GREY GROUP Welcomes new head for Sri Lanka

Rachita Dutta GREY GROUP new
head for Sri Lanka

"We are delighted to have her back,” said Singh"

Grey Group has appointed Rachita Dutta, as its new country head for its Sri Lanka operations. In this role, Dutta is responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand Grey’s client base and capitalize on the business opportunities arising as a result of digital media and a shift towards the integration of media campaigns. The industry veteran brings with her close to two decades experience in account management and strategic planning and will be reporting to Nirvik Singh, Chairman and CEO of Grey Group Asia Pacific.
Prior to Grey, Dutta led Rediffusion Y&R’s LG business out of its Delhi office and held a two year stint as the vice president of Lowe Delhi. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Dutta who early in her advertising career joined Grey Delhi as a senior account executive. During her seven years with the agency, which saw her promoted to the position of account group head, she managed the launch of GSK’s Aquafresh oral care as well as Revlon’s Colorstay make-up range in India, the brand’s first foray in developing a local brand strategy and communications.

She left Grey to take up the position of account director at Contract Advertising, managing ABN AMRO Bank for consumer and retail banking and senior brand services director at Lowe Delhi. In 2006, Dutta re-joined Grey as regional group account director at its Kuala Lumpur office where for the next two years she managed the regional brand communications for Sara Lee – Ambi Pur, KiwiShoes and its other household brands and GSK’s Horlicks, Ribena, Sensodyne and Eye Mo. She holds a Masters in English from the University of Delhi.

“Rachita is a veteran with many years of hands-on experience in account management, brand strategy and new business acquisition. Needless to say, we are delighted to have her back,” said Singh. “Sri Lanka is an emerging market for Grey in the Asia Pacific region. The appointment of Rachita is the right move to guarantee our clients the best expert advice coming from a person with a deep understanding of strategic brand communications and experience in the advertising industry,” he added. “ I'm excited to be back and thrilled to lead the business development efforts of Grey in this key emerging market,” said Dutta. “ I'll endeavour to continue with the good work of my predecessor and work with the team to expand and further strengthen Grey’s presence in the local market.”

About Grey Group

Grey Group ranks among the largest global integrated communications companies. Its parent company is WPP (NASDAQ:WPPGY). Under the banner of “Grey Famously Effective Since 1917,” the agency serves a blue-chip client roster of many of the world’s best known companies: Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Pfizer, Canon, 3M, Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim and Allianz. Grey was featured in FAST COMPANY magazine’s “50 Most Innovative Companies in the World” issue in both 2010 and 2011. In the Asia Pacific region, Grey Group covers 28 cities in 16 countries. For information on Grey Group Asia Pacific, please visit: www.greygroupasiapacific.com.

Samsung launches Galaxy S4 in Sri Lanka

Samsung launches Galaxy S4 in Sri Lanka

“The GALAXY S4 brings people together, makes everyday living better and sets the standard in mobile innovation” 

Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the much-anticipated Samsung GALAXY S4, the next generation handset that’s designed to bring people together and enrich everyday life, into the Sri Lankan market.

“The GALAXY S4 brings people together, makes everyday living better and sets the standard in mobile innovation” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung. Announcing the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 in the Sri Lankan market, Mr. H K Chang, Managing Director, Samsung India Electronics Limited, Sri Lanka,stated: “At Samsung, we are committed to innovation and to our consumers. We are always listening to our consumers and innovating to give them products that meet their needs. This has led to the successful introduction of iconic devices like the Galaxy SII, Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2 and today, we are proud to announce the launch of our flagship device and the much awaited , Samsung Galaxy S4 .”

Samsung GALAXY S4

About Samsung GALAXY S4 

Meaningful Moments - Gives Greater Enjoyment

An enriched life is one filled with meaningful moments and the GALAXY S4 captures those special times and allows users to share them with friends and family. The GALAXY S4 has the world’s first Full HD Super AMOLED display to showcase images at their very best. Its 5-inch large screen has 441ppi for stunning viewing quality. 

