Coca-Cola plans own sales, distribution

Soft drinks brand Coca-Cola yesterday announced plans to start its own sales and distribution operations in Bangladesh.
The company earlier submitted a proposal to the government for setting up a manufacturing plant in the country.
Coca-Cola products have been prepared, packaged and sold in Bangladesh for around 50 years. But it has been marketing its products through local representatives.
Now the company will directly market its flagship products -- Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta.
Coca-Cola was expecting a positive response shortly to its proposal for setting up the plant jointly with the government.
Tabani Beverage, a state-owned company, used to bottle and market Coca-Cola products in Bangladesh until September last year. But Tabani discontinued when Coca-Cola formed a new partnership with a private company.
The operations will be launched soon in Dhaka and Rajshahi, said a statement of the company.
“The launch of our operations in the districts is a reaffirmation of the commitment,” said Debashish Deb, country manager for Coca-Cola Far East Ltd.
The latest move is also expected to generate direct and indirect employment for over 2,500 people.