ABARTA Coca-Cola breaks ground on US$100M US facility

USA – ABARTA Coca-Cola, the exclusive distributor of Coca-Cola beverages across most of Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia and Ohio, is set to begin construction of its new Lebanon County facility.  

The groundbreaking ceremony for the US$100 million project is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17. 

The new 240,000-square-foot sales and distribution center will be located at 12 Ritter Way in South Lebanon, Pennsylvania. According to ABARTA Coca-Cola, the facility will feature advanced technology, including Vertique, a cutting-edge case-picking and pallet-building system designed to improve efficiency and productivity. 

Company executives have stated that the facility is intended to significantly expand ABARTA Coca-Cola’s operations and capabilities. Charlie Bitzer, Executive Chair of ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, previously highlighted the importance of the project, noting that the new site would enhance operations in Harrisburg and provide critical support for the company’s broader territory. 

Currently, ABARTA Coca-Cola’s Harrisburg facility distributes approximately 6.7 million cases of products annually, serving 17 counties. The Lebanon County project reflects a strategic effort to scale operations and improve service across its markets. 

Coca-Cola switches spirits partner for Fresca Mixed 

In related Coca-Cola news, Red Tree Beverages, a company owned by The Coca-Cola Company, has announced a shift in its spirits partner for the Fresca Mixed ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail line.  

Previously produced in collaboration with Constellation Brands, Fresca Mixed will now be partnered with Sazerac. 

Launched in 2022, Fresca Mixed offers grapefruit soda-based cocktails including Vodka Spritz and Tequila Paloma, each with 5% ABV.  

The new partnership with Sazerac comes as Red Tree Beverages prepares to introduce Fresca Hard, a zero-sugar flavored malt beverage with 99 calories, in early 2026. 

Dan White, chief of new revenue streams at The Coca-Cola Company, said the collaboration with Sazerac would combine Red Tree Beverages’ brand expertise with Sazerac’s production scale, sales network, and distribution management.  

Coca-Cola has also engaged in other high-profile RTD collaborations with Jack Daniel’s, Bacardí, and Absolut Vodka. 

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