with non-perishable food, water, BODYARMOR and Powerade, and served hundreds of hours rebuilding a basketball court and completing a volleyball court. Additional efforts include providing food, drinks and backpacks for residents and staff to enjoy.

“We extend our sincere appreciation for the amazing partnership that our organization has with Coca-Cola Consolidated,” said Mary White, CEO of Children’s Home Society. “They have generously provided products at our events and volunteered at locations across the state. Staff at our emergency child shelter were amazed by the team of volunteers who came in, worked so hard and accomplished great things. Our children now have an amazing basketball court to enjoy every day – they can get outside, be active and have fun. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership as we work together to make a difference.”

In addition to serving the community in this capacity, Coke Consolidated has provided more than $7.6 million in state investments between 2019 and 2023 and served over 4,600 customers.

“Giving of our time, talent and treasure is something we strongly believe in,” says Morris Howard, Director of Community Relations for Coca-Cola Consolidated. “We are living out our Purpose and honored for the opportunity to give back.”

Learn more about our community efforts across Coke Consolidated HERE.

Spotlighting Sustainability Efforts in Nashville

Bronte Johnson2023-12-20T15:49:56-05:00December 20, 2023|Sustainability|

On Saturday, Dec. 2, Coca-Cola Consolidated partnered with Osprey Initiative, the City of Murfreesboro and Discover Center to install a Litter Boom, a floating barrier designed to prevent litter from floating downstream at Murfree Spring Wetlands.

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More than 35 volunteers, including Coke Consolidated teammates and Tennessee Titans mascot T-Rac and cheerleaders, joined the effort to clean the waterway. This is the same waterway the Johnson Family established the first Coca-Cola bottling facility and aqueduct in the county in the early 1900s.  

The following day, at the Tennessee Titans home game against the Indianapolis Colts, representatives from Coke Consolidated and the Titans were joined by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell to showcase sustainability efforts at Nissan Stadium.

Coca-Cola Consolidated partnered with the Titans to create a circular economy at all 2023 home games at Nissan Stadium and introduced SmartSort technology. SmartSort uses patented artificial intelligence to educate fans on which items are recyclable reducing waste and improving recycling at venues.  

 These partnerships are part of Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Refresh Recycle Renew program, which invests in collaborations with communities and customers to create circular economies and increase the collection and recycling of packaging. Bottles collected from both local initiatives will be recycled and remade into new bottles. 