Apr. 15 - Twenty years ago, the first Coca-Cola was bottled in Albania. An Italian group based in Bologna made this historic step, symbol of the transformations experienced in those post-communist years in Eastern Europe, possible. Busi created a joint venture with Coca Cola to bring the famous bubbly beverage in Tirana. On May 19, CCBS (bottler and distributor of Coca -Cola Company in Albania) will celebrate its 20th anniversary and its €22 million in revenue, for a volume growth of 3.9% and an increase of 42% compared to 2012. These great results were achieved thanks to the determination of Cristina and Luca Busi, mother and son, respectively president and CEO of Sibeg, the Sicilian authorized bottler that deals with the production and marketing of Coca -Cola beverages on the Italian island. "When we were offered the opportunity to invest in Albania we immediately said yes," explains Cristina Busi "We are proud to have contributed to the progress of a country. We were the first Italians to invest in Albania and to give life to the industrial area of Tirana."

CCBS’ EXPONENTIAL GROWTH

Coca-Cola Bottling Shqiperia (CCBS) has operated in Albania since 1994, when it produced the first bottle of the famous beverage in the country. Coca -Cola arrived in Tirana thanks to the Busi family, building in 83 days a production plant with 70 employees. For its 20th anniversary, total investments reached €32 million and 304 employees, to which are added a further 100 people employed in distribution services. Over the years, production has diversified to include Cola, Coke Zero, Fanta Lemon, Fanta Exotic, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Nestea, Schweppes Tonic Water, Schweppes Bitter Lemon and Schweppes Mojito. One of the latest initiatives launched by CCBS, "Project 100%," seeks to ensure total coverage of the Albanian market.