Coca-Cola HBC Volunteers Celebrate 60 Years of Coca-Cola in Bulgaria by Planting Trees in the Heart of Sofia

The “My Green City” initiative will continue with reforestation activities in Plovdiv and Burgas

The Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria’s team and its partners symbolically marked the 60^th anniversary of the first Coca-Cola bottle produced in Bulgaria, planting  60 trees in central Sofia. Alongside company employees, the Mayor of Sofia, Vassil Terziev, and representatives of long-standing partners such as the Happy restaurant chain also took part in the initiative. The volunteer campaign, “My Green City,” will continue in November with reforestation activities in Plovdiv and Burgas, joined by representatives of local authorities, the National Association of Volunteers in Bulgaria, and the Be Active Foundation.

“I’m happy that beyond the significant economic impact Coca-Cola has in Bulgaria, my colleagues and partners share the same cause - caring for the environment we live in. In recent years, through our volunteer initiatives, we have planted hundreds of trees in cities and collected tons of waste for recycling to restore the beauty of beloved recreational spots. I believe this is the sustainable model every responsible business should follow,” said Yavor Stefanov, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria.

The donated and planted trees include four deciduous species - red chestnut, linden, plane tree, and weeping willow - chosen for their resilience and ability to enhance a healthier and more beautiful urban environment. The selection of species and their size (over two meters tall) were coordinated with Sofia Municipality and suit emblematic locations such as the pedestrian walkway from Orlov Most to Sofia University, as well as the Prince’s and Borisova Gardens.

“When businesses, municipalities, and citizens work together, the result is improved quality of life, a healthier environment, and greater long-term sustainability for the city. I would like to thank the team of Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria and all volunteers who are making Sofia not only greener, but a better place to live,” said Vassil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia.

The “My Green City” initiative is carried out in line with Coca-Cola HBC’s global ESG commitments. Earlier this year, as part of its 18^th edition, hundreds of Coca-Cola HBC volunteers cleaned and revitalized Kremikovtsi Park and created new pedestrian paths along the Perlovska River.

In previous editions of “My Green City,” the Coca-Cola team in Bulgaria has greened, cleaned, and revitalized numerous natural areas, forests, and parks. Each year, locations are chosen where volunteer efforts are most needed and can have the greatest positive environmental impact. Over the past four years alone (2022 to date), volunteers have collected more than 11 tons of household and recyclable waste from dozens of polluted areas across Bulgaria, cleaned over 1,550 decares of contaminated land near water bodies, planted more than 300 deciduous and coniferous trees in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Kostinbrod, and supported a wide range of community initiatives.