Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) — one of the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottlers — has announced the acquisition of a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) for US$2.6 billion, expanding its presence to 14 African countries and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the continent’s consumer growth story.(Reuters, Oct 21 2025)
The transaction transfers controlling ownership from The Coca-Cola Company, which established CCBA in 2014 as its largest bottling operation in Africa. Coca-Cola HBC will assume operational leadership over markets including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda, representing nearly 40% of Coca-Cola’s volume in Africa.
Chairman Zoran Bogdanovic described the acquisition as a “transformational milestone that strengthens our ability to serve Africa’s young, fast-urbanizing consumers.” The company expects synergies across logistics, distribution, and digital retail channels.
Coca-Cola HBC will maintain local employment structures and supply chains while investing in recycled-PET bottlingand renewable-energy production at key plants. The deal will also expand the group’s sustainable packaging initiative, with a goal of achieving 50% recycled content by 2030.
Industry analysts see the acquisition as a strategic move amid intensifying competition in Africa’s beverage market, projected to grow at over 6% annually through 2030, driven by urbanization, rising incomes, and a youth-driven consumer base.
“Africa represents Coca-Cola HBC’s most dynamic growth frontier,” said Fitch Solutions in a note to investors. “The acquisition consolidates the group’s leadership while ensuring localized control of production and marketing.
