The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners generated an estimated R51.2 billion in economic value across South Africa in 2024, supporting more than 87,000 jobs, according to a new socio-economic impact study.
The study, conducted by Steward Redqueen, found that the Coca-Cola system’s operations and extended value chain continue to play a significant role in the country’s economy, spanning sectors such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services.
According to the report, the system’s impact extends well beyond its direct operations, with suppliers, distributors and retailers contributing to widespread job creation. The findings indicate that for every direct job within the Coca-Cola system, an estimated ten additional jobs are supported across the broader economy.
The company said its local sourcing strategy remains a key driver of this impact. In 2024, the system procured goods and services worth R25.6 billion from South African suppliers, supporting industries including sugar production, packaging, logistics and marketing.
Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, Luis Felipe Avellar, President of the Africa operating unit of The Coca-Cola Company, said the study underscores the company’s integration into local economies.
He noted that the business continues to prioritise local hiring, production and distribution as part of efforts to strengthen economic linkages and community development.
The Coca-Cola system in South Africa comprises the parent company and its authorised bottlers, including Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, which operates across the continent.
Company executives also highlighted ongoing investments aimed at expanding production capacity, including the introduction of a new bottling line at a manufacturing facility in Midrand, as part of broader efforts to support industrial growth and job creation.
Beyond economic activity, the company pointed to its involvement in social initiatives such as the Africa Water Stewardship Initiative, which seeks to address water-related challenges in communities across 20 African countries through long-term investment.
The study combines company data with external economic sources to assess the direct, indirect and induced impact of the Coca-Cola system, illustrating how its operations influence multiple layers of the economy, from agricultural production to retail distribution.
The findings come as South Africa seeks to attract investment and stimulate growth, with multinational companies increasingly highlighting their role in supporting local economies through supply chains and employment.