Equipped with a 13 megapixel rear camera, the GALAXY S4 enables users to take pictures in several exciting different ways. ‘Dual Shot’ allows simultaneous picture-taking of both front and rear cameras. Users can choose from a variety of frame effects which blend the two pictures naturally as well as outstanding shooting modes. ‘Drama Shot’ enables users to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse image. ‘Sound & Shot’ stores sound and voice in unison as the picture is taken so those special moments are captured in the truest form imaginable. While ‘Animated Photo’ allows the user to take a series of shots, and pick one part of the photo to move while the others stay still. 

samsung galaxy s4 smartphone

True Connections – Brings People Together 

Samsung GALAXY S4 understands the value of relationships, enabling true connections with friends and family regardless of where you are; more than a personal device that can be enjoyed by one user, it allows us to easily share and experience many of life’s pleasures together with loved ones. 

‘Group Play’ enables users to enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. Users can connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly. With ‘Share Music’ they can have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere. 

Effortless Experience - Makes Things More Convenient 

Smart enough to detect your face, voice and motions to enable screen control with no need for finger touch activation, GALAXY S4 delivers effortless tasking, making life easier and hassle-free.

‘Air Gesture’ allows users to, for example, change the music track they are listening to with a wave of their hand.
‘Air View’ will preview photos and emails by hovering over the screen with your finger. 
‘Samsung Smart Pause’ enables you to control the screen by where you look. When you are watching a video, the video pauses when you look away then it starts right up again when you are back. 

Empowered Living - Takes Care Of Your Health and Quality of Life 

The GALAXY S4 empowers your life by keeping you up-to-date with health and wellbeing information using the new ‘S Health’ application. The combination of sensors built within the device systematically and automatically monitors your health, food, exercise, sleep and so much more to help improve your quality of life and help you stay fit and healthy. 

As well as monitoring, its ‘Samsung Adapt Display’ provides an optimal viewing experience, customized for each type of application, and ‘Samsung Adapt Sound’ offers an optimal level and type of sound, personalized for each user, to further make the most out of life. 

About the Content & Services 

‘ChatON’ for GALAXY S4 offers a holistic communication experience by combining fun and creative text messaging with a high quality mVoIP/Video Chatting service. You can enjoy high quality video and voice chat with up to two friends on a WiFi and mobile network, as well as easily switching from text chat to video/voice chat and vice versa. And for the ultimate sharing experience, the ‘Share Screen’ feature enables you to share your phone screen and the ability to control this with a friend during a one-to-one chat, without having to download and upload files to their device. 

Talking about the key proposition of the Samsung Galaxy S4, Mr. Chang stated: “The Galaxy S4 is a device that enables us to do more, it’s a companion that helps us experience life to the fullest and makes our life simpler and richer… That’s the promise of the Samsung Galaxy S4.” 

Commencing from 9th of May, 2013, the Galaxy S 4 will be available at the Samsung mobile channel in Sri Lanka. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Galaxy Grand and Galaxy Note 8.0 launched in Sri Lanka

Samsung today also announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Grand, a revolutionary smartphone that promises to redefine Smartphone experience for consumers. Samsung GALAXY Grand is powered by Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system and runs on a 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor. Even though it supports a massive 5.0” screen with WVGA TFT display powered with mDNIe technology, the device is incredibly slim and comes with an ergonomic design which makes is comfortable to hold. The device also sports the Multi Window feature that allows seamless multitasking and running of multiple applications simultaneously without having to switch screens. Its innovative Smart Dual SIM feature provides total communication flexibility, allowing users to manage two phone numbers from a single phone. The GALAXY Grand comes with various intuitive features that enable the consumers to seamlessly engage with the device.

