Another Reason to Love Coca-Cola!

Do you get that 1:00 p.m. craving for a thirst-quenching drink? Does you mouth thirst for something more than water on a daily basis? Well if you are like me, that thirst can only be quenched by an ice-cold Coke, or in my case an ice-cold Diet Coke. Since I can remember I have been a top supporter of everything Coca-Cola. I love the taste, I love the ads and I love the Coke side of life. Not until recently, though, did I discover yet another reason to love Coke, and this time it has to do with the company itself.

Whenever a company makes a single mistake, that mistake seems to stick as a stigma that the company is forever associated with, no matter how many other good deeds they perform. For example, Nike. I have always loved Nike and continue to wear many Nike workout clothes. But when I think of Nike, I immediately remember all the negative publicity they received for their sweatshops. Everyone does! No matter what else Nike does it will always be associated with its former sweatshops.

Which brings me to the point of why I have come to love Coke even more – they practice social responsibility in the environment, the community, the workplace and the marketplace.




Coke says, “the future of our business depends on the vitality of the communities where we operate.” Coca-Cola and their bottling partners produce products in more than 800 plants worldwide, and make sure to “employ local people, pay taxes to governments, pay suppliers for goods, services and capital equipment, and support community investment programs.” They also support socioeconomic development of these communities through “economic opportunities and wealth creation as well as technology and knowledge transfer; local entrepreneurship; and other international investment.”

In 2006, Coca-Cola donated approximately $70 million to these communities to support their civic and public affairs, and community and economic development. Talk about making a difference in the world!

I realize that a major factor for Coca-Cola’s generosity is based in their American business foundation: ultimately to get back to the bottom line. Yes, by practicing great social responsibility Coke is trying to increase their profits. They are helping people in poor countries, providing employment opportunities in safe workplaces and making monetary donations to aid the growth of these communities. They are giving these communities assets they may never have without the help of a larger conglomerate, but they are doing it to increase there own profit. And it’s working.

So I wonder, is it less moral to be such a do-gooder if you are doing it with your own self-interest in mind? The good deeds are still being done, and the people and communities are benefiting in ways they might not otherwise have been. Does the intent behind Coca-Cola matter? Or is just important that the good deeds are done?

Who doesn't want to drink a Coke after watching this commercial?