ADVERTISING
Is there a place to view your television ads online?
Yes! You can visit our A/V Center.
I would like to know about the music used in one of your latest ads, how can I find this information?
The music in our advertising is often an original recording produced by agencies specifically for the commercial. There are also ads that feature previously released music or re-recorded versions of original compositions. We're happy to share these details if you would like to send us an email request. Be sure to include the product being advertised, as well as a detailed description of the ad.
How can someone appear in your ads? Do you accept photos to be used as ads?
The Coca-Cola Company works with professional agencies to produce advertisements. The people who appear in our ads are found by our ad agencies through talent agencies. We do not accept photos or other artwork to appear in ads.
Can you share your marketing strategies with me? What is the target market for your products? How much money do you spend on advertising?
Unfortunately, we are not at liberty to disclose detailed marketing information for any of our 400 brands. The only marketing information that we publicly disclose can be found in press releasesfor marketing initiatives and new product launches. You can find some of the information you seek through publications including Beverage World, Beverage Digest, The Wall Street Journal,Advertising Age and AdWeek.
As for expenditures, we expense production costs of print, radio, internet and television advertisements as of the first date the advertisements take place. The following amounts reflect the total worldwide amounts spent on print, radio, internet, and television advertising. Advertising expenses included in selling, administrative and general expenses were approximately:
2006: $2.6 billion
2005: $2.5 billion
2004: $2.2 billion
2003: $1.8 billion
2002: $1.7 billion
2001: $2.0 billion
2000: $1.7 billion
1999: $1.7 billion
1998: $1.6 billion
1997: $1.6 billion
1996: $1.4 billion
1995: $1.3 billion
1994: $1.1 billion
1993: $1.0 billion
2005: $2.5 billion
2004: $2.2 billion
2003: $1.8 billion
2002: $1.7 billion
2001: $2.0 billion
2000: $1.7 billion
1999: $1.7 billion
1998: $1.6 billion
1997: $1.6 billion
1996: $1.4 billion
1995: $1.3 billion
1994: $1.1 billion
1993: $1.0 billion
We do not disclose how much we spend on advertising by country, brand, or media type, only the total worldwide amount per year. Unfortunately, these are the only years for which our figures are available.
COCA-COLA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Where can I find the latest news and information on Coca-Cola alumni?
At The Coca-Cola Company, we value our associates' many contributions and years of service and invite those who retire to stay in touch with the Company and each other by visiting our dedicated alumni website, www.gebyarcocacola.com. On the site you will find the latest news, announcements and calendar of events, as well as a directory of registered users.
Request access or log in to the Coca-Cola Alumni Association website.
Please note that access to the site is restricted to only Coca-Cola alumni.
COLLECTIBLES
I am trying to find a Coca-Cola collectible item; where should I look?
You can find many collectibles at www.coca-colastore.com, the Coca-Cola Store at the World ofCoca-Cola in Atlanta or the Coca-Cola Store in Las Vegas.
Members of My Coke Rewards have exclusive access to a variety of limited-time, Coca-Colabranded items. Learn how to earn rewards just from drinking your favorite brands and join today.
For vintage collectibles, you may wish to consult with someone in The Coca-Cola Collectors Club, a non-profit, grass-roots organization run by collectors: www.cocacolaclub.org.
I'm interested in finding out the age and value of an older Coca-Cola item I've found. Who can help me?
We maintain information about various collectible items in the Collectors Columns section of this website.
In addition, The Coca-Cola Collectors Club, a non-profit, grass-roots organization run by collectors, publishes prices realized at Club auctions on its website, www.cocacolaclub.org. This collectors group also issues publications and holds local and national meetings where a variety of collectibles are available.
Will a particular commemorative bottle/can be sold in stores in my area (i.e. race car driver, sports team)?
The decision to sell commemorative packaging is made by the local Coca-Cola bottlers responsible for your area. To locate your nearest bottler in the U.S. and Canada, please visit ourbottler finder.
If you are located outside of the U.S. and Canada, please send us an email to obtain the appropriate contact information for the Coca-Cola bottler in your area.