Samsung today also announced the launch of its 8 inch tablet, Note 8.0 in Sri Lanka heralding a new era of intelligent ‘Note’ technology .Providing unrivalled multimedia performance within a compact one-hand-grip screen, the GALAXY Note 8 has the power and advanced technology to evolve the tablet experience and ensure you achieve new levels of efficient multi-tasking while benefitting from superb voice call functionality. Furthermore, the intelligent S Pen brings together the latest innovation and the ease of using a traditional pen and paper; creating a sophisticated mobile experience that will enhance life on the go. 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in consumer electronics and the core components that go into them. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 227,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding US$183 billion. Our goal is opening new possibilities for people everywhere. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

TNT Express in Nepal receives award from Thai Airways

TNT Express in Nepal receives award from Thai Airways

Second in the Air Express category for cargo exports

TNT Express in Nepal was recognised by THAI Airways as second in the Air Express category for cargo exports, during an official ceremony held at Godavari Village Resort on the 1st of December 2012.

Thai Airways had started its first flight to Nepalon 4th December 1968, and to mark its 45th anniversary of successful operations in Nepalthe airline honoured the top five cargo agents and the top 10 ticket sales agents. The reception was followed by a team building exercise among the agents and Thai staff.

TNT Express

Sanjay Panta, Country General Manager for TNT Express in Nepal said: “This year, we are delighted to be recognised by Thai airlines as one of the major air Express provider in the country. “

James Edgeworth, Sales and Marketing Director for TNT Express ME and Sub continent Associates commented “This recognition marks an outstanding year for our business in Nepal and highlights our continuous growth in this market.”

Sri Lanka-Iran ties to be enhanced

Sri Lanka-Iran ties to be enhanced

Iran Sri Lanka bilateral ties and cooperation.

Sri Lanka and Iran have agreed to broaden and strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully ready for supporting and evermore expansion of comprehensive cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in political, economic, commercial, transit, and joint investments fields," the Iran Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said.

Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Bathiyutheen in the meeting has appreciated the Iranian officials for their assistance in the process of Sri Lanka's development, the official news agency reported.

The Sri Lankan minister praised Iran's efforts to expand Tehran-Colombo relations and expressed his country's willingness to increase the level of commercial and economic cooperation with Iran, particularly in the field of energy.

Tehran and Colombo have signed different economic cooperation agreements to improve the South Asian nation's infrastructure. Iran has helped fund a number of development projects in Sri Lanka, including the country's sole oil refinery as well as a hydroelectricity and irrigation project.

We are proud of Pakistan:Sri Lanka High Commissioner said

Sri Lanka and Pakistan

"Pakistan is our second largest trading partner in South Asia"

We are proud of Pakistan and wants bilateral trade to reflect our warm relations. Pakistan is our second largest trading partner in South Asia, Sri Lanka was the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan,said High Commissioner of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, while talking to a delegation led by Samina Fazal, founder President, Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI).

President IWCCI Farida Rashid, Naima Ansari and others were also present on the occasion. Jayalath Weerakkody said we are verge on finalizing 200 a million dollar export credit line that Pakistan would extend to Sri Lanka.
He said that both the countries were enjoying deep political relation and now it was time to promote bilateral trade which would benefit the region. Current volume of trade is $ 400 million which will be boosted to $ 1 billion in two years, he informed.
“Sri Lanka is keen to invest in Pakistan and our share in local tea market is gradually increasing from earlier two per cent,” he said. The High Commissioner said Pakistani products are very popular in the Sri Lankan markets and they have established their names due to their high quality.
He appreciated Islamabad’s role in regional stability, peace and defence cooperation with Colombo and stressed frequent exchanges. Speaking at the occasion, Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid stressed the need of continuous interaction between the business communities of the two countries.
They extended invitation to Sri Lankan High Commission and businessmen to participate in Islamabad Expo 2013 which was accepted.Jayalath Weerakkody said that he will ask related ministries and business chambers to ensure maximum participation in the upcoming Islamabad expo 2013.

Turkey to boost trade with Sri Lanka

Turkey to boost trade with Sri Lanka

“We want to expand our trade cooperation with Sri Lanka"

As Sri Lanka-Turkey bilateral trade volume crossed $ 200 million levels for the first time, the 16th largest economy in the world and the fastest growing country in Europe too wants to expand its bilateral trade with Sri Lanka.

Alpman, who was leading a team of Turkish officials to Sri Lanka, was making a courtesy call on Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce on the same day at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Colombo when he expressed these remarks.

