Coca-Cola Europacific Partners invests US$79.3M to expand production line in France 

FRANCE – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced a €68 million (US$79.3 million) investment in France’s Hauts-de-France region to expand its Dunkirk facility, located in the Socx commune.  

The funding will finance the addition of a ninth production line dedicated to still beverages such as iced teas, fruit drinks, and sports drinks. 

According to the company, the new line is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026. The investment also includes the construction of a new syrup plant and upgrades to the site’s logistics and energy systems to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. 

François Gay-Bellile, president of CCEP France, said the investment underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, industrial excellence, and local engagement. 

“This new production line for still drinks strengthens our ability to offer beverages that are increasingly diverse and adapted to consumer expectations,” he noted. 

The Dunkirk site is currently the only CCEP France facility equipped to produce still beverages. With the new line, it will become home to three still drink production units, which include brands such as Fuze Tea, Tropico, and Powerade.  

The expansion aims to strengthen the company’s capacity to meet growing consumer demand across France and Europe. 

Operating for 35 years, the Dunkirk plant currently employs 470 people. CCEP stated that the workforce is expected to increase to nearly 520 once the new line becomes operational.  

The facility handles multiple packaging formats, including glass bottles (25cl and 75cl), PET bottles (40cl to 1.5L), and aluminum cans (20cl and 33cl). 

Earlier this year, CCEP France unveiled €146 million (US$170.3 million) worth of new equipment at its Grigny bottling facility, including a new production line capable of producing 60,000 returnable glass bottles per hour. 

At the start of 2025, the company also announced plans to invest around €150 million (US$156.2 million) in its German operations, with nearly €45 million (US$52.5 million) allocated to installing a can-filling line at its Halle facility to meet rising demand for canned beverages. 

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