While Irvine’s technology sector is well-represented, Coca-Cola will now be part of the local innovation pool representing the food and beverage sector with a newly announced office space.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Coca-Cola Company celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by company executives, and state and local leaders for the Coca-Cola West offices at the Spectrum Terrace.

In terms of size, Coca-Cola’s West Zone includes more than a dozen different states and territories, including California, Colorado, Washington and Guam. Within the West Zone, California is the largest market with 125 Coca-Cola employees.

In a release about its investments in Irvine, the company referred to the West Coast as the “cradle of innovation” adding that it would continue to maintain sustainable programs that reduce the use of plastic, by increasing the “recyclability” of its products.

Coca-Cola Co., affectionally known as “Coke” thanks to its popular self-titled soda, is worth approximately $256 billion. The company plans to utilize the Irvine location due to its proximity to events that will be hosted in Southern California in the coming years.

“As the world re-opens and with major events such as the LA 2028 Summer Olympic Games approaching, making this investment will position Coca-Cola close to its key markets & customers. TCCC is excited to continue its presence in the cradle of innovation, the West Coast-where ideas of innovative and sustainable packaging designs were generated to help create a closed-loop system. This year, TCCC launched 100% recycled plastic, also known as rPET, bottles and transitioned colored bottles like Sprite and Seagram’s to clear-increasing its recyclability in the system.”

The ceremony was attended by local leaders including State Assemblymember Steven Choi, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Irvine Vice Mayor Anthony Kuo.

After the ceremony, Kuo, who is a lifelong resident of Irvine, shared some personal experiences about his childhood memories of the iconic brand in a Facebook post:

“Growing up, I remember a catchy jingle that ended with, ‘Do-do-do-do-do-do … Always Coca-Cola!’ That memory made welcoming Coca-Cola’s West Zone office to Irvine so much more special. Cheers to you!”

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