“We want to expand our trade cooperation with Sri Lanka. Various business chambers of Turkey are keen on establishing links with the Sri Lankan private sector to expand bilateral trade,” revealed Serpil Alpman, Turkey’s visiting Ambassador ranked diplomat, on 26 November.“We have become an important actor in global trade and we want to expand our trade cooperation with Sri Lanka as part of our expansion. We are now trying to make the needed reforms to join the EU and are targeting $ 500 billion exports across the world by 2023,” Alpman said.

“We also believe that direct air-links between Turkey and Sri Lanka can assist in strengthening current bilateral trade volumes in a considerable way. I am pleased to say that official discussions to establish direct air-links between Turkey and Sri Lanka are currently ongoing at higher levels.”

Turkey and Sri Lanka signed an agreement on air transportation in December 2008. Turkey was the fastest growing economy in Europe in 2011 with 8.5% GDP growth and the 16th largest economy in the world with a GDP of $ 770 billion (2011).

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to open branch in Sri Lanka

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)
 to open branch in Sri Lanka

NBP in Colombo

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) plans to open a branch in Colombo,Sri Lanka to step up trade and investment opportunities, In this regard, all the documentation work is in the process. After the completion of documentation process, the bank will open its branch as soon as possible,NBP Said.

Mr.Hassan,Head of Corporate Communication at NBP said that increase in the business activity between the two countries is also discussed at length when a high profile Sri Lankan delegation led by K. A. Baiz, Mayor of Puttalam and Chief Government Organizer for Puttalam Electorate met with Zubair Ahmed, Senior Executive Vice President of NBP in Karachi recently. 

NBP branch at Colombo will also assist Pakistanis living in Sri Lanka to remit their finances to their home country at fast track, Hassan said. 

NBP branch will provide extra ordinary facilities to Sri Lankan and Pakistani business communities for the opening of letters of credit and other business documentation, Mr.Hassan said.

NBP has a large country wide network comprising of 1283 branches along with 23 overseas branches.

Cathay Pacific to launch a new Freighter Service to Sri Lanka

Cathay Pacific to launch a new Freighter Service

Cathay Pacific Expands Cargo Network

Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways announced the launch of a new weekly freighter service to Colombo in Sri Lanka commencing 2 December 2012. 

The new service is aiming to cater to the huge volumes of garments and perishables bound for the North America, Europe and Asian markets from Sri Lanka.
The Colombo freighter service will be operated on a Hong Kong-Chennai-Colombo-Hong Kong routing every Sunday using one of Cathay Pacific's Boeing 747-400F aircraft.

“Sri Lanka is home to major garment and footwear manufacturers producing goods for well-known international brands, and also has sizable exports of perishable products including tuna and lobster. We already carry sizable quantities of freight in the bellies of our daily passenger flights to and from Colombo, but the new freighter service will enable us to better meet the demand for Sri Lankan products in major markets around the world.”, Cathay Pacific Director Cargo Nick Rhodes was quoted saying in the statement.

Cathay Pacific is committed to expanding its freighter network and has also added services to Zhengzhou and Hyderabad this year. The airline recently took delivery of its eighth Boeing 747-8F freighter aircraft, with two more to be delivered in 2013.

Cathay Pacific has been serving Sri Lanka since 1993. The airline suspended its operations to Colombo in April 2007 due to security concerns and resumed service from March 2008. It operates seven weekly flights from Colombo to Hong Kong via Singapore and Bangkok.

Zomato expands into Sri Lanka

Zomato in Sri Lanka

After UAE, Zomato Now in Colombo

Zomato, South-Asia's largest restaurant and nightlife guide, which entered the Middle Eastern market last month with its UAE launch has now expanded its services to Sri Lanka. After Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, Colombo.(zomato.com/colombo) is Zomato's fourth International city taking its presence to 17 cities across 3 countries - India, UAE and Sri Lanka.
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Providing in-depth information on around 600 restaurants across Colombo, Zomato proves to be the one-stop-shop for anyone looking to eat out or get food delivered. Zomato’s biggest strength is that it provides scanned menus, photos and coordinates for most of the restaurants listed in the city. The user, therefore, knows what to expect when he or she enters the restaurant. Users can also explore or search for restaurants in their city through the Zomato app, which is available for free across all major smartphone platforms - WindowsPhone, BlackBerry, iOS, Android and others (zomato.com/mobile).

Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah

Zomato was founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, both IIT Delhi graduates and ex-Bain employees, in July 2008 for New Delhi. 

Zomato is over 4 years old and gets more than 6.5 million users every month who use Zomato to discover the best places to eat around them. The Colombo launch is in line with Zomato’s plans to further increase its reach in the Middle East and South East Asia by the end of 2012.

Deepinder Goyal, Founder and CEO Zomato said, "Along with some macro level indicators, we do a thorough on-ground research across several metrics (data collection, merchant partnerships, user engagement etc) before entering a new market! Colombo fit in into our expansion plans perfectly. Favorable metrics and the limited product customisation required for the local market aided in replicating our model seamlessly here. After Middle East, we are looking forward to a successful launch and market response in Colombo."

Sri Lanka to host 2013 C’ Wealth Business Forum

2013 Commonwealth Business Forum
host in Sri Lanka

Commonwealth Business Forum to be launched today.

Sri Lanka will hold the Commonwealth Business Forum on 15, 16 and 17 November 2013 ,the visiting head of the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) confirmed.

“The theme of the Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 will be ‘Partnering for Wealth Creation and Social Development –The CW, Indian Ocean and SAARC”.

It will highlight global economic partnerships for trade and investment, providing an opportunity to attract an important business and trading audience to Colombo” revealed Dr Mohan Kaul, Director General of CW Business Council, addressing Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka.
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Dr. Kaul ,who is leading a delegation to Colombo to take part in the Colombo 2013 campaign launch event by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“CBF 2013 will be a great opportunity for Sri Lanka’s trade, exports and manufacturing, especially at a time of negative global business climate.

UAE plans to large scale investments in Sri Lanka

Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and
New UAE Ambassador Abdul Hamid Abdul Fattah

The United Arab Emirates to Invest Large in Sri Lanka

The United Arab Emirates, which is the largest foreign direct investor in Sri Lanka among Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the world’s fourth largest oil exporter, is planning to undertake large scale investments in Sri Lanka. 

“Sri Lanka’s security and stability is attractive for UAE private investors. We are keen to expand our investment profile in Sri Lanka beyond current levels” The newly-appointed Ambassador for the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka Abdul Hamid Abdul Fattah K. Al Mulla said.

The Ambassador told the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen that his country is very keen to sign a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) with Sri Lanka. The Ambassador is initially looking at investing in port development, port management, and tourism infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.

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“We welcome UAE’s private investors to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka investment climate has improved vastly thanks to the vision of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa” said Minister Bathiudeen, responding to Fattah.

Minister Bathiudeen  said that UAE is the second largest trade partner in the Middle East after Iran, and 22 UAE firms have actively invested $ 448.6 million in Sri Lanka by the end of last year, of which $ 16.5 million consisted of Sri Lankan equity.

Al Mulla has said that there are 58 flights a week originating from Dubai to Colombo by UAE-based carriers Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Emirates, and Etihad, and since it is a sign of the tremendous tourism attraction, the tourist sector has become a priority for the UAE investors. The Ambassador has pointed out that bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $ 1.1 b at the end of 2011, and there is potential for future growth.

Signing a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements (BIPA) with Sri Lanka will be very important to bring UAE investments to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka promotes Ceylon Tea in United States(US)

Sri Lanka promotes Ceylon Tea in
 United States

SriLanka becomes the third largest tea exporter of the world...

Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC USA in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board has launched a vigorous campaign to promote Ceylon Tea in the United States. The aim is to strategically and effectively position Ceylon Tea in the US, which is experiencing a notable increase of tea consumption.

