Perhaps the only grey cloud, in an otherwise clear sky for cola giant Coca Cola could be the frequent charges of environmental hazards and management malpractices against it. Named the world’s most valuable brand for the last three consecutive years by the Interbrand BusinessWeek report, Coca Cola’s reputation has been severely hampered by these accusations. The public onslaught began with the Columbia imbro
glio, when Coca Cola was charged with conniving with paramilitary forces to torture and kill workers and union leaders at the Coca Cola bottling plant. A case of human rights violation was filed in 2001. Following a massive public outrage, the University of Michigan and 23 other universities suspended their contracts with Coca Cola (which were renewed in April 2006). Apart from workers rights abuses, Coca Cola also faces allegations of causing ground water depletion and environmental damage in its plants in several countries. In particular, Coca Cola faces the strongest protests due to its plant in Kerala, India due to which the plant was shut down. This verdict has surely rocked the Coca Cola boat which was set to sail smoothly. Perhaps that’s the price Coca Cola has to pay for being so high profile.For Complete IIPM-Article, Click on IIPM-Editorial Link
Source IIPM-Editorial,2006
