Brčko, 17th June 2010 – Coca-Cola HBC Bosnia-Herzegovina has continued its commitment to supporting the local economy by signing a supplier agreement with the STUDEN - AGRANA sugar refinery.

STUDEN – AGRANA Sugar Refinery Ltd. is member of STUDEN – AGRANA Group- and the only raw sugar refinery in BiH and one of the biggest sugar refineries in South East Europe. It currently employs 150 people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, which has operations in 28 countries, Coca-Cola HBC Bosnia-Herzegovina pursues a Group-wide policy of sourcing products and services locally wherever possible as a means of increasing employment and contributions to economies in each market.

“The refined sugar supplied by STUDEN - AGRANA, and the processes and procedures used to produce and deliver it, meet the high standards we demand of ingredients for our high quality soft drinks,” said Mr Mircea Draja, Country Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Bosnia-Herzegovina. “With this contract, we are extending our investment in support of local businesses and of the economy.”

Mr Ilija Studen, Chief Executive Officer of AGRANA – STUDEN Group, said, “ It is a tribute to the members of our team that within two years of starting the sugar refinery we are able to meet the strict quality control standards of Coca-Cola HBC Bosnia-Herzegovina. We look forward to working together to bring benefits to the economy, and to continue to grow our business in compliance with the international sustainability criteria required of all its business associates.”

Coca-Cola HBC Bosnia-Herzegovina employs 330 people. It is estimated that, through partnerships with service providers and suppliers, such as STUDEN-AGRANA, the company helps to create job opportunities for 10 times the number directly employed.
Coca-Cola HBC Bosnia-Herzegovina incorporates the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into all aspects of its operations and assists suppliers in adhering to sustainable development policies and practices on behalf of the communities they serve.



# Notes to editors #

STUDEN-AGRANA Sugar Refinery Ltd. is the only raw sugar refinery in BiH and one of the biggest sugar refineries in South East Europe. The investment into the construction of this sugar refinery made by AGRANA and STUDEN Group was around 45 million EUR and currently employs 150 people. Production capacity is 150 000 tonnes of white sugar, which is manufactured from imported raw sugar and it is a major supplier for West Balkan market.  In March 2008, Agency for Promotion of Foreign Investments BiH has awarded this project with “The Best Greenfield Investment in 2007” and it represents one of the largest food industry projects in BiH over the last few years.

Coca-Cola HBC B-H d.o.o. Sarajevo is a member of  Coca-Cola Hellenic Group which operates in 28 countries is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola Company's product in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Coca-Cola HBC B-H d.o.o. Sarajevo bottles and distributes products in Bosnia-Herzegovina's market. It currently has 330 employees in the bottling plant in Sarajevo and distributing centers in Banja Luka, Tuzla, Bihać and Mostar. It is estimated that business cooperation with domestic suppliers will increase the number of jobs in the company by tenfold. The Company conducts its business operations adhering to the highest global standards and applies the principles of corporate and social responsibility in all segments of its operations, which is in accordance with the Group’s general philosophy.