**

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Unveils €146 Million Investment in French Bottling Facility

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), one of the world's largest Coca-Cola bottlers, has announced a significant €146 million investment in its bottling plant located in Signes, France. This substantial financial commitment underscores CCEP's dedication to modernizing its production capabilities, enhancing sustainability efforts, and solidifying its position within the dynamic French beverage market. The project represents a major step forward in CCEP's ongoing strategy to optimize its operations and meet the growing demands of consumers for high-quality beverages.

Modernization and Efficiency at the Heart of the Investment

The €146 million investment will primarily focus on upgrading and expanding the Signes facility, a key production hub for CCEP in the southeastern region of France. This comprehensive modernization will encompass several key areas:

Key Upgrades at the Signes Bottling Plant:

• State-of-the-art production lines: The investment will introduce cutting-edge production lines designed to improve efficiency, increase output, and enhance the overall quality of the bottling process. This includes advancements in automation and technology to minimize waste and maximize productivity. This focus on high-speed bottling and efficient manufacturing processes will allow CCEP to better meet the growing demand for its products.

• Enhanced sustainability initiatives: A crucial component of the investment is focused on integrating sustainable practices throughout the facility. This includes the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, reducing water consumption, and minimizing the carbon footprint of the bottling operation. CCEP is committed to achieving its sustainability goals, and this investment reinforces its commitment to reducing environmental impact and adopting eco-friendly bottling solutions.

• Improved logistics and distribution: The modernization will also incorporate upgrades to the plant's logistics and distribution infrastructure. This will optimize the flow of goods, reduce transportation times, and ensure efficient delivery of Coca-Cola products to retailers and consumers across the region. This investment in supply chain optimization will be key in maintaining market competitiveness.

• Employee Training and Development: CCEP recognizes that its employees are its most valuable asset. The investment includes a commitment to providing comprehensive training and development programs for the workforce at the Signes plant to ensure they are equipped to operate the new technologies and contribute to the facility's overall success. This focus on employee upskilling will be vital in ensuring a smooth transition and efficient operations.

Strengthening CCEP's Position in the French Market

This significant investment highlights CCEP's unwavering commitment to the French market. France represents a substantial and strategically important territory for the company, and this modernization effort reinforces its dedication to serving consumers and partners in the region. The upgraded facility will contribute to improved supply chain reliability, faster delivery times, and a greater capacity to respond to fluctuating market demands. The project’s focus on French beverage production and domestic market expansion is also a key aspect of the strategy.

Sustainability: A Central Theme of the Investment

CCEP has clearly positioned sustainability as a key driver of this investment. The company is actively pursuing its ambitious sustainability goals, and the Signes plant upgrade serves as a powerful demonstration of its commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating energy-efficient technologies and reducing water consumption, CCEP aims to significantly reduce its environmental footprint in France and contribute to a more sustainable beverage industry. The use of renewable energy sources and sustainable packaging materials will be crucial in achieving these ambitious targets.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Beyond its internal benefits, the €146 million investment is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The project will secure existing jobs and potentially create new employment opportunities in the region. This demonstrates CCEP’s commitment to supporting local communities and fostering economic growth. The investment signifies CCEP's faith in the local workforce and its contribution to the regional economic development in southeastern France.

Looking Ahead: CCEP's Continued Growth

This significant investment in its French bottling facility marks another important milestone for CCEP. It demonstrates the company's long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth within the French beverage market. By continuously modernizing its operations and adapting to evolving consumer preferences, CCEP is positioning itself for continued success in the competitive beverage industry. The company’s strategic vision for the future includes continued investment in advanced manufacturing technologies and a continued focus on consumer-centric strategies. The Signes plant modernization is a testament to this ongoing commitment.

This investment in the Signes plant represents a key step in CCEP’s broader European growth strategy. It highlights the importance of the French market and the company's dedication to providing consumers with high-quality, sustainably produced beverages for years to come. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly be watched closely by industry analysts and competitors alike, further highlighting the significant impact of this substantial investment.