News Summary
Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola products in the U.S., continues to succeed in Charlotte, NC, with $6.9 billion in sales. Their vast 80-acre campus and a workforce of 17,000 highlight their impact on the local economy. Known for producing over 300 brands and flavors, they are also focused on community investment through their learning center. With plans for future growth, Coca-Cola Consolidated remains a vital part of Charlotte’s economy.
Charlotte Celebrates Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Successful Journey!
Welcome to the bustling city of Charlotte, North Carolina, home to the largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola products in the United States: Coca-Cola Consolidated. With an impressive $6.9 billion in sales last year, the company is making quite the splash in the beverage industry!
Setting Up Shop in the Queen City
Situated on an expansive 80-acre campus near Interstate 85, Coca-Cola Consolidated has become a vital part of the community and an integral contributor to its economy. Covering approximately 20% of Coca-Cola’s business across the nation, it’s remarkable to think this local establishment plays such a crucial role!
It’s All About the Beverage Variety!
With a staggering array of over 300 brands and flavors to their name, Coca-Cola Consolidated produces, sells, and distributes non-alcoholic beverages from The Coca-Cola Company and several partner companies. Their products are not just available locally but span across 14 states and even reach Washington, D.C.!
Homegrown Talent: A Thriving Workforce
The company boasts a dedicated workforce of 17,000 employees, with more than 2,000 working right in Charlotte. At the heart of operations is the Snyder Production Facility, which is not only the oldest production site in the company’s long-standing history, but also an exciting place to work! This facility runs around the clock with 351 employees, producing a staggering 40 million cases each year. Here, you’ll find classic favorites like Diet Coke, Coke Classic, Sprite, and refreshing Minute Maid lemonade.
Quality is Key!
Maintaining high-quality standards, Coca-Cola Consolidated employs quality assurance technicians who meticulously monitor production lines and conduct tests to verify the security of bottle closures. They even have a dedicated lab across from the filling rooms, where both technology and human taste tests come together to ensure every sip is perfect!
Efficient Operations
When it comes to can production, they’ve taken efficiency up a notch. Their canning lines work at double the speed of bottling lines, filling about 20 individual cans each second! The Vertique Distribution Center, which is connected to the production facility, houses an average of 1.2 million cases and distributes around 23 million cases to local customers within a two-hour radius each year.
Investing in the Future
Coca-Cola Consolidated isn’t just about producing beverages; they’re also invested in the community! Their learning center, established in 2018, provides onboarding and hands-on training for new employees, reflecting a commitment of $1.8 million to ensure a knowledgeable workforce.
A Legacy that Continues to Grow
This fourth-generation family business has been serving communities for an astounding 153 years. Under the leadership of J. Frank Harrison III, who is a descendant of the company’s co-founder, Coca-Cola Consolidated continues to thrive. They serve over 28,000 businesses and boast a clientele of roughly 60 million customers. Major players like Walmart and Kroger are proud partners!
Looking Ahead
As the company has experienced an encouraging uptick in net sales—up 3.7% or $245.9 million from the previous year—there’s heightened investor interest prompting plans for a stock split in the near future. If stockholder approval is granted, expect that 10-for-1 stock split at their Annual Meeting on May 13, 2025.
Transitions Within
In other news, Scott Anthony, the outgoing CFO, is moving to a consulting role after a successful tenure, with Matthew J. Blickley stepping up to the plate as the new CFO effective April 1. This transition signals Coca-Cola Consolidated’s ongoing growth and stability.
Charlotte can take pride in its homegrown bottler, which not only produces your favorite beverages but also actively engages and invests in the community. Here’s to many more refreshing years ahead for Coca-Cola Consolidated!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Rallies for Hurricane Helene Relief with Community Initiatives
New Apprenticeship Program in Charlotte Transforms Diesel Careers
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: Coca-Cola
- GlobeNewswire
- Google Search: Coca-Cola Consolidated News
- Business North Carolina
