Coca-Cola Enterprises Confirms €17 Million Investment in Les Pennes-Mirabeau Facility

Letter From Coca-Cola's European Group President: We regret that our local team caused confusion this morning related to Coca-Cola's sincere commitment to France and the growth of its economy. I would like to set the record straight. We are re-confirming our €17 million investment to our Les Pennes-Mirabeau facility. Let there be no doubt, and let me say it as a Frenchman: Coca-Cola is committed to France. We employ 3,000 people here and have invested €260 million in France over the last six years. Let me also be clear: We remain strongly opposed to a tax that unjustly targets the purchasing power of the French people and one category of beverages under the pretext of addressing public health concerns. Consumer information and education around increased exercise and balanced diets, not discriminatory taxes, must be part of any comprehensive proposal. We remain committed to working with our stakeholders – including the government, nutritionists, and public policy experts – to address the ongoing public health concerns of French citizens. Hubert Patricot President, European Group Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.