“Market Leadership” Award for the Coca-Cola System in Bulgaria

Yavor Stefanov and Bosko Popeskov was honored at the “Mr. and Mrs. Economy 2025” awards for their contribution to the company’s development

The “Market Leadership” award at the “Mr. and Mrs. Economy 2025” competition was presented to Yavor Stefanov, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, and Bosko Popeskov, Country Manager of Coca-Cola Bulgaria. The recognition highlights their leading role in the development of the business and in establishing the Coca-Cola System in Bulgaria as a market leader.

This year, the “Mr. and Mrs. Economy” competition celebrated its 35th anniversary. Created and organized by the Confederation of the Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (KRIB) and Economy magazine, the competition is among the most prestigious business forums in the country. It distinguishes individuals with exceptional contributions to the development of the Bulgarian economy through successful management decisions, innovation, and measurable results.

“It is an honor for me to receive this award on behalf of the Coca-Cola System in Bulgaria - and especially in the “Market Leadership” category. We dedicate it to the people behind our success: our colleagues, partners, suppliers, and of course our consumers who choose our products every day,” said Yavor Stefanov and added: “This year is particularly symbolic for us, as we celebrate 60 years of Coca-Cola in Bulgaria - six decades in which Coca-Cola has been part of the economic and social life of the country. We are proud to be a local business that continues to grow, invest, create jobs, and contribute to the development of communities.”

The award comes in a year when the Coca-Cola System marks 60 years of presence in Bulgaria - six decades after the production of the first Coca-Cola bottle in the country in 1965. According to an independent study* on the economic impact of the Coca-Cola System in Bulgaria, only for the period 2014–2024, the System has generated over BGN 7.43 billion in added value and BGN 3.13 billion in tax revenues. In 2024, the System contributed BGN 1.15 billion in added value, generated BGN 502 million in tax income, supported over 17,300 direct and indirect jobs, and its total contribution accounted for 0.6% of Bulgaria’s GDP. Beverage sales in the country reached 431 million liters, while purchases of goods and services from local suppliers amounted to BGN 236 million.

A total of BGN 502 million was paid by the Coca-Cola System in tax revenues along the entire value chain last year. This amount represents nearly 1% of Bulgaria’s total tax income and is comparable to around half of the public spending on culture[1] or the annual cost of educating nearly 150,000 preschool and primary-school children[2].

The received “Market Leadership” award is recognition of the strategic role of the Coca-Cola System in the development of the non-alcoholic beverage sector in Bulgaria, as well as of the managerial vision, dedication, and leadership of Yavor Stefanov and Bosko Popeskov. The award once again confirms the company’s lasting position as a key investor, employer, and long-standing driver of economic growth in the country.

* The results are published in the independent study “Economic Impact of the Coca-Cola System in Bulgaria,” covering the period 2014–2024, conducted by the global consulting company Steward Redqueen.

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[1] Public spending in the cultural sector in Bulgaria in 2023 amounts to BGN 900 million (Eurostat).
[2] Based on public spending on preschool and primary education and the number of enrolled students in 2023, the average annual state investment in educating one child is approximately BGN 3,340 - total spending of BGN 1.5 billion and 449,223 children (Eurostat).