Coca-Cola celebrates 50 years in Nepal

KATHMANDU: Coca-Cola, a top beverage company in the country, has marked its 50-year presence in Nepal, demonstrating its commitment to the Nepali community. Since entering the Nepali market in 1973, Coca-Cola has become part of the country's fabric, witnessing generations of celebrations and establishing two manufacturing plants — Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) in Kathmandu and Bottlers Nepal Terai Limited (BNTL) in Chitwan. With over 100,000 retail outlets nationwide, the company employs more than 1,000 people and impacts over 5,000 lives.

BNTL Chairman NN Singh acknowledged the company's journey in Nepal, stating its purpose to refresh the nation and make a difference. He expressed gratitude to customers, employees, and stakeholders for their support. 

Consumers can participate in a digital quiz contest, "Coca-Cola 50 Years Quiz Time", to celebrate Coca-Cola's 50 years in Nepal. 

Chandrika Kalia, Head of Coca-Cola Nepal and Bhutan, expressed gratitude for the love Nepalis have for their beverages and brands, and pledged to continue improving lives. 

Coca-Cola, a significant foreign investor in Nepal, has positively impacted the country's socio-economic growth. It has supported Nepali people during challenging times through campaigns like "Pheri Uthne Chha Nepal" during the 2015 earthquake and the "Stop the Spread" initiative during the Covid 19 pandemic. 

G Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal, expressed gratitude towards consumers and thanked business partners, distributors, retailers, customers, and the team for their support. He emphasized the company's commitment to fostering connections, staying attuned to the spirit of the country, and making a positive impact.

Coca-Cola's Saksham initiative, in partnership with Atelier Platform, has empowered over 2,000 women in Nepal to establish and manage their businesses over the past two years. Additionally, the 'Youth Dialogue' programme has collaborated with numerous colleges and universities across Nepal on youth development and empowerment with its implementing partner Glocal.

Coca-Cola's annual Dashain festival campaign fosters community and celebrates relationships. The recent "Sambandha Utsav" campaign encouraged people to enjoy togetherness despite differences. The Coca-Cola Foundation supports transformative ideas and institutions that address global challenges, focusing on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience, a circular economy, economic empowerment, and disaster response in Nepal.

The foundation collaborates with various NGOs, such as WaterAid, WWF, Maiti Nepal, WHR, Creasion, Rotary Club of Nagarjun, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Women for Human Rights, and CARE Nepal. It has also supported the Nepali Army's mountain clean-up campaign for the past three years.

Following the introduction of Coca-Cola, the company now offers a range of brands including Fanta, Sprite, Kinley, and Charged.