The upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promises to be a remarkable event, especially with Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) stepping in as Official Soft Drinks Partners. This collaboration not only highlights a commitment to sporting excellence but also emphasizes sustainability initiatives that will benefit the local community.
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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade and Smartwater to be recognised brands across Glasgow 2026
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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 serve as the Official Soft Drinks Partners for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and as an Official Partner of Team Scotland.
This partnership was revealed at CCEP’s East Kilbride manufacturing site. Phil Batty OBE, CEO at Glasgow 2026, Team Scotland’s Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, and Scottish gymnast Eilidh Gorrell, who represented Team Scotland at the Birmingham 2022 Games, toured the local operations with CCEP’s Site Director for East Kilbride, Seamus Kerrigan. The Glasgow 2026 Games marks the return of this major event to Scotland for the first time since 2014.
Scheduled from July 23 to August 2, 2026, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games will take place at four iconic venues, showcasing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across ten sports and six Para sports. CCEP, having previously served as the Official Soft Drink Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, is a returning sponsor.
At the Glasgow 2026 Games, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade, and Smartwater will be the designated providers for soft drinks, sports drinks, and water, respectively.
To advance Glasgow 2026’s commitment to sustainability[1], CCEP is partnering with the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. This initiative aims to clean up the riverbanks near the Commonwealth sports venues along the River Clyde, with CCEP providing financial and volunteer support.
The collected waste will contribute to the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign. This campaign, part of the King’s Baton Relay in all 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, has an objective to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways before the start of the Games.
Furthermore, CCEP will collaborate closely with venue waste management teams to enhance recycling efforts during the Games. All CCEP bottles sold at venue outlets will be recyclable, and the 500ml line will consist of 100% recycled plastic.[2]
Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager at CCEP GB, expressed: “Supporting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow holds special significance for us, given our strong roots in East Kilbride. By collaborating with local partners, we aim to create a positive impact on communities across Glasgow and provide an enjoyable experience for the thousands expected to attend the Games.”
Seamus Kerrigan, Site Director at CCEP’s East Kilbride facility, added: “East Kilbride is integral to our narrative in Scotland, as we have been manufacturing here for over 60 years. Sharing this news as the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow feels fitting. Glasgow 2026 is an exciting milestone for the country, and we take pride in supporting the Games with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.”
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive at Glasgow 2026, remarked: “We are proud to welcome a globally recognized brand back into the Commonwealth Games sponsor family. Coca-Cola brings valuable experience in enhancing spectator enjoyment at major events while promoting sustainable practices that align with our ambition to host the greenest Games yet.”
Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive at Team Scotland, commented: “Coca-Cola’s dedication to community support, sustainability, and the celebration of local Scottish manufacturing reflects the values we prioritize for our Team Scotland athletes. We are delighted to welcome a leading brand like Coca-Cola, which is deeply rooted in our local community, as a partner for Glasgow 2026.”
Key Takeaways
- Coca-Cola and CCEP are the Official Soft Drinks Partners for Glasgow 2026.
- The Games return to Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
- CCEP will focus on sustainability and community initiatives.
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade, and Smartwater will represent the official beverage lineup.
- CCEP aims to reduce plastic waste through recycling and clean-up projects.
FAQ
What role does Coca-Cola play in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Coca-Cola serves as the Official Soft Drinks Partner, providing beverages such as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade, and Smartwater.
When will the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games take place?
The Games are scheduled from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
How is CCEP contributing to sustainability for the Games?
CCEP is partnering with Keep Scotland Beautiful for river clean-up projects and will ensure that all bottled products sold at the venues are recyclable.
What is the significance of the partnership for local communities?
The partnership aims to create a positive impact on local communities and promote sustainability through various initiatives.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games represent not just a sporting event, but a concerted effort by partners like Coca-Cola and CCEP to foster community engagement and environmental responsibility. With a shared vision for sustainability, the collaboration sets an inspiring precedent for future events.
