Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) GB, a prominent drinks bottling firm headquartered in East Kilbride, has been officially designated as the soft drinks partner for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This significant partnership was unveiled during a special event at the company's East Kilbride facility, where members of the Commonwealth Games team gathered to celebrate the collaboration.
Strengthening Ties with Team Scotland
In addition to its role with the Glasgow 2026 Games, CCEP GB has also been appointed as an official partner of Team Scotland. This dual partnership underscores the firm's deep-rooted connection to Scottish sports and community initiatives. The announcement was made with notable attendees including Team Scotland gymnast Eilidh Gorrell, Team Scotland chief executive Jon Doig, and Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty, who participated in a comprehensive tour of the East Kilbride site.
Event Details and Broader Impact
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, featuring an impressive lineup of 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The event will include competitions across 10 sports and six Para sports, aiming to be one of the most inclusive and sustainable editions in the history of the Games.
Eilidh Gorrell expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "It is absolutely brilliant to see a globally recognised brand like Coca-Cola supporting this year's games. As someone who has grown up in East Kilbride, it was a real pleasure to be part of the launch and to meet the local staff who share my passion for the community and their work."
Commitment to Sustainability and Local Manufacturing
Seamus Kerrigan, site director at CCEP's East Kilbride facility, highlighted the historical significance of the location, noting, "East Kilbride has been a cornerstone of our operations in Scotland for over six decades. It feels fitting to announce this partnership here as the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow in 2026. We are proud to support the Games in a manner that aligns with our focus on sustainability and community engagement."
Phil Batty emphasised the strategic value of the collaboration, saying, "We are delighted to welcome back Coca-Cola, one of the world's most iconic brands, to the Commonwealth Games sponsor family. Their expertise in enhancing spectator experiences at major events and promoting sustainable practices will help us achieve our goal of delivering the greenest Games yet. The team at East Kilbride is producing a world-class product locally, and we look forward to working closely with them in the months ahead."
Aligning with Core Values
Jon Doig added, "Coca-Cola's dedication to supporting communities, advancing sustainability, and celebrating local Scottish manufacturing resonates deeply with the values we uphold for Team Scotland athletes. We are thrilled to partner with a world-leading brand that is so integrally connected to the local community for Glasgow 2026."
Stephen Moorhouse, general manager at CCEP GB, reinforced the company's commitment, stating, "Supporting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow holds special significance for us due to our strong roots in East Kilbride. In collaboration with our partners, we are focused on creating a positive impact for communities across Glasgow and ensuring an enjoyable experience for the thousands of attendees expected at the Games."
This partnership not only boosts the profile of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games but also highlights the importance of local industry and sustainable practices in large-scale international events.
