Coca-Cola İçecek inaugurates 4th plant in Uzbekistan

The company, operating in 12 countries including Türkiye, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, operates 33 bottling plants and 3 fruit processing plants with over 10,000 employees. CCI’s fourth plant in Uzbekistan has commenced operations in Samarkand with an initial investment of 112 million dollars, contributing to the overall 500 million dollar investment in the country.

On March 17th, 2024, in Samarkand- Coca-Cola İçecek A.Ş. (CCI), a subsidiary of Anadolu Group, continues to showcase its commitment to growth by expanding its footprint in various countries from Türkiye to China. With a keen focus on enhancing its presence along the historical Silk Road, CCI celebrated the opening of its fourth plant in Samarkand after Tashkent, Urgench, and Namangan. The inauguration ceremony was attended by various distinguished guests including Erkinjon Turdimov, the Governor of Samarkand Region; Laziz Kudratov, The Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade; Olgun Bakar Uzbekistan Ambassador of Türkiye; Jonathan Henick, Uzbekistan Ambassador of United States; The Coca-Cola Company Chairman and CEO James Quincey and as well as the local government representatives; business partners and members of the media.

Tuncay Özilhan, Chairman of Anadolu Group, emphasized the company's confidence in the bright future of Uzbekistan through the establishment of the fourth plant after three years of sustained investment. With investments amounting to 7 billion USD over the last decade, the strategic location of Samarkand on the Silk Road holds significant importance for Anadolu Group, a conglomerate that serves 1 billion consumers in 20 countries with 100 thousand employees.

Burak Başarır, CEO of Anadolu Group, who completed the acquisition of Uzbekistan in 2021 as CCI CEO, highlighted the impressive growth of the company's operations in Uzbekistan in a short period, especially with the two-fold increase in business volume. The 112 million USD investment in the Samarkand plant further highlights the company's commitment to the region.

Karim Yahi, CEO of Coca-Cola İçecek, emphasized the positive impact of the company on the Uzbekistan’s economy, with each direct job within The Coca-Cola System creating a multiplier effect of 46 jobs. Currently employing 1,600 people in Uzbekistan, the Samarkand plant will generate additional employment opportunities for 300 individuals. Yahi noted that CCI's investments not only expand production capacity but also signify the company's belief in the potential of Uzbekistan, contributing to the overall socio-economic growth of the country.