Coca-Cola to Invest $4 Billion in China for Long-Term Growth

The Coca-Cola Company

announced Thursday that it was partnering with its Chinese bottling partners to invest $4 billion in China over three years, beginning in 2012. Citing growth opportunities, Coca-Cola has already made a strong push into China. By the end of this year, Coca-Cola and its China bottling partners will have invested more than $3 billion in China over the last three years. "China is one of our most important growth markets in the world as we work to achieve our 2020 Vision goal of doubling system revenues and servings this decade. The new investment is a part of our long-term commitment to invest in innovation, partnerships and a portfolio that will enable us to grow our business in a sustainable and responsible way," Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company said in Shanghai. China has been an increasingly attractive target market for many foreign companies, especially as it continues grow. GM

and Ford

, among many, have made strong efforts to build market share in the hugely populated country. CEO Kent was positive about the impact the move would have for Coca-Cola's customers. "Besides our infrastructure and capabilities, the new investment will also focus on enhancing the consumer experience, ensuring product affordability and building brand loyalty which deliver sustainable growth," he said. Coca-Cola benefits not just from its namesake in China, but from other popular brands under the company's purview. Minute Maid Pulpy, for example, is the number one juice brand in the country, according to Kent. "These achievements are driven by a renewed focus on core brands, continued distribution gains and expansion of cold drink equipment, all made possible by our continued investment and dedicated execution over the years," the chief executive noted.