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Celebrating 90 Years in Switzerland: Coca‑Cola Marks Its Anniversary

Coca-Cola celebrates 90 years in Switzerland: nine decades in which the global icon has become an integral part of everyday Swiss life. Since 1936, Coca-Cola has been produced locally using Swiss ingredients, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. Through its involvement in music, sports, and inclusion, Coca-Cola has become an integral part of Swiss society and pop culture. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with various initiatives and partnerships.

While Coca-Cola is a global brand, its Swiss operations are deeply local. The majority of Coca-Cola based products consumed in Switerland are produced here by Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company AG, headquartered in Zug. The company is one of The Coca-Cola Company’s strategic bottling partners and employs 650 people directly in Switzerland and over 7,700 jobs across the value chain, covering agriculture to gastronomy and retail. Overall, the company contributes approximately CHF 833 million to the Swiss economy.

Coca-Cola´s local presence has grown over decades in a market that demands quality, transparency, and social responsibility. This is reflected not only in figures but also in the evolution of its portfolio and long-term partnerships with Swiss institutions and businesses.

“These 90 years stand for continuity and responsibility,” says Jürg Burkhalter, General Manager Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland AG. “Local production, reliable jobs, and targeted investments, such as the recent construction of our new high-bay warehouse in Brüttisellen, demonstrate our long-term commitment to Switzerland.”


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A Firm Part of Swiss Everyday Life

Beyond its economic significance, Coca-Cola has been part of Swiss social and cultural life for decades. From the early establishment of local bottling plants to the introduction of new drinks and engagement in music, sports, and inclusion, the company has evolved alongside partners and communities. Initiatives such as the CokeSTUDIO Soundcheck or the partnership with Special Olympics Switzerland exemplify this commitment to togetherness, where inclusion, performance, and connection matter equally.

The story began in the mid-1930s when young car importer Max Stooss brought Coca-Cola to Switzerland. In 1937, the first bottling plant started operations at Letzigraben in Zurich. Over the following decades, additional production sites were established to supply the entire country. The consolidation of bottling operations in the late 1990s and the creation of Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland laid the foundation for today’s structure.


The People Behind Coca-Cola in Switzerland

What has sustained Coca-Cola in Switzerland for 90 years is, above all, the people: employees, suppliers, customers, and partners in sports, culture, and gastronomy have helped build acceptance and trust for a globally recognized brand over decades. The anniversary year 2026 provides an opportunity to make this shared history visible. “This anniversary is more than a birthday,” says Fabio Cella, Country Manager Coca-Cola Switzerland GmbH. “It shows how Coca-Cola in Switzerland has been shaped by local people and how important it is to continue taking responsibility and staying relevant for both society and culture.”


To kick off the anniversary year, Coca-Cola is launching the nationwide multichannel campaign “Made by,” which portrays employees from different regions of Switzerland. Throughout the year, the anniversary will be brought to life through various touchpoints, including partnerships and appearances at national events such as the National Special Olympics Summer Games in Zug, as well as other formats that foster dialogue and connection.

Looking ahead, investments in sustainability, local partnerships, and the development of our portfolio to continue meeting the expectations of consumers remain key elements of Coca-Cola’s long-term strategy in Switzerland. Even after 90 years, the ambition remains the same: to create local value, act responsibly, and continue growing as a trusted part of Swiss society.