In 2005, we were recognized by several customers and publications for our successful customer service programs. The Coca-Cola system was named Supplier of the Year for Wal-Mart. This recognition was due in large part to our collaborative customer service approach, innovative focus and responsive nature with regard to Wal-Mart’s business needs. We were chosen from more than 2,000 food and beverage manufacturers to receive this award.

Additionally, our Great Britain operations received several honors from leading retailers and trade publications for outstanding customer support. These include Best Branded Supplier (The Grocer magazine’s Gold Awards), Collaborative Supplier of the Year (Boots), Supplier of the Year (Somerfield) and Vendor of the Year by ASDA, a UK-based subsidiary of Wal-Mart and the country’s second-largest supermarket chain. Other recognitions included Best Sales Team in Supermarkets (Distrifood in the Netherlands), and Sales Team of the Year (Storecheck in Belgium).

Fair Commercial Practices
Competition is good for business, and we respect and comply with the competition laws in all of the countries where we operate. In 2005, the European Commission accepted an undertaking from Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, CCE Erfrischungetränke AG and The Coca-Cola Company following an investigation into these companies’ sales and marketing practices. The five-year investigation did not find any infringement, and the commission did not issue a fine or a formal complaint. The undertaking for the Coca-Cola system in Europe included elimination of target rebates on carbonated soft drinks, not tying stronger brands to lesser brands, and limiting exclusive agreements with customers to very specific circumstances. Most of the conditions of the undertaking had already been adopted within our European business. Any outstanding new commercial agreements were brought in line with the undertaking as of June 2005, as required, and existing agreements were amended by January 1, 2006. In addition, our European operations developed training tools to promote ongoing compliance.

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