Coca-Cola Contributed 387 Million Euros to Croatian Economy in 2023 

Today, Study of Coca-Cola’s Socioeconomic Impact in Croatia, covering the company's 2023 business results, was presented. Following the presentation, leaders of major companies and associations discussed ways to foster economic growth through collaboration.

The fifth Study of Coca-Cola’s Socioeconomic Impact was conducted by the international consulting firm Steward Redqueen. The results show that Coca-Cola has a significant impact on the Croatian economy, including social responsibility and community investment.

”The results of the Study highlight the Coca-Cola system as a deeply rooted and respected stakeholder in Croatian society, showcasing our positive impact on the broader economy. The Study shows that 71% of every euro spent on Coca-Cola products remains within the Croatian economy. Coca-Cola's total direct and indirect contributions reached 387 million euros, accounting for 0.5% of Croatia's GDP. I would like to emphasize that in the past five years, Coca-Cola has invested over one million euros in socially responsible projects across Croatia, which demonstrates our commitment to the society in which we operate. This Study motivates us to continue on the path of excellence in Croatia, together with our valued customers and partners,”, said Dora Strezova-Nikolova, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Croatia.

Each job at Coca-Cola supports an additional 15 jobs in the Croatian economy. In 2023, through its business operations which include collaboration with 1,752 local suppliers and 31,166 customers, Coca-Cola contributed 0.6% of the total tax contributions paid in Croatia.

Oleg Butković, a representative of the Croatian Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure, as well as Nathalie Rayes, the U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, addressed the attendees.

”Large companies like Coca-Cola bring with them knowledge, resources, and technologies that enable faster development and competitiveness, while often setting trends that small businesses follow. Furthermore, the corporate sector contributes to the state budget through taxes and contributions, which are crucial for funding all public services that improve the quality of life for all citizens," emphasized Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure Oleg Butković. He added, ”Many corporations have responsibilities and obligations towards society and the environment, and many actively work on sustainable practices and socially responsible business, among which Coca-Cola is one, and I congratulate you on this.”

The U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes, stated: "Success stories like Coca-Cola's demonstrate that we do not need to choose between economic growth and social responsibility, or between profits and sustainability. High standards lead to high performance – and everyone benefits.”

Following the presentation of the Study results, a panel discussion ”Fostering Economic Growth through Global and Local Synergies” was held. The panel was moderated by Andrea Čović Vidović, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, and included Dora Strezova-Nikolova, President of the Board at Studenac Michal Senczuk, President of the Foreign Investors Council and Regional Director of Doğuş Group Burak Baykan, Chief Economist of the Croatian Employers' Association Hrvoje Stojić, Country/Plant Manager at ALPLA Group Marko Ban, and Director of the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development Mirjana Matešić. The participants discussed the impact of international companies on the Croatian economy and the opportunities they open for the development of the domestic economy as a whole.

The Study is available at: https://apps.jutarnji.hr/coca-cola-hbc-seis/.