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Coca-Cola HBC

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Industry Beverages - Non-Alcoholic
Employees 10,000+
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FY2021 Annual Report · Coca-Cola HBC
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Integrated Annual Report 2021

Boldly embracing 
the future

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70 years of Coca‑Cola HBC

The early years 
1951-1980

European consolidation 
1981-1999

1951: Nigeria, where it all began
Coca-Cola HBC’s early beginnings were 
in Nigeria, where A.G. Leventis established 
the Nigerian Bottling Company in Lagos.

1981: Hellenic joins 
the family
Our company started the 1980s 
with a statement of ambition, 
acquiring the Hellenic Bottling 
Company (HBC) of Greece. 

1991: A defining period
We reached an historic milestone 
as the Coca‑Cola HBC group 
went public on the Athens 
stock exchange.

1953: Coca‑Cola 
production begins
Production of Coca-Cola 
began at a bottling facility in 
Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Nigeria, 
in 1953, with our first bottling 
plant opening in Apapa that 
same year.

1956: Honoured 
by royalty
An early honour for the new 
business came in 1956 when the 
young Queen Elizabeth II visited 
the Nigerian Bottling Company 
as part of her tour of Nigeria.

1990s: Eastern Europe
The dramatic collapse of the Soviet Union in 
1991 saw a wave of change and new hope sweep 
across Eastern Europe and the former Soviet 
republics, presenting exciting new opportunities 
for Coca‑Cola HBC across the region’s 
fledgling democracies.

1977: From Africa to Ireland
In 1977 the company expanded outside 
of Africa, acquiring the Coca-Cola franchises 
in Ireland.

1999: Arriving in Russia
These heady days of the 1990s also saw Coca-Cola 
HBC take its first steps in Russia. It was a significant 
move for our business, which was completed in 2001.

70 years of Coca‑Cola HBC

European expansion 
2000-2012

The Coca-Cola HBC we know today 
2013 to the present day

2013: A listing in London, 
a proud moment
Coca‑Cola HBC reached a 
landmark as it made its debut 
on the premium segment of the 
London Stock Exchange. It was 
also the year that the company 
was registered in Switzerland 
with new headquarters.

2000: New markets, new cultures
The start of the new millennium saw the 
merger of the Hellenic Bottling Company with 
Coca-Cola Beverages – forming Coca-Cola 
Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. This brought 
new territories, more cultures, and more 
opportunities to grow.

2016: Serving up 
an aperitivo icon
Adult Sparkling is a high-value, 
high-growth category. We are 
proud to have activated 
socialising away from home 
with our portfolio of mixers and 
straight-drinking flavours for 
almost two decades.

2001: Dreams really 
do come true
We acquired the remaining plants 
in Russia from The Coca-Cola 
Company, as well as the bottling 
rights that we didn’t already own. 
We quickly invested in our 
Russia business, creating more 
jobs and opportunities for 
local communities.

2005: Pioneering 
sustainable technology
We took a big step on our 
sustainability journey by 
opening our first energy-
efficient Combined Heat 
and Power plant in Hungary.

2005: Great Coke taste, 
zero sugar
As consumer preferences 
changed, The Coca-Cola 
Company introduced 
Coca-Cola Zero. It was a move 
that would go on to drive the 
Sparkling category to this day.

2020: Smell the coffee! 
We made one of our biggest moves to expand our 
24/7 portfolio in 2020 when we introduced COSTA 
Coffee, recently purchased by The Coca-Cola 
Company, to our first markets. In 2021 we 
strengthened our coffee offering with a 30% 
shareholding in Caffè Vergnano.

29 markets, one family
In 2021 we announced the 
acquisition of Coca-Cola 
Bottling Company of Egypt, 
our second market in Africa and 
the 29th in the Coca‑Cola HBC 
family. The deal was completed 
in early 2022.