DOING BUSINESS WITH COCA-COLA
I am a restaurant owner, grocer, convenience store manager, etc. How can I open a new account so I can sell Coca-Cola products?
If your business is located in the U.S. or Canada and you are looking to serve Coca-Colabeverages, please visit CokeSolutions.com. Additionally, if you want to serve bottle/can beverages you can locate the contact information for your local bottler by using our bottler finder. If you want to sell fountain beverages, you can also call 800-241-COKE(2653).
If your business is located outside of the U.S. and Canada and you need assistance with either of these items, please contact the local Coca-Cola office responsible for your country. You can send us an email to obtain the appropriate contact information.
My business is already serving Coca-Cola fountain beverages. How can I contact a customer service representative?
In the U.S. and Canada we have a hotline dedicated to fountain services. You can call 800-241-2653 for assistance.
Businesses outside of the U.S. and Canada should contact the local Coca-Cola office responsible for their country to receive assistance. Please send us an email to obtain the appropriate contact information.
I represent a business that sells Coca-Cola bottle/can beverages. How can I speak to a representative?
In Canada and the U.S., businesses that sell bottles and cans typically work directly with an account manager at the nearest Coca-Cola bottler. Please use our bottler finder to locate the bottler serving your area.
Businesses outside of the U.S. and Canada should contact the local Coca-Cola office responsible for their country to receive assistance. Please send us an email to obtain the appropriate contact information.
GENERAL
I've looked everywhere and can't find the specific information I need. Any suggestions?
Check our collection of Company Reports. A great deal of information is also available through our Press Releases.
Many questions about our Company can be answered quickly through our question & answer tool, Ask Coca-Cola. You can also send us an email through this form.
If you are a shareowner of The Coca-Cola Company and would like to contact us, please fill out this form.
There are also a number of books available, as well as publications like Beverage World,Beverage Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age and AdWeek.
You also have the option of calling us at 1-800-GET COKE (438-2653) or writing us at:
The Coca-Cola Company
Attn: Good Answer
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
The Coca-Cola Company
Attn: Good Answer
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
Who invented Coca-Cola? Where and when was it invented?
Coca-Cola was invented in May 1886 by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. The name "Coca-Cola" was suggested by Dr. Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank Robinson. He penned the name Coca-Cola in the flowing script that is famous today. Coca-Cola was first sold at a soda fountain in Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta by Willis Venable.
During the first year, sales of Coca-Cola averaged nine drinks a day, adding up to total sales for that year of $50. Today, products of The Coca-Cola Company are consumed at the rate of more than 1.8 billion drinks per day.
To learn more about the history of The Coca-Cola Company, we encourage you to visit theHeritage section of our website.
What is My Coke Rewards?
My Coke Rewards is The Coca-Cola Company’s loyalty program, rewarding members just for drinking the brands they love. Collect points from packages and under the caps of participating products, then redeem them for unique rewards, sweepstakes entries and donation opportunities. Here’s how it works. Membership is free and the earning potential is endless. Join today.
How does Coca-Cola respond to allegations that it is responsible for violence against union leaders in Colombia?
The allegations are simply not true.
Two different judicial inquiries in Colombia -- one in a Colombian court and one by the Colombian attorney general -- found no evidence to support the allegations that bottler management conspired to intimidate or threaten trade unionists.
Nonetheless, these allegations were the thrust of a lawsuit filed in 2001 against The Coca-ColaCompany in a U.S. District Court in Miami; the Company was dismissed as a defendant in 2003. On Sept. 29, 2006, the court issued a decision to dismiss the two Coca-Cola bottlers in Colombia from all remaining cases as well. This decision was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in August 2009.
These allegations have also been investigated by the International Labour Organization, outside law firms and senior executives of this Company reaching the same conclusion.
The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers have maintained operations and have worked to provide safe, stable economic opportunities for the people of Colombia.
In a country where violence against union members has deterred all but 4 percent of workers from unionizing, 28 percent of Coca-Cola bottler employees belong to unions. Coca-Colabottlers enjoy extensive, normal relations with multiple unions in Colombia and currently have collective bargaining agreements in place covering wages, benefits and working conditions. On average, wages for Coca-Cola workers are two to three times higher than the minimum wage.