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya underscored the immense opportunities in the steadily growing US market for Sri Lankan tea producers.
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“Today the United States has become the second largest tea importer and the 6th largest tea consuming country in the world. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is currently the third largest tea exporter of the world but we have only 3% market share in the U.S. market”, Ambassador Wickramasuriya said.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya stressed that it is incumbent on the  Sri Lankan Tea industry to realise the full potential of the US tea industry with increased partnerships with  US importers and through a well-focused marketing strategy.

The best Ceylon Tea comes from Sri Lanka's seven agro-climatic regions: Nuwara Eliya, Uda Pussellawa,Bandarawela,Sabaragmuwa, Uva, Kandy and Ruhuna.

During the dinner reception, invitees were treated to a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance by the DC based Ethnic Dance Studio of  Chathuri Wickramarachchi.

Sri Lanka:World 3rd Best Performing Stock Market

World 3rd Best Performing Stock Market

positive sign for business and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) became the third best performing stock market in the world for the four week period from August 10 2012, Market sources said.

Economic analysts point out that this is a positive sign for business and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. They say that an active stock market could contribute the sustainable development of the economy.

Market sources claim that Sri Lanka only have to beat China to become number one in the world.

The CSE is the main stock exchange in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most modern exchanges in South Asia, providing a fully automated trading platform. 

The vision of the CSE is to contribute to the wealth of the nation by creating value through securities. The headquarters of the CSE has been located at the World Trade Center Towers in Colombo,Sri Lanka since 1995 and it also has branches across the country in Kandy, Matara, Kurunegala, Jaffna and Negombo. As of June 8, 2012, the Colombo Stock Exchange had 283 listed companies with a combined market capitalization of over 13.5 billion US dollars. 

FIFTY MILLION COCA-COLA FANS ON FACEBOOK

As 50 Millionth Facebook User “Likes” Coca-Cola, Brand Announces Plan to Support Online Community in Making the World Happier 

If you could rally 50 million of your friends to make the world a happier place, what kind of results do you think you could achieve?  Today Coca-Cola announced plans to find out as the 50 millionth Facebook user “Liked” the brand’s page.  By harnessing the collective input of its fan base on Facebook, Coca-Cola will be a catalyst in identifying simple ways to make the world a happier place.
“Throughout its history Coca-Cola has always had a role in bringing simple moments of happiness to people around the world every day,” said Joe Tripodi, chief marketing and commercial leadership officer, The Coca-Cola Company.  “Today we have an engaged global community more than 50 million strong connected through Facebook.  This provides an opportunity to engage our most supportive and enthusiastic fans in a quest to find ways to make the world a happier place.”  

Coca-Cola will identify individuals developing ideas  that enable people to become more active, give to others, be social or engage in other activities associated with increased happiness.  These creators will then collaborate with Coca-Cola and its Facebook community to develop ideas that help spread happiness around the world.  


Through a new application on Coca-Cola’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/cocacola, fans can declare their commitment to help spread happiness and be a part of this global effort at http://CokeURL.com/50MM.

Once registered, fans will be invited to directly participate by influencing and shaping the ideas and rallying the larger community behind a social innovation.  The Coca-Cola Company will support the selected concept and visionary behind the idea by providing access to teams that will help propel their solution.  The ultimate outcome, to be piloted in 2013, could be a new invention, a cause or even a social application – something that can harness the connectivity of the Facebook community to spread happiness around the world.

“Coca-Cola understands the value of communicating directly with its most ardent supporters in an authentic way that helps make the world more open and connected,” said Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer, Facebook.  “This new program is the next step in fan culture and we are glad to support Coca-Cola in this effort.”

Coca-Cola will share further details about the selection of participants, timelines and concepts identified as the program progresses in coming weeks.  

The Coca-Cola Facebook Page was not created by the Company but by two fans of the brand – Dusty Sorg and Michael Jedrzejewski.  In August 2008, Dusty and Michael were looking for a fan page on Facebook to share their passion for Coca-Cola and, not finding one that met their idea of a great page, created their own.  From that beginning, The Coca-Cola Facebook Page has grown to become the largest brand page on Facebook.   

The Coca-Cola Company 
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 15 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.