Economic Opportunity

Coca-Cola operates in more than 200 countries. Because of the local nature of our business, we are in the unique position to contribute to the economic vitality of even the most remote communities around the world.

Bar chart showing areas of economic impact: Global Salaries and Benefits - $4.3 billion in 2008, $4.2 billion in 2007, $3.4 billion in 2006; Shareowner Dividends - $3.5 billion in 2008, $3.1 billion in 2007, $2.9 billion in 2006; Local Capital Expenditures - $2.0 billion in 2008, $1.6 billion in 2007, $1.4 billion in 2006; Goods Purchased - $11.4 billion in 2008, $10.4 billion in 2007, $8.2 billion in 2006; Incomes Taxes - $1.6 billion in 2008, $1.9 billion in 2007, $1.5 billion in 2006.

The total indirect economic impacts of the Coca-Cola system are significantly greater than the figures we present in our 2008/2009 Sustainability Review (PDF). The Coca-Cola system has more than 900 plants around the world. Our ingredients and raw materials are largely sourced locally. And our 92,400 employees represent thousands of communities and many cultures. In addition, our bottling partners employ hundreds of thousands of people around the world and are committed to supporting community investment programs.

Our global business stimulates job creation throughout our value cycle. We contribute to the economic success of each community by employing local people; paying taxes to governments; paying suppliers for goods, services and capital equipment; and supporting community investment programs. Past independent studies on the economic impact of our business in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe have consistently shown that for every job in the Coca-Cola system, an average of 10 more jobs are supported in local communities.

Oxfam America conducted a Poverty Footprint Analysis on the Coca-Cola/SABMiller value chain in El Salvador and Zambia called Exploring the Links between International Business and Poverty Reduction. Download the report (PDF)

We have some 20 million customers around the world. These are the retailers, convenience stores, theaters, kiosks and vendors who sell our beverages to our consumers. Small, independent retailers form the backbone of our business. Our system helps these small retailers and vendors build their businesses and become our business partners. Learn more, go there »

We often help small businesses get off the ground with an initial injection of support -- in the form of equipment and training -- and then we work with them as business partners and suppliers. From our pushcart programs in Vietnam, which have helped more than 4,000 retailers establish their businesses to date, to our Manual Distribution Centers in East Africa (see case study), we continuously work to provide local economic opportunity.

Learn about our commitment to the economy in Haiti.