Coca-Cola Ichimligi Uzbekiston, has announced plans to invest $165 mn in constructing two new factories in Uzbekistan, Spot reported on April 8.
The first factory, situated in the Samarkand region across 18.5 hectares, will specialize in soft drink production. With a projected annual output of 280 mn liters, the facility is expected to generate 200 employment opportunities. Valued at $133 mn, the construction of this plant will see a significant portion of the investment - $115 mn - coming from Dutch company CCI International Holland B.V. Operations are scheduled to commence in the second quarter of this year, with plans to export products to CIS countries.
In the Namangan region, the second factory spanning 14.2 hectares will focus on carbonated drink production. Capable of producing 198 mn liters annually, the project is estimated at $50 mn and will also receive investment from CCI International Holland B.V. Construction is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of this year, with operations set to begin in the first quarter of 2025. The Namangan location was strategically chosen for its proximity to neighboring countries, facilitating efficient product export. The project is expected to create 300 new job opportunities.
CCI Uzbekistan emphasized that both factories will primarily cater to the domestic market. Additionally, the facilities will implement technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption by 10-15% and purifying water for reuse in production. Coca-Cola's sustainability efforts have led to a 12% reduction in water consumption over the past two years, showcasing its dedication to environmental responsibility.
In 2021, UzSAMA facilitated the swift privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), attracting both domestic and international investors. The privatization of the Coca-Cola bottling plant was completed with the Turkish Coca-Cola İçecek (CCI) Group acquiring the government's shares through a competitive auction process. The involvement of international consultants such as Rothschild & Co. and Denton’s has been instrumental in maintaining transparency and conducting fair valuations throughout the privatization process.
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