How Coca-Cola is Investing in its Future Supply Chains
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida celebrates 10 years of trading across the state with a focus on strengthening supply, expanding distribution and embedding itself in the communities it serves.
Founded in 2015, the company began by handling sales and distribution in central Florida. Within two years it acquired both north and south Florida operations, consolidating control of an exclusive territory that now stretches from Jacksonville to the Florida Keys.
With this operating footprint, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida - known as Coke Florida - services over 21 million Florida residents and the 140 million people who visit each year.
Its network now supports large-scale delivery across the state, handling volumes that demand a robust, well-connected supply chain infrastructure.
“From the first truck that rolled out of our Tampa facility on May 30, 2015 to today, I am immensely proud of our growth, success and contributions over the past decade,” says Troy Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coke Florida.
Plans for expansion
Central to Coke Florida’s decade of growth is its investment in physical infrastructure. These investments serve not only the company’s internal logistics but also boost regional economies by involving local vendors and contractors.
The company has constructed a new site in St. Petersburg and extended operations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Ocala, Sarasota and Winter Haven.
These facilities add capacity and resilience to its supply chain, reinforcing its ability to move product efficiently across an area spanning more than 500 miles.
The largest project to date is the 800,000 square foot distribution centre in Tampa Bay, which includes a 250,000 square foot fleet maintenance facility. The site became operational just in time to meet the growing logistical demands of a region with fast-paced consumer activity.
Coke Florida’s expansion includes scaling its delivery capabilities. With a diversified fleet, the company now ranks as the eighth largest private beverage fleet in the US, according to Transport Topics.
This fleet ensures timely and flexible delivery across a state that frequently deals with both high tourist traffic and weather disruptions.
All construction on the Tampa project is completed using Florida-based suppliers, reinforcing the company’s supply chain philosophy: local sourcing where possible, regional employment and long-term asset development.
The site also integrates environmental features such as wetlands, solar power stations, tree planting and apiaries.
“When we set out on this journey, we never said we wanted to be the biggest bottler in the country; we said we wanted to be the best. I often share that our two biggest assets are our brands and our people, and I truly believe that we have the best beverage brands in the world and the best team at Coke Florida,” says Troy.
Integrating sustainability
Sustainability is built into Coke Florida’s logistics and operational planning. Its environmental strategy includes reforestation, with 600,000 trees and native plants now rooted in areas where Coke Florida operates.
These projects improve water retention in the landscape and help regulate microclimates around logistics centres.
Through a partnership with the USF Stavros Centre, the company develops a Sustainability Superheroes programme.
This scheme offers educational tools to Florida teachers, helping integrate sustainability themes into classrooms across the state.
Meanwhile, its rain barrel distribution - paired with public education events - promotes community-level water conservation.
These initiatives reinforce environmental stewardship as part of the company’s long-term supply strategy.
Ensuring water availability, improving local resilience to climate variability and investing in future generations are part of the company’s broader risk management and brand strategy.
Investing into supply chains
Coke Florida also links community investment to operational stability.
Its work in housing and education strengthens its own pipeline of future talent and enhances workforce stability, especially in areas where housing insecurity and education access affect long-term employment trends.
In partnership with organisations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Skills Centre, Coke Florida supports programmes that fill digital and academic gaps.
Initiatives include laptop donations, digital skills workshops and technology lab funding.
Launched in 2023, the Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship programme commits US$2.8m over 10 years.
This fund covers full tuition for both two-year and four-year degree programmes, focusing on economically disadvantaged students who may later form part of the company’s workforce.
In housing, the company supports Habitat for Humanity with over US$1.5m in donations and 3,600 volunteer hours.
This support enables the construction of 19 homes over 10 years, stabilising housing for workers and their communities.
“We said we were going to be a part of this community forever and we meant it,” says Troy. “For us, it's not just serving the best beverages to our consumers, not just being great partners to our customers, but also being an integral part of the fabric of the community each day.”
Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal both recognise Coke Florida as a 2025 US Best Managed Company, marking its fourth year in a row receiving the accolade.
This year it secures Gold Standard Winner status, awarded for performance across strategy, execution, culture, governance and financial management.
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