Coca Cola HBC Recognized with Two Honors at the 2026 Employer Branding Awards by b2b Media

The company received first place in the “Employer Branding Strategy” category and second place in “Innovation in Talent Management.”

Coca‑Cola HBC was honored with first place in the “Employer Branding Strategy” category and second place in “Innovation in Talent Management” at the annual Employer Branding Awards 2026, organized by b2b Media. For the ninth consecutive year, the competition recognized dozens of companies and professionals in Bulgaria for their proven achievements in employer brand building, innovative talent management, and sustainable HR strategies. In 2026, the focus was placed on organizations that stand out as leaders in their field and introduce effective solutions in response to the rapidly evolving labor market.

“These awards are a recognition of our consistent efforts to create an environment where people feel supported, confident, and motivated to develop their potential. For us, employer branding is not just a communication strategy but a real experience - a culture of growth, trust, and shared responsibility. We are proud that our holistic approach to talent development and leadership has been acknowledged at such a high level,” said Denitsa Boneva, Employer Brand & Culture Manager at Coca‑Cola HBC Bulgaria, during the ceremony.

The first‑place award in the “Employer Branding Strategy” category recognizes the company’s comprehensive employer branding strategy, “We play to grow and win. Do you?”, which has been actively and consistently implemented by Coca‑Cola HBC in Bulgaria. The strategy is built on a clearly defined Employer Value Proposition (EVP), developed together with employees through internal surveys, interviews, and focus groups to reflect the real experiences, behaviors, and culture within the organization. The approach includes an integrated mix of initiatives - university partnerships, internship programs, internal engagement and recognition initiatives, volunteering and ESG projects, as well as structured development programs. The successful implementation of the strategy is further confirmed by the company’s strong results in the 2026 global audit of the Top Employers Institute, including 96% in the “Employer Branding” subcategory, 100% in “Learning & Development,” and excellent scores in “Career,” “Attraction,” and “Performance.”

The second‑place award in the “Innovation in Talent Management” category highlights Coca‑Cola HBC’s consistent approach to talent development and management in Bulgaria. Among the key initiatives contributing to the recognition is Career Navigator - an internal “Career Orientation Week” that provides employees with a clear view of their development opportunities, as well as Mentor2Grow - a program that fosters a strong mentoring culture and knowledge sharing. Alongside these initiatives, Coca‑Cola HBC implements a wide range of talent development programs across different functions. Some focus on preparing future leaders and ensuring succession, while others support the advancement of women in leadership roles.

Through strategic consistency, innovative programs, and a strong culture of growth, Coca‑Cola HBC continues to build a sustainable people‑development system and strengthen its position as one of the most attractive employers in the country. Following the recently awarded Top Employer certification for the fourth consecutive year, the distinctions from the 2026 Employer Branding Awards reaffirm the company’s long‑term commitment to placing people at the heart of its business and demonstrating that sustainable success starts from within - with the talents who grow and win together.