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Homecoming - the Real Thing
05/06/2009
Coca Cola Enterprises today joined Scotland's Homecoming celebrations with the launch of a limited edition Homecoming Scotland Coke bottle featuring an iconic image of Robert Burns.
To mark the launch First Minister Alex Salmond and Simon Baldry, Vice President and General Manager of Coca Cola in Great Britain, travelled to Gleneagles Hotel to meet the first delivery.
Commemorative bottles are rare and only ever produced at major world events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.
This is the first time an individual has been immortalised on a Coca-Cola bottle, and that a design has been designated to one nation.
The 330ml glass Homecoming bottle will be stocked by all major wholesalers and a number of hotel chains across the UK, including MacDonald Hotels, Bercello, Radisson and Gleneagles, until the end of the year. Over 1 million bottles are expected to be produced.
To further extend the reach of Coca-Cola's Homecoming message, the company will today be issuing a message to all of their employees around the world - over 70,000 - to promote the homecoming campaign.
The FM said:
"I'm delighted that Coca Cola are lending their support to Scotland's Year of Homecoming with the production of this fantastic limited edition bottle.
"This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remind our friends and family of everything that makes Scotland unique. This unique design for 2009 captures the spirit of that celebration, and is a fantastic way of translating our heritage and identity into the language of popular culture.
"Andy Warhol described the Coca Cola's contour bottle as 'the design icon of the decade' but now that it is decorated with my 'Man of the Millennium' I think its visual identity is even more significant.
"Coca Cola's support is a huge vote of confidence in the pulling-power of Scotland's Year of Homecoming - as a party with huge commercial potential. This new design is a fantastic way of tapping into the Scottish market and its global connections.
"For example, later this month the Forbes European CEO Forum will be held here at Gleneagles - representing the return of a renowned family of entrepreneurs for the Year of Homecoming. Attracting the highest level of business leaders and influencers from leading European and global companies the conference will offer an unparalleled showcase for this celebratory product, as well as Scotland as a tourist destination and a business environment."
Simon Baldry said:
"We are delighted to be supporting Scotland's Homecoming campaign by working with our Scottish customers to launch this limited edition bottle.
"This unique bottle and design creates opportunity for new marketing, promotions and display in stores to ensure that increased consumer awareness and excitement is created for this campaign."
Coca Cola employ over 400 people in Scotland, across the Manufacturing & Distribution site at East Kilbride and sales and vending sites in East Kilbride and Aberdeen. The company has made a significant commitment to Scotland with £40 million investment since 1999.