Have you ever wondered where your favourite Coca-Cola products come from? Few people in know that over 300 popular beverages products, like Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fuze, Fanta, Monster Energy, A&W and Canada Dry, are made in Canada and distributed, merchandised, and sold by teams who work at a family-owned business a right here in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
“When you’re out shopping at the grocery store or depanneur, visiting places like the Canadian Tire Centre or dining at your favourite restaurant, the people who are driving those iconic red Coca-Cola trucks, stocking shelves and filling up the machines with the beverages you love, work for a Canadian, family business that is, dedicated to serving Ottawa-Gatineau,” says Simon Allard, general manager of Coke Canada Bottling Ottawa-Gatineau.
Investing in a local footprint
Since becoming an independent business in 2018, Coke Canada Bottling, has been quietly making over $2 million in investments to modernize its 84,000 square-foot distribution centre on Hawthorne Road and upgrade its fleet of trucks and vans. These investments, which include warehouse safety upgrades, employee space improvements, a new forklift, and new vehicles, represent the company’s commitment to exceeding the expectations of its 2,700+ customers in south-western Quebec and eastern Ontario, from La Petite Nation to Pembroke.
“We’re Ottawa-Gatineau’s Local Bottler and we aspire to be the best beverage partner in the country,” says Allard “We’re aiming to grow in Ottawa-Gatineau. These investments, along with our presence in the community, represent our commitment for the long term.”
The company’s impact extends beyond operations. It injects millions into the local economy through its relationships with local vendors and partners, such as 4Refuel and Fleet Help Inc.
Making a positive impact on the community
Operational investments are only one part of the story. Coke Canada Bottling is also deeply involved in community partnerships that support the employability of Ottawa-Gatineau’s diverse youth.
The local team is actively engaged in the community through the company’s national Canada’s Kindest Community initiative embedded in the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan tour, which brings Santa and the lit-up festive Coca-Cola holiday truck across the Ottawa-Gatineau region. It also has an on-going partnership with Youth Ottawa which connects the company’s employees with local youth for hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities.
Coke Canada Bottling Ottawa-Gatineau employs over 500 people in warehousing, distribution, merchandising and sales roles, most of whom live in the region. Many of them are young people supporting the business in busy times of the year including the holiday rush.
“We understand that for many Ottawa-Gatineau youth, it’s challenging to understand what career options they have and what skills and knowledge they need,” says Allard. “We believe that through mentorship and partnership, we can help change that.”
“As we grow, we’re dedicated to connecting with our region’s diverse youth and finding ways to enable and empower them as they prepare to join today’s workplace.”
A Canadian, family-owned business
Coke Canada Bottling was formed in 2018 when the Tanenbaum and Bridgeman families became owners of the Canadian Coca-Cola bottling and distribution franchise, making them independent from The Coca-Cola Company. Today, the organization operates more than 50 facilities in Canada with local operations embedded across the country, including Ottawa-Gatineau.
“We’re proud to be the Ottawa-Gatineau local bottler,” says Allard. “This community is a vibrant, growing region and we’re committed to being part of that growth for decades to come.”