2021 highlights

Volume (m unit cases)

2,412.7

2020: 2,135.6

Comparable EBIT1 (€m)

831.0

2020: 672.3

Profit before tax (€m)

734.9

2020: 593.9

Comparable EPS1 (€)

1.584

2020: 1.185

Primary packaging collected 
for recycling (equivalent)

46%

2020: 44%

1.  For details on APMs, refer to ‘Alternative performance 

measures’ section.

2.  Net profit refers to net profit after tax attributable 

to owners of the parent. 

Net sales revenue (€m)

7,168.4

2020: 6,131.8

Comparable EBIT1 margin (%)

11.6

2020: 11.0

Net profit2 (€m)

547.2

2020: 414.9

Basic EPS (€)

1.499

2020: 1.140

Energy-efficient coolers

42%

2020: 36%

Contents

Strategic Report

Corporate Governance

Swiss Statutory Reporting

84 Chairman’s introduction 
to corporate governance
Board of Directors

88
92 Corporate Governance Report
118 Directors’ Remuneration Report
141 Statement of Directors’ 

responsibilities

142 2021 SASB index

Financial Statements

146 Independent auditor’s report
154 Financial statements
159 Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements

212 Report of the statutory auditor 
on Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s 
consolidated financial statements

216 Report of the statutory auditor 

on Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s financial 
statements

219 Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s financial 

statements

232 Report of the statutory auditor 
on the remuneration report
233 Statutory Remuneration Report

Supplementary Information

237 Alternative performance measures
241 Other supplementary information
242 Assurance statement
246 Glossary

Chairman’s letter
Chief Executive Officer’s letter
Our business at a glance
Our business model
Stakeholder engagement

2
4
6
8
10
14 Market trends
16 Our purpose and strategy
18
24 Win in the marketplace
30 Digitalisation across 
Coca‑Cola HBC
Fuel growth through 
competitiveness and investment

Leverage our unique 24/7 portfolio

32

38 Cultivate the potential 

of our people
Earn our licence to operate
Key performance indicators
Sustainability performance

44
52
54
56 Managing risk and materiality
72 Viability statement
Financial review
74
Segment highlights
78
80 Non-financial reporting directive

Boldly embracing 
the future

Future‑focused

portfolio 

page 23

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

1

Through the decisions that we 
have made over time and are 
making today, we are ensuring 
that our business is ready for 
what the future may hold

Future‑focused

route to market

page 29

Future‑focused

investment

page 37

Future‑focused

teams

page 43

Future‑focused

packaging

page 51

2

COCA-COLA HBC

Chairman’s letter

Embracing new 
opportunities

“As always, we look to the long‑term potential 
of the business to ensure that we are making the 
progress that would make those who passed its 
stewardship onto us proud, and with a view to 
the future generations who will take it over.”

Dear Stakeholder,
Our Company celebrated the 70-year 
history of the business in 2021, a milestone 
which led us to reflect on what we have 
achieved even as we embrace new 
opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic 
tested our entire business and every one 
of us. Now, at the start of 2022, in addition 
to COVID‑19, the conflict between Russia 
and Ukraine is having a terrible impact on 
millions, including our own people. I have 
seen through the challenge of COVID-19 
and now, through this current unimaginable 
tragedy, the amazing way that the people 
of this business care for each other and 
our stakeholders. It makes me immensely 
proud. Our resilience and adaptability are 
our greatest strengths.

The recovery in our Company’s 
performance in 2021 was very strong. 
We finished 2021 with volumes, revenue 
and profitability all greater than in 2019. 
This rebound is largely due to the long‑term 
and thoughtful approach the company took 
in the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. 
The Board and Management were clear that 
our people and business continuity were our 
top priorities. This meant that no one lost 
their job at Coca‑Cola HBC as a direct result 
of the pandemic, we maintained supply for 
our customers, continuing to engage with 
them even when their businesses were 
closed, and we continued to invest in 
strategic priorities for the long-term health 
of the business.

