The Coca-Cola Company Becomes Global Partner for World Expo 2010 Shanghai China
SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Coca-Cola Company has today signed an agreement to become a global sponsor of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The exhibition in Shanghai is estimated to become the biggest EXPO ever held and it is being billed as the largest public event in human history.
The Coca-Coca Company is the first US company to have independently become Global Partner of the World Expo, and also the only international company committed to sponsor the 4 biggest public events in China's history: The 2007 Special Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, 2008 Paralympic Games, and the 2010 Shanghai Expo, showcasing The Coca-Cola Company as the leading beverage company in China.
Coca-Cola (China) Beverages Ltd. signed the agreement with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination to officially become Global Partner for Beverages of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China in Shanghai today. Vice Mayor of Shanghai Yang Xiong and all the deputy director generals of EXPO 2010 together with senior executives of Coca-Cola China witnessed the formal signing ceremony.
Shanghai Vice Mayor Mr. Yang Xiong congratulated each party for the successful completion of their agreement and emphasized that:
"The success of EXPO 2010 relies on support from various parties, especially from the business community. The joining of Coca-Cola as a global sponsor of EXPO reinforces greatly the corporate support and illustrates the friendship between China and the U.S. The long history of Coca-Cola in China and their sponsorship for EXPO demonstrates the commitment of the Company to China and the local people as a good corporate citizen. Through the products and services rendered by Coca-Cola and the cooperation of two parties, the EXPO 2010 will surely have a more interesting and dynamic extravaganza for the world."
The Coca-Cola Company's president and COO Muhtar Kent agreed, "The 2010 Shanghai Expo is another exciting venue to allow us to demonstrate our commitment to the people of China. It provides our Company with a great platform to showcase our company's future to the world community when we gather in 2010 Shanghai to celebrate Better City, Better Life," he said, "Our associates and partners are excited about the continued world focus on China. We look forward to using this exclusive opportunity to share our vast portfolio of beverages with the 70 millions of people expected to attend this event."
"As the leading beverage company in China and globally our Company is well placed to undertake the huge task to provide beverages to the estimated 70 million visitors to Shanghai during the Expo Exhibition," added Glenn Jordan, president of Coca-Cola Pacific, "we have recently launched an $80 million global research center project in Shanghai, and have broken ground for two new plants in Jiangxi and Xinjiang. Our partnership with Shanghai on World Expo will certainly further our goal to capitalize on the great potential of this largest consumer market, and also allow us to further our goal as a responsible corporate citizen in helping to build better communities in China."
Mr. Hong Hao, General Director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination and Douglas Jackson, president of Coca-Cola China jointly signed the partnership agreement.
About World Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Themed "Better City, Better Life", World Expo 2010 Shanghai will be the first world exposition held in a developing country. There have been 48 World Expo Exhibitions since the start in London in 1851 - but all other have been held in developed countries. From May 1 through October 31, 2010, participants will display urban civilization to the full extent, exchange expertise on urban development, disseminate advanced notions on cities, and explore new approaches to human habitat, lifestyle and working conditions in the new century. Visitors will learn how to create an eco-friendly society and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.
The organizers of World Expo 2010 Shanghai will seek to attract about 200 nations and international organizations to take part in the exhibition as well as 70 million visitors from China and abroad, ensuring the widest possible participation in the history of World Expositions. For more information about the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, please visit www.expo2010china.com.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola(R), recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five nonalcoholic sparkling beverage brands, including Diet Coke(R), Fanta(R) and Sprite(R), and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light beverages, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.4 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released December 10, 2007