Jessica Mudditt
The Coca-Cola Foundation has donated US$100,000 to its longtime partner American Red Cross for flood recovery efforts in Myanmar, according to a press release issued on 2 October.
Coca-Cola’s bottling partner in Myanmar, Coca-Cola Pinya Beverages Myanmar (CCPBM), also provided relief in the immediate aftermath of the floods that swept through the country in July and August. The company dispatched more than 450 local employees to flood-hit areas to donate water, food and other relief supplies. The company donated 350,000 bottles of its Max20 water brand in some of the worst affect states and regions, including Bago, Sagaing, Magway, Pyay, Monyawar, Nyaung Oo, and Rakhine.
“Coca-Cola is committed to supporting the Myanmar people and we hope this donation will have a positive impact on the many people across the country that have been affected by the recent floods,” said Irial Finan, President and EVP, Bottling Investments Group, The Coca-Cola Company.
On 25 September, a fire at Coca-Cola’s warehouse in Mingaladon Township caused almost a million dollars in damage.
The blaze took 415 fire fighters, one of whom was injured, several hours to extinguish and whose cause has not yet been established.
A Coca-Cola Myanmar spokesperson told Myanmar Business Today on 28 September that there were no immediate impacts on the ability of the world’s largest beverage company to produce and distribute its products in Myanmar.