News Release
COCA-COLA PARTNERS WITH SOCCER SUPERSTAR FRANCISCO GUILLERMO "MEMO" OCHOA TO BRING EXCITEMENT TO LOCAL HISPANIC COMMUNITIES
PHOENIX, AZ, November 11, 2008 -
Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) today announced a high-profile partnership
with Mexican superstar and goalkeeper Francisco Guillermo "Memo"
Ochoa. Memo will become an official Coca-Cola spokesperson and will
participate in various marketing and public relations initiatives
including customer appearances, autograph signings and meet and greets
with passionate soccer fans around the U.S. The announcement was made
in Phoenix, where Memo and the Mexican National Team (MNT) are preparing
to take on Ecuador in a friendly match on November 12 at Chase Field.
"We're proud to partner with a tremendous athlete like Memo,
who inspires fans to dream big and live positively," said Reinaldo
Padua, assistant vice president, Hispanic Marketing, Coca-Cola North
America. "As an official sponsor of the MNT, Coca-Cola continues
to enhance its initiatives to bring the excitement of soccer to Hispanic
communities throughout the U.S."
At 23, Memo is one of the most recognizable figures in Mexican soccer
and arguably one of the top goalkeepers in the world. In addition
to electrifying fans with game-saving stops in recent international
play, he is also known for leading Club América to a Mexican
League championship in 2005.
"It's an honor to work with Coca-Cola and have the chance to
interact with soccer fans in their own communities," said Memo.
"I'm excited to team up with a company that's so committed to
supporting Latino athletes and the sport I love."
For more than 30 years Coca-Cola has been one of the major partners
of the MNT in Mexico and expanded the relationship to the U.S. in
2003. Through this partnership, Coca-Cola has been able to leverage
the passion that many consumers have for the MNT by creating specific
programs and hosting memorable occasions for fans. They include autograph
signings, personal appearances, soccer clinics and players meet and
greets with consumers and local community organizations.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage
company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still
brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the
world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other
billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®,
Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater, POWERade®, Minute
Maid® and Georgia® Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider
of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink
teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution
system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages
at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment
to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives
that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic
development of the communities where we operate. For more information
about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
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