Two different judicial inquiries in Colombia -- one in a Colombian court and one by the Colombian attorney general -- found no evidence to support the allegations that bottler management conspired to intimidate or threaten trade unionists.
Nonetheless, these allegations were the thrust of a lawsuit filed in 2001 against The Coca-ColaCompany in a U.S. District Court in Miami; the Company was dismissed as a defendant in 2003. On Sept. 29, 2006, the court issued a decision to dismiss the two Coca-Cola bottlers in Colombia from all remaining cases as well. This decision was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in August 2009.
These allegations have also been investigated by the International Labour Organization, outside law firms and senior executives of this Company reaching the same conclusion.
The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers have maintained operations and have worked to provide safe, stable economic opportunities for the people of Colombia.
In a country where violence against union members has deterred all but 4 percent of workers from unionizing, 28 percent of Coca-Cola bottler employees belong to unions. Coca-Colabottlers enjoy extensive, normal relations with multiple unions in Colombia and currently have collective bargaining agreements in place covering wages, benefits and working conditions. On average, wages for Coca-Cola workers are two to three times higher than the minimum wage.
What has Coca-Cola done to ensure water is used responsibly in its operations in India?
Managing water responsibly is the highest priority in our approach to environmental policy and corporate social responsibility in India.
In 2010, we achieved our goal to be a “net positive” user of groundwater and created design potential to return an equivalent amount to what we use. We accomplished this through rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and other initiatives.
We have about 400 Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) projects in place across 20 states in India. We now have created the potential to do even more – we have the potential to return nearly 120 percent of the groundwater we use (considering a base of the amount of groundwater used in 2011).
We have been a winner of several prestigious awards on community development and corporate social responsibility. We have either been a winner or been recognized by the judges for our CSR work every year since 2008.
While we know we have more to do to continue to build a truly water sustainable business in India, we are proud of our progress to date.
In 2010, we achieved our goal to be a “net positive” user of groundwater and created design potential to return an equivalent amount to what we use. We accomplished this through rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and other initiatives.
We have about 400 Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) projects in place across 20 states in India. We now have created the potential to do even more – we have the potential to return nearly 120 percent of the groundwater we use (considering a base of the amount of groundwater used in 2011).
We have been a winner of several prestigious awards on community development and corporate social responsibility. We have either been a winner or been recognized by the judges for our CSR work every year since 2008.
While we know we have more to do to continue to build a truly water sustainable business in India, we are proud of our progress to date.
Does The Coca-Cola Company conduct animal tests?
No. The Coca-Cola Company does not conduct animal tests on its beverages.
We rely on third-party experts and research organizations to test the safety of the ingredients and packaging we use for our beverages.
We encourage our ingredient and packaging suppliers and independent research organizations to use alternatives to animal testing whenever such testing is available and sufficient for demonstrating safety. Some governmental agencies require and identify specific animal tests to verify the safety of some ingredients and additives.
We also financially support research to develop alternative methods to animal testing.
We rely on third-party experts and research organizations to test the safety of the ingredients and packaging we use for our beverages.
We encourage our ingredient and packaging suppliers and independent research organizations to use alternatives to animal testing whenever such testing is available and sufficient for demonstrating safety. Some governmental agencies require and identify specific animal tests to verify the safety of some ingredients and additives.
We also financially support research to develop alternative methods to animal testing.
PRODUCTS & PACKAGING
What are the key visual elements of Arctic Home Coke cans and Diet Coke "Holiday" cans?
On October 25, Coca-Cola announced that we would temporarily change the color of our redCoca-Cola cans to white as part of a campaign to raise awareness and funding for a cause close to our hearts -- the polar bear. These new white "Arctic Home" cans have been making their way onto store shelves over the past couple of weeks. For those consumers who are used to seeing Coke in our iconic red cans, the attached fact sheet highlights some key visual elements that clearly distinguish these new white "Arctic Home" Coke cans from our silver Diet Coke "Holiday" cans.
