Our company President, Edwin “Cookie” Rice, recently appeared on the CNBC Original “ Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing.” He discussed the rich history of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company and the importance of brand loyalty with interviewer Michelle Lee. As one of only 72 remaining independent Coca-Cola bottlers, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper is acutely aware of the pressures Coca-Cola faces from its competition. The documentary details our superb customer service and close coordination with Coca-Cola’s corporate offices.

See the article and video below for a brief overview of the special news report.

(more…)

In 1931, The Coca-Cola Company commissioned Swedish American artist Haddon Sundblom to lend his artistic genius to its holiday campaign. The artist’s depiction of Saint Nicholas evolved into the picture perfect look of “Father Christmas” – the man in the red and white suit with the big brass belt buckle, rosy cheeks, handsome white beard and twinkling eyes. Still cherished today, Sundblom’s image of the Coca-Cola Santa Claus has become one of the most recognizable emblems of the holiday season around the world.

Thanks to their perseverance and commitment to bettering the communities they serve, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is 2009’s Bottler of the Year according to the beverage industry publication, Beverage World.

Beverage World provides market insight to beverage producers and distributors worldwide. The monthly publication reaches 34,000 subscribers in the United States and 14,000 International subscribers.

Company President Edwin “Cookie” Rice, Jr. said he and his staff are pleased with the award, and proud of the accomplishments that led to it. “The strength of this management team can be described in two words – personal commitment. They are knowledgeable and have industry experience. Customer Service is a top priority,” said Rice.

It addition to an exhaustive list of SKUs, the company operates an ambitious recycling program. Rice also noted that because the company is still family-owned after more than a century, it attracts dedicated employees and is able to react nimbly to consumer trends.

“I tell people that I haven’t worked in 56 years because I don’t consider it work going to the plant. I consider it a pleasure- the people I know and work with feel the same way,” he added.

The shape of things in Ozarks supermarkets is changing. Beginning May 15, 2009 consumers will notice a difference in the traditional two liter bottles of Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper brands. Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper is the first bottling company west of the Mississippi to produce the new contour shape two liter bottles.

“The contour bottle shape has been a symbol of the Coca-Cola brand since 1916 and in 1960 became one of only a handful of packages to receive trademark status. It has been called the most recognized container in the history of the World,” said Ed Rice, CEO.

Consumers find the contoured shape of Coca-Cola’s proprietary container easier to pour and serve. “We are always eager for a challenge and worked to be the first bottler outside test markets to bring this change to our retail customers,” said Rice.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company commends Catalina Richard, an exceptional senior at Weaubleau High School in Weaubleau MO, recently recognized as one of the country’s most outstanding high school seniors by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Richard received a $10,000 Regional Coca-Cola Scholarship for college. Richard, a member of the 21st class of Coca-Cola Scholars, has demonstrated academic and civic excellence.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers across America and The Coca-Cola Company, is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs in the United States. In Weaubleau, the Foundation is supported by the financial commitment of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company and The Coca-Cola Company. The Foundation has awarded 4,276 Coca-Cola Scholars with a total of $38 million in scholarships.

“This student is part of a diverse group of extraordinary high school seniors that have shown a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, leadership and service to school and community,” said Sandy Williams, Chairman of the Board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and President of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works in Corinth, MS. “The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to name Richard as a Regional 2009 Coca-Cola Scholar.”

Richard joined 252 of America’s most impressive high school students who competed for 52 $20,000 National Scholarships and 200 $10,000 Regional scholarship during the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend, held April 2 – 5 in Atlanta. Scholars were chosen from an initial applicant pool of more than 74,000 representing approximately 23,000 high schools nationwide.

During the Scholars Weekend, the 2009 class of Coca-Cola Scholars interviewed with a National Selection Committee representing education, business, government and arts leaders from across the country.

The Scholars were also recognized at a banquet held in their honor. Michelle Peluso, 1989 Coca-Cola Scholar and former CEO of Travelocity, gave the banquet keynote address. Scholars also participated in seminars, toured local landmarks and conducted a beautification project at the Chattahoochee River.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most recognized and respected corporate sponsored scholarships in America. The program was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders through college scholarships.