COCA-COLA CEO POPS INTO THAILAND TO DISCUSS GROWTH STRATEGY

       Coca-Cola USA chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent yesterday met with local bottling partners to map growth strategy.
       He expressed optimism about the Thai market, saying the company's business in the Kingdom had the potential to double in size.
       Kent was on a two-day visit to Thailand, during which he met with the leadership of the company's local bottling partners - Thai Namthip and Haad Thip - to discuss growth strategies for the local beverage market.
       The visit was timed to coincide with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Coca-Cola bottling partner Thai Namthip.
       Kent, who lived in Thailand as a child, said: "The purpose of my visit is to affirm to the team in Thailand our commitment to Thailand, our confidence in the future of the Thai economy and our belief in the considerable potential of the Thai market. We have enjoyed a strong partnership over many years with our local Thai bottlers and know that the key to further success in this market lies in understanding and best serving the rapidly evolving needs of Thai consumers, customers and the communities in which we operate."
       The Coca-Cola system in the Kingdom consists of Coca-Cola (Thailand), Thai Namthip and Haad Thip. Haad Thip serves the 14 southern provinces, while Thai Namthip serves the rest of Thailand.
       During his visit, Kent paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at Government House and met with the leadership of one of the Coca-Cola Foundation Thailand's main corporate-social-responsibility partners.
       He also visited stores and markets in the greater Bangkok area and held discussions with a group of the Coca-Cola system's Thai female business leaders. The latter activity was part of Coca-Cola's global initiative, led by Kent, to accelerate the recruitment, development and advancement of female talent in Coca-Cola offices around the world.
       Coca-Cola USA recently announced it had achieved growth in volume and value share worldwide in non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages for the eighth consecutive quarter. The Pacific region, including Thailand, showed particularly strong growth.