Are the bottle caps on your products recyclable?
The closures we use on bottles are 100 percent recyclable from a technical standpoint and highly recycled. They are made from high-density materials selected for their compatibility with most recycling systems. Most recyclers use a float/sink process where PET bottles sink and the closures and labels float. For this reason, and to minimize litter, we recommend that consumers recycle their beverage bottles by putting the cap back on before placing in a recycle bin. Like the PET plastic used in our bottles, there also are end markets for the material used in the caps, such as paint pails and battery casings.
What is the difference between Coca-Cola Zero®, Diet Coke® and Coke/Coca-Colalight®?
Coca-Cola Zero provides real Coca-Cola taste for variety-seeking consumers. Coca-Cola Zero is sweetened with a blend of low-calorie sweeteners, while Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame. As for Coke/Coca-Cola light, in certain countries, the term "diet" is not used to describe low-calorie foods and beverages. In these countries, we offer Coke/Coca-Cola light. The sweetener blend used for Coke/Coca-Cola light is formulated for each country based on consumer preference.
Have you ever considered making a caffeine-free version of _______? Have you ever considered making a diet version of _______?
The decision to produce a beverage option is based on many considerations. While we may not produce a caffeine-free or diet version of every product, we do offer several caffeine-free and diet (typically labeled as diet, light or zero) choices.
Please take a look at our complete brand list. If the product you seek is listed and you reside in the U.S. or Canada, you can visit our bottler finder to find out if it is distributed in your neighborhood.
If you are located outside of the U.S. and Canada, please send us an email to obtain the appropriate contact information for the Coca-Cola bottler in your area.
How much caffeine is contained in _______?
For many of our brands, the nutritional information varies from one country to another. For products in the U.S., you can review nutritional information on our website. For products in other countries, please send us an email and we will reply with the requested information.
Is aspartame safe?
Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly studied food ingredients, with more than 200 scientific studies confirming its safety. In 1983, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame for use in carbonated beverages. In addition to the FDA, regulatory agencies in more than 100 countries have found aspartame to be safe. Aspartame does contain the amino acid phenylalanine, and, therefore, should not be consumed by people with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic condition for which infants are tested at birth in the U.S., as well as in many other countries. More information about aspartame and other sweeteners »
Does The Coca-Cola Company perform product testing on animals?
The Coca-Cola Company does not conduct any animal tests and does not directly fund any animal tests on its beverages. Where governmental agencies require animal tests to demonstrate ingredient safety, companies using those ingredients rely on third party testing.
The Coca-Cola Company has shared our concern regarding the ethical and humane treatment of animals with our suppliers and others in the industry. We encourage the use of alternative testing methods whenever and wherever possible and have financially supported research to develop these alternative methods.
Are your products safe to consume if they are in aluminum cans with liners containing BPA?
All of our products, regardless of the type of packaging used, are safe.
Independent scientists have thoroughly reviewed the data and have assured us that our beverage cans pose no public health risk. Our own scientists also have reviewed the data and are confident about our packaging safety. In addition, the scientific body of evidence has been reviewed independently by several government regulators throughout the world. These regulators have repeatedly stated that current levels of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) through beverage packaging pose no health risk to the general population, including children.
Aluminum can liners that use BPA are the industry standard and have been used safely for more than 50 years. In fact, they have improved food and beverage safety by providing protection against food-borne diseases.
A number of studies and reviews conducted in 2010 and 2011, including one study lauded by a leading endocrinologist as being "majestically scientific and cautious," support the prevailing evidence that BPA is safe for humans. Learn more about these studies.
Our top priority is to ensure the safety and quality of our products and packaging through rigorous standards that meet or exceed government requirements. If we had any concerns about the safety of our packaging, we would not use it.
Does high fructose corn syrup cause obesity?
No. Neither high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in sparkling beverages nor any other single food or beverage is responsible for the problems of obesity or diabetes. A study conducted by the American Medical Association concluded that HFCS does not appear to contribute any more to obesity than other caloric sweeteners.
