India: News

Coca–Cola India Wins Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility

Coca–Cola India was awarded the prestigious 2008 Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility February 15, during a global conference in Vilamoura, Portugal. Dr. Ola Ullsten, former prime minister of Sweden, presented the award to Deepak Jolly, Vice–President, Public Affairs & Communication, Coca–Cola India, on behalf of the Company.

The Golden Peacock Global CSR Award showcases the “human face of business” by recognizing the continuing commitment of companies to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce, their families and the local community and society at large.”

A distinguished jury chaired by Dr. Ola Ullsten, former prime minister of Sweden, selected this year’s Golden Peacock award winners.

Presenting the award to the Company, Dr. Ola Ullsten said, “Golden Peacock Awards have been instituted by World Council for Corporate Governance UK to create competitiveness in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. We are hopeful that Coca–Cola India's effort in promoting sustainable communities sets an example for other organizations to follow.”

Her Excellency Ms. Nilima Mitra Ambassador of India in Portugal said that she was very impressed with the manner in which Coca Cola is fulfilling its CSR endeavors in India regarding water management and conservation especially the intervention to ensure potable water to over 1,000 primary schools in India.

Commenting on Coca–Cola India winning the award, Atul Singh, President and CEO, Coca–Cola India, said, “Coca–Cola India has always placed high value on good citizenship and has undertaken several initiatives for community development and inclusive growth. We are gratified to receive this global award and are humbled at being recognized for the little contributions that we have been able to make to preserve and protect the environment and towards community development. We are also establishing the Coca–Cola India Foundation which will further strive to make a positive impact on local communities. The Company remains committed to work with stakeholders and communities across the country in its bid to contribute to mutual growth and development.”

The award recognizes Coca–Cola India’s water conservation/management and community development initiatives. The Company has installed 320 Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) structures in 17 states and has restored several traditional water bodies like the Sarai Bawari and Kale Hanuman ki Bawari in Jaipur as well as checked dams across the country.

Additionally, the Company recently set a target to reach a “net–zero” balance with respect to groundwater usage by 2009 and launched the “Elixir of Life” project to provide drinking water to nearly 30,000 children in 100 primary and panchayat schools in and around Chennai. The Company plans to provide clean drinking water in 1,000 schools by 2010.

Coca–Cola India also promotes sustainable packaging through PET recycling and has undertaken several projects in the areas of primary health, primary education and infrastructure for local communities.

The Company has undertaken these Citizenship initiatives in partnership with government, NGOs, educational institutions and local communities.

In 2006, the World Environment Foundation (WEF) honored Coca–Cola India with the Golden Peacock Environment Management Special Commendation Award for its world–class environment practices.