UGANDA – Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has introduced an advanced distribution system, utilizing a network of Official Coca-Cola Distributors (OCCDs) to enhance the efficiency and reach of its products across Uganda.  

This new system leverages a user-friendly online platform designed to streamline operations and improve customer service. 

Melkamu Abebe, General Manager at CCBU, emphasized the importance of the OCCD system to the company’s success.  

“We understand that our success is linked to the success of our customers. That’s why we’ve established a robust OCCD system, ensuring efficient distribution and exceptional customer service throughout Uganda,” he stated. 

The OCCD system allows distributors to track sales, access real-time data, and plan deliveries accurately.  

Micheal Kaziro, Route-To-Market specialist at CCBU, explained the meticulous selection process for OCCDs, who are required to have resources such as trucks, warehouses, mobile phones, and a dedicated workforce. This process ensures that only qualified individuals become OCCDs. 

Kaziro further elaborated on the system’s capabilities, noting that it includes a call list of all OCCDs’ deliveries in specific areas, facilitating communication with customers during the distribution process.  

The system also enables daily performance tracking, allowing the sales and marketing team to provide additional support to OCCDs as needed. This data-driven approach helps address challenges promptly, maintaining a smooth distribution network. 

To support OCCDs and retailers, CCBU has distributed over 47,000 coolers nationwide, ensuring that beverages are stored and served at optimal temperatures. “This is one of a number of initiatives to help our OCCDs sell more,” Kaziro added. 

Through this innovative distribution system, CCBU aims to achieve greater efficiency, increase sales volumes, and ensure exceptional customer service throughout Uganda. 

“By optimizing our network, we aim to achieve greater efficiency, boost sales volumes, and ensure exceptional customer service throughout Uganda,” Kaziro emphasized. 

In related news, the Coca-Cola Company announced plans to shut down its Bottling Investments Group (BIG), which oversees its worldwide bottling operations.  

Henrique Braun, Coca-Cola’s president of international development, stated, “The BIG corporate office will close June 30. The timing is right to sunset BIG’s headquarters and to oversee our remaining bottling investments in a more streamlined way.” 

Following this announcement, Coca-Cola’s bottling investments and operations will be managed through an internal board, which will oversee the performance and strategy of the bottling business. 

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