The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to welcome a significant partnership with Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade, and Smartwater, providing refreshments during this prestigious sporting event. This collaboration highlights a commitment not just to athletes, but also to sustainability and local communities.
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade and Smartwater to be recognised brands across Glasgow 2026
- Partnership announced at CCEP’s East Kilbride site as major sporting event returns to Scotland
The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) GB, the largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola globally, will be the Official Soft Drinks Partners to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and an Official Partner of Team Scotland.
The partnership was unveiled at CCEP’s manufacturing site in East Kilbride, featuring key figures such as Phil Batty OBE, CEO of Glasgow 2026; Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Team Scotland; and Eilidh Gorrell, a Scottish gymnast who represented Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022. They toured local operations with Seamus Kerrigan, CCEP’s Site Director for East Kilbride, as the Games return to Scotland for the first time since 2014.
The Glasgow 2026 Games will run from July 23 to August 2, featuring 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in ten sports and six para sports. CCEP returns as a sponsor, having previously served as the Official Soft Drink Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
At the Glasgow 2026 Games, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade, and Smartwater will serve as the Official Soft Drink, Sports Drink, and Water providers, respectively.
CCEP is collaborating with the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful to support Glasgow 2026’s commitment to sustainability. This initiative will focus on cleansing the riverbanks near the Commonwealth Games venues close to the River Clyde. CCEP will provide funding and volunteer support for this effort.
The waste collected will contribute to the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, which aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways before the Games commence, running alongside the King’s Baton Relay in all Commonwealth nations.
Furthermore, CCEP will work closely with venue waste management teams to enhance recycling during the Games. All CCEP bottles sold at the event will be recyclable, with the 500ml range crafted from 100% recycled plastic.[2]
Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager at CCEP GB, said: “Supporting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow feels particularly special for us, because we have strong roots through our local operations in East Kilbride. Working with our partners on the ground, we’re focused on creating a positive impact for communities across Glasgow, and an enjoyable experience for the thousands of people set to attend the Games.”
Seamus Kerrigan, Site Director at CCEP’s East Kilbride facility, said: “East Kilbride is a big part of our story in Scotland, we’ve been manufacturing locally for over 60 years, so it feels like the right place to share this news as the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow in 2026. Glasgow 2026 is an exciting moment for the country and we’re proud to support the Games in a way that reflects our focus on sustainability and the communities around us.”
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive at Glasgow 2026, added: “We’re proud to welcome back one of the world’s most iconic brands to the Commonwealth Games sponsor family. Coca-Cola joins us with a wealth of experience in elevating spectator experience at major events, while also encouraging behavior change when it comes to sustainability, which supports our ambition to deliver the greenest Games yet.”
Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive at Team Scotland, added: “Coca-Cola’s commitment to supporting communities, promoting sustainability and celebrating local Scottish manufacturing reflects the values we champion for Team Scotland athletes. We’re thrilled to welcome a world-leading brand who are so embedded within the local community as a partner for Glasgow 2026.”
[2] Excluding caps and labels. Smartwater 600ml bottles contain 30% recycled content excluding caps and labels.
Key Takeaways
- Coca-Cola, Powerade, and Smartwater will be the official beverage providers for Glasgow 2026.
- The Games will feature 3,000 athletes from 74 nations.
- CCEP aims to support sustainability initiatives linked to the event.
- The partnership was announced at CCEP’s facility in East Kilbride.
- The event will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
FAQ
What roles will Coca-Cola products serve at the Games?
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade, and Smartwater will be the Official Soft Drink, Sports Drink, and Water providers, respectively.
When will the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games take place?
The Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
How is CCEP promoting sustainability for the event?
CCEP is partnering with Keep Scotland Beautiful to clean riverbanks and support recycling efforts during the Games.
The partnership between Coca-Cola and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games reflects a shared vision focused on community engagement and environmental responsibility. This collaboration promises to enhance the experience for attendees and showcases local production efforts.
