Coca-Cola Enterprises embraces ‘Homecoming Scotland’ with limited edition Robbie Burns iconic glass ‘Coke’ bottle

Friday, June 05, 2009

Coca-Cola Enterprises today launches a limited edition iconic 'Coke' glass bottle in support of the 2009 'Homecoming Scotland' campaign. The bottle, which features Scottish poet Robert Burns, is the first of its kind to celebrate a historical icon and to showcase a country's culture, heritage and achievements.
Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet, the international cultural icon, Robert Burns, Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to encourage people of Scottish descent and those who love Scotland to come home in 2009. It's an invitation to take part in an inspirational celebration of Scottish culture and heritage.

The limited edition bottle has been designed specifically to support the Homecoming Scotland initiative. The Coca-Cola Company has previously produced a number of iconic limited edition bottles, but never for a national event on this scale anywhere in the world. The bottle features an image of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns as well as the iconic Highland Stag against the traditional 'Coke' red background. The design aims to combine the tradition and heritage of a cultural icon with the contemporary nature of a modern brand.

The limited edition bottle will be available in outlets in the whole of the UK from June until the end of the year. It is currently being stocked in premium venues across Scotland including hotel groups such as Gleneagles and Radisson Hotels.

Coca-Cola Enterprises has significant manufacturing and sales operations in Scotland, employing over 400 people. Simon Baldry, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd says, "We are delighted to be supporting Scotland's Homecoming campaign by working with our Scottish customers to launch this limited edition bottle. This unique bottle and design creates opportunity for new marketing, promotions and display in stores to ensure that increased consumer awareness and excitement is created for this campaign."

First Minister for Scotland, Alex Salmond says, "I'm delighted that Coca Cola are lending their support to Scotland's Year of Homecoming with the production of this limited edition bottle. This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remind our friends and family of everything that makes Scotland unique. This unique design for 2009 captures the spirit of that celebration, and is a fantastic way of translating our heritage and identity into the language of popular culture."

On Friday 5th June CCE will be hosting a launch event at Gleneagles Hotel for customers which will be attended by Simon Baldry, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd and The Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland.

Notes to editors

Coca-Cola Enterprises

Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE) is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc, the world's largest marketer, producer and distributor of the products of The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC).  Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd manufactures and distributes TCCC products, as well as products for other brand-owners, throughout England, Scotland and Wales, and employs around 4,600 people.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its products and operations. It is particularly focused on sustainable packaging, water stewardship, and energy and climate protection, and has made good progress in these areas, although there is still more to be done. For example in Great Britain, energy use across manufacturing operations has been reduced by 16% since 2001; packaging has also been reduced - the iconic glass Coke bottle is now 20% lighter; the amount of water used per litre of product has been cut by 21% since 2001; and 90% of waste at sites is now recovered or recycled.

Homecoming Scotland

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a Scottish Government initiative managed in partnership by EventScotland and VisitScotland.  Homecoming is a year-long celebration, created to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.  More than 300 events are taking place across Scotland celebrating some of Scotland's great contributions to the world: Golf; Whisky; Great Scottish Minds and Innovation; Scotland's rich culture, heritage and ancestry; and Burns himself.  Homecoming Scotland 2009 is motivating people with Scottish ancestry, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to "Come Home" and join us in this inspirational celebration. More details are available at: http://www.homecomingscotland.com/default.html

Contact

Coca-Cola Enterprises Press Office on 01895 844828

Scottish Government Communications - Emma Shea on 0131 244 3054