From its origins as a bottling line in the 
basement of the Mainland Hotel in Lagos, 
Nigeria, it is incredible to reflect on the 
journey which has transformed this family- 
run business into a FTSE 100 company 
operating across 29 markets on three 
continents. With our roots in Africa, we 
are extremely pleased to be welcoming 
the team from another African market to 
the Group 70 years later. Egypt offers 
tremendous potential, with a young 
population of over 100 million people. 
I’ve been fortunate to meet many of the 
men and women of Coca‑Cola Bottling 
Company of Egypt, and I know that they 
share our passion for excellence.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

3

Together with The Coca-Cola Company 
we took the difficult but necessary decision 
to suspend the production and sale of 
Coca-Cola brands in Russia. We have been 
operating in Russia for decades and will 
support our colleagues there as we work 
through the implementation of this. 
The company continues to provide support 
on the ground through product donations 
and in partnership with The Red Cross. 
I know I speak for the Board when I say that 
the people of Ukraine and our colleagues 
there are foremost in our thoughts. We hope 
that peace is soon restored in Ukraine. 

In early 2022, we remain focused on 
supporting management as they operate 
in this incredibly challenging and rapidly 
changing environment as well as overseeing 
the Company’s achievement of our Growth 
Story 2025 objectives. As always, we look to 
the long-term potential of the business to 
ensure that we are making the progress 
that would make those who passed its 
stewardship onto us proud, and with a view 
to the future generations who will take it over.

On behalf of the Board, I extend my thanks 
to all of our people who have built the 
Company into what it is today, and to all of 
our stakeholders for your continued support.

Anastassis G. David
Chairman of the Board

Our long history of geographic and portfolio 
expansion, often through acquisitions, will 
serve us well as we integrate the Egyptian 
business into our Group. Our Board also 
benefits from several members who have 
experience of large integrations and will be 
available to offer advice and guidance. 

Bold decisions support resilience 
for the long term
In my time as chairman, I’ve seen how our 
Company benefits from the Board’s great 
diversity of perspectives. Six of our 13 
Board members were originally appointed 
by our two large, long‑term shareholders: 
The Coca‑Cola Company and Kar‑Tess 
Holding, which gives the Board particularly 
relevant industry and partnership knowledge 
as well as a uniquely long-term perspective 
and sense of ownership. This is strengthened 
and complemented by the other independent 
directors’ range of skills and experience 
ensuring a wide range of contributions and 
high-quality discussion. 

In a period of upheaval and uncertainty, 
the Board has made decisions carefully 
and thoughtfully to ensure our Company 
is positioned for success for the long term. 
In 2020, and again in 2021, we ensured that 
we focused on our most critical people first, 
our business developers who are out in the 
market every day selling our portfolio of 
products. Decisions taken on remuneration, 
particularly for our long-term incentive 
plans, ensured awards cascaded throughout 
the organisation, reinforcing focus on 
strategic priorities to achieve long-term 
performance and the retention of our 
dedicated, high-performing people. 
Our remuneration decisions consider both 
the whole organisation and the long-term 
health of the business. During 2021 we 
embarked on a wide-ranging shareholder 
consultation process, which has helped us 
understand the full range of views on these 
decisions and informed our thinking.

In 2021, the Board approved our most 
ambitious environmental target to date, 
committing to achieve net-zero emissions 
by 2040. This commitment builds on our 
long history of integrating our social and 
environmental commitments into every 
decision and action we take. Because we 
believe that our environmental impact along 
with the socio-economic development of 
our communities are integral to our future 
growth, NetZeroby40 has been integrated 
into management incentives.

Dividend
During 2021 we paid the 2020 dividend of 
€0.64 per share. This was a 3.2% increase 
compared to the prior year and represented 
an increase in our pay-out ratio to 54%, 
above our usual targeted range of 35 to 45%. 

We are pleased to be able to continue to 
make progressive dividend payments and 
are proposing a dividend of €0.71 per share 
for 2021. Furthermore, we have increased 
the targeted pay-out range to 40 to 50% 
of comparable EPS. This decision reflects our 
assessment of the ongoing risks combined 
with our confidence in business resilience 
and the Company’s strong balance sheet, 
as well as our many growth opportunities.

