As Coca-Cola HBC, one of the world’s leading providers of non-alcoholic beverages, publishes its 4th annual Corporate Responsibility Report (CSR) for 2006, the company is being acknowledged for its leadership as a reporter in detailing, extending and monitoring its efforts.

While the latest report is the most comprehensive and informative to date, the previous report was classified by the UN Global Compact as a “Notable Communication” on the progress it is achieving, making it the first to receive such recognition in the non-alcoholic beverage industry.

The 2006 CSR report is the third to be prepared in accordance with the 2002 Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Guidelines. With the intention of presenting an even more balanced and reasonable presentation of the organisation’s economic, environmental and social performance, steps are already being taken to convert to the use of G3 Guidelines for 2007.

For 2006, Coca-Cola HBC provides extensive data and commentary related to its compliance with its own, as well as international standards and the continual upgrading of clearly stated commitments in its four key areas of responsibility: the Marketplace, the Workplace, the Environment, and the Community.

Among the many reported areas of considerable progress, the Report notes that it is aggressively addressing concerns about climate change by assessing and acting to reduce its “carbon footprint”. The Company is now fully in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. It has taken a leading role in developing and initiating Responsible Marketing Regulations including not only the development of a number of its own wellness products but also the enforcement of a multitude of restrictions on the promotion of products to underage youngsters.

The 2006 CSR report presents the clearest illustration yet, of how an industry member is setting and seeking to meet its goals for sustainability.

The full report can be obtained on the company’s website at www.coca-colahbc.com