Our beverage portfolio includes many different types of sweeteners. Sweetener use depends on the product as well as consumer preferences. HFCS is used as a sweetener in foods and beverages in the United States because it tastes like sucrose, is easy to use in the food manufacturing process, and has historically cost substantially less than cane or beet sugar (more commonly used as sweeteners in other parts of the world). HFCS is used to sweeten most sparkling beverages in the United States. It provides numerous consumer benefits, such as sweetness, shelf stability and pourability.
All our products and ingredients are safe for human consumption and comply with the regulatory requirements of the country in which a product is sold. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HFCS as a safe ingredient for use in food and beverages.
What is Coca-Cola doing to address obesity?
Obesity is one of the world's leading public health concerns, and we have an important role to play in addressing this complex issue. We care about people's health, both physical and emotional, and we seek to understand people's individual needs for enjoyment, refreshment, nutrition and hydration. We want to help empower people around the world to develop active, healthy lifestyles through our commitments, our actions and our dedication of resources to three guiding principles: Think, Drink and Move (see pages 24-26 of our 2007/2008 Sustainability Review).
Global estimates on the number of overweight and obese people continue to rise (currently reported as high as 1.7 billion, which is equal to one quarter of the world's population). Reports of adverse health consequences and negative societal and economic impacts continue to be discussed. Policy recommendations and regulatory requirements are being set in place to reverse the situation.
Coca-Cola and other food and beverage companies are viewed by some as major contributors to the problem, but real solutions are more complex than selecting targets for blame. As the world's largest beverage company, we need to become a recognized leader, working in collaboration with other stakeholders, to identify and implement workable solutions that help people achieve more active, healthy lifestyles.
Together with other stakeholders, we are committed to a number of initiatives that can help combat obesity, including:
Providing variety in both our products and our package sizes.
Promoting, providing and supporting opportunities for people to engage in active, healthy living, with a focus on young people through development of nutrition education and physical activity programs (see pages 24-26 and 55 of our 2007/2008 Sustainability Review for more information).
Developing effective educational tools and programs that emphasize the importance of energy balance in attaining active, healthy lifestyles in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Respecting the rights of parents, teachers and school officials to make choices for children.
Working with representatives of government, NGOs and the public health community to ensure that the discussion about obesity remains grounded in fact and scientific evidence.
Learn more about our position on obesity, our commitments and key health and well-being facts. Download (PDF updated quarterly).
Are non-nutritive sweeteners like Aspartame, Saccharin and Sucralose harmful to your health?
No. In fact, low-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose provide sweetness with almost no calories, which makes them a useful tool for weight management. More than 200 scientific studies confirm the safety of aspartame as a sweetener. In addition to U.S. FDA approval, regulatory agencies in more than 100 countries approve aspartame's safety. In an extensive 2006 review of its safety by the European Food Safety Authority, aspartame was again demonstrated and reaffirmed to be safe.
The U.S. FDA, as well as other government agencies, has determined saccharin to be a safe non-nutritive sweetener. In 1999, the U.S. FDA approved sucralose as a "general purpose" sweetener. Sucralose has also been approved for use in more than 40 countries, including Australia, Canada and Mexico.
Does The Coca-Cola Company have a policy on the use of nanotechnology?
Yes. Our policy on nanotechnology is as follows:
Recognizing and appreciating the trust that consumers place in us every time they reach for one of our beverages, The Coca-Cola Company has an uncompromising commitment to the safety and quality of our products.
We use only those ingredients and materials that have been evaluated for safety based on sound science and that have been approved for use by local health and safety regulators. Wherever we operate, we abide by the laws and customs of the local communities, including regulations pertaining to health, safety and product labeling.
The Coca-Cola Company recognizes the benefits that nanotechnology offers the food industry and consumers. Nanostructures have a long history of use in the human diet either through their natural presence (e.g. gelatin protein) or through traditional food processing (e.g. grinding, milling, homogenization). Unlike the historical uses of these substances, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are novel and intentionally made to be within the nanoscale range.
As consumer safety is paramount to our Company, we will take whatever steps necessary, based on sound scientific principles, to ensure any new technology is safe for consumers and the en