Looking ahead 
As we welcome Egypt into the Group, I 
continue to have great confidence in our 
Company’s future. In 2021 this company 
achieved a remarkable recovery while 
managing a volatile environment of changing 
restrictions due to COVID-19, global supply 
chain shocks and even geopolitical instability 
in our territory. As I write we have seen 
conflict bringing unimaginable suffering and 
hardship to millions.

Section 172 statement

Section 172 of the UK Companies Act 2006 requires directors to promote the 
success of their company for the benefit of the members as a whole, having regard 
to the interests of stakeholders in their decision-making. Engaging with stakeholders 
is an indispensable part of how Coca‑Cola HBC does business. The Board considers 
the interests of the Group’s employees and other stakeholders in its decision-
making as a matter of good governance, and understands the importance, and 
value, of taking into account their views, as well as considering the impact of the 
Company’s activities on the community, environment and the Group’s reputation. 
The Board also considers what is most likely to promote the success of the 
Company for its shareholders in the long term. Although the Company is Swiss-
incorporated and as such the UK Companies Act 2006 has no legal effect, 
this approach is in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.

Read more about:
How we manage risks and materiality on pages 56 to 71
How we engage with key stakeholders on pages 10 to 13
Examples of how stakeholders were considered in specific decisions on pages 100-101

4

COCA-COLA HBC

Chief Executive Officer’s letter

Building 
partnerships

“I am especially proud that even in these most 
challenging of times, we are nurturing a strong 
team that genuinely cares for one another, 
underlined by resilience and belief in our future. 
We remain focused as one connected team 
on both what we are trying to achieve and 
how we will deliver it.”

Dear Stakeholder,
As I write in March 2022, my thoughts are 
with our friends, colleagues, and their families 
in Ukraine. I speak from personal experience 
when I say that there is nothing worse than 
war. It is never a solution. It brings terrible 
suffering and pain, and it impacts the lives 
of people like nothing else. We are facing up 
to that now as we do all we can to support our 
people in Ukraine and the humanitarian relief 
efforts in the region. My overriding hope is for 
a fast and peaceful resolution.

This report looks back to 2021, a year that 
saw a very different challenge in the form of 
the continued disruption of the COVID-19 
pandemic to communities and businesses 
across our territories. 

It was also a special year for us as we 
marked 70 years of building partnerships 
since our early beginnings in Nigeria in 1951. 
This milestone provided an opportunity to 
celebrate the legacy of our business and 
reflect on how we define our Company for 
today and tomorrow. The spirit of partnership 
that has guided us for 70 years remains the 
cornerstone of our approach.

It has enabled us to adapt and evolve our 
business with a strong belief and commitment 
in our investments that will fuel our future 
growth. Our people remain the catalysts, 
making our Company stronger and better 
every day. We rely on their talent and diversity 
to set us apart – because the real magic 
happens when we work together as one 
inclusive team. By harnessing the collective 
talent across our markets, we are confident 
that we will achieve the speed and progress 
that will enable us to lead and to win for 
the long‑term.

Delivering a strong recovery
We delivered a very strong recovery in 2021, 
with all key metrics above pre-pandemic 
levels. This was the result of consistent and 
disciplined focus on our strategic priorities 
over the last few years. We finished the year 
with strong revenue growth, our highest 
ever EBIT margin and free cash flow, while 
continuing to gain share. This performance 
demonstrates the strength of our 24/7 
brand portfolio, revenue growth management 
capabilities, route to market and execution 
excellence in our markets.

It is thanks to the strong drive, creativity, 
adaptability, and passion of our people, who 
enabled us to navigate the volatile operating 
environment while embracing change, 
challenge and care, which are all central to 
our culture. Our results and future plans also 
reflect our partnership with The Coca-Cola 
Company, which remains stronger than ever.

