Saudi-based Aujan Group Holding said its Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company (ACCBC) unit aims to open a new bottling site in Iraq next year, adding to its four current sites in Dammam, Dubai, Lebanon and Egypt.
The new site will create jobs for more than 150 Iraqis and include manufacturing lines for juices and soft drinks, seeing an investment of up to 250 million Saudi riyals (Dh244.8m) over the next two years, ACCBC said.
“The timing of the announcement could not be better," said Tolga Sezer, the chief executive of ACCBC. "This is an opportunity for ACCBC to display its commitment to expand [its] growing supply chain footprint across the region.”
The site will play a key role in supporting Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company’s operation in Iraq, enabling domestic supply for rising demand, the company said. The site will also supply to neighbouring markets.
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Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company licensed brands include Rani, Barbican and Vimto, which have leading positions within their respective categories in Iraq. Rani is the biggest juice, and Barbican is the biggest malt beverage in the country, ACCBC said. Operations inside Iraq have continued to grow since inception back in 2003.
“We believe in our brands, and our strategy, designed to target the youth across the region," said Mr Sezer.
"The site investment is another step in putting our strategy in action. Growing the Iraq market is a strong pillar in our development plans for the future.”
In 2014, ACCBC acquired a majority stake in the National Beverage Company SAL, becoming the manufacturer and distributor of Coca-Cola, Pampa, and several other brands in Lebanon.
ACCBC along with Rani Refreshments - the global trademark owner of Rani and Barbican - were established in 2012 following the successful joint venture between Coca-Cola Company and Aujan.