Accelerating capabilities 
development
A critical driver of our growth is the 
accelerated development of our prioritised 
capabilities, which are increasingly proving 
to be our competitive advantage for building 
sustainable long-term growth. Talent 
development, Revenue Growth Management, 
Route to Market, Big Data Advanced Analytics 
and Key Account Management are now also 
complemented by the accelerated Digitalisation 
of our Company.

Targeted investment behind our Digital 
Commerce strategy, regarding both route 
to customer and route to consumer, is a key 
focus in this area. This is supported by a newly 
established and capable team that is driving 
an ambitious agenda. The Customer Portal, 
our main B2B platform, which saw significant 
development over the last 18 months, allows 
our customers to order direct from us 24 
hours a day, 7 days a week. This now accounts 
for 8% of our transactions, up from 2% just 
a year ago. It is convenient for customers, 
and critically, it allows our business developers 
to spend more time on category strategy 
execution and customer relationships rather 
than order taking.

We also continue to add value to our 
customers in the broader e-marketplace. 
We have increased our digital shelf space, 
visibility, and activations on the e-commerce 
websites of our biggest customers, and we 
are now working extensively with newer, 
digital-only customers, such as food delivery 
platforms, which is driving strong growth.

New markets and brands
I am very pleased that during 2021 we 
completed two strategic transactions which 
are strengthening our growth potential. 
These demonstrate very well our focus on 
strategic additions to our territories alongside 
relevant bolt-on additions to our portfolio.

With our acquisition of Coca‑Cola Bottling 
Company of Egypt (CCBCE), our Company 
has added a second market in Africa, 70 years 
after the Company was founded in Nigeria. 
This means that we now seek to refresh one 
quarter of the continent’s population. Egypt’s 
young and rapidly growing population of more 
than 100 million people brings our consumer 
base to over 715 million, while positioning 
us towards high‑growth markets that will 
fuel our business for many years to come. 
I am grateful for the trust placed in us by 
The Coca‑Cola Company and the previous 
shareholders of CCBCE, and am very 
excited about the potential of the business 
and its people.

We also acquired a 30% stake in Caffè 
Vergnano, a family-owned Italian coffee 
company, further strengthening our 
coffee portfolio. Caffè Vergnano is highly 
complementary to our existing Costa Coffee 
proposition and will allow us to address an 
even wider range of consumer tastes and 
segments, increasing our relevance in this 
fast-growing category.

Our boldest sustainability 
commitment to date
2021 was also a pivotal year in our 
sustainability journey with our commitment 
to net zero emissions across our value chain 
by 2040, a continuation of a journey we began 
many years ago. We are confident in our track 
record and our robust, action-based plan to 
achieve this commitment. But we will also 
need the support of our partners, with 90% 
of our emissions coming from suppliers 
throughout our value chain. Our commitment 
to net zero is now integrated into every 
business decision we take.

Our sustainable packaging strategy is a key 
driver towards net zero. We are committed 
to delivering our Mission 2025 targets and 
working towards a World Without Waste with 
The Coca-Cola Company, developing ways 
to collect more packages and design new 
sustainable ways of serving our beverages. 
In 2021, we transitioned to 100% rPET for all 
single serve Sparkling Soft Drinks and iced-tea 
in Italy and now sell five water brands in 100% 
rPET bottles. With targeted initiatives to 
increase our in-house production capacity for 
rPET, we are taking a meaningful step towards 
our target of increasing the percentage of 
rPET to 35% by 2025.

The Coca-Cola Company also made a global 
commitment to increase the percentage of 
beverages sold in reusable packaging to 25% 
by 2030. To support this goal, we have already 
started our journey together to increase 
our ‘packageless’ offerings through new 
dispensed solutions and this strategy will 
remain a focus for the coming years.

Our successful partnership with our suppliers 
saw us introduce KeelClip™ in 10 markets 
by the end of 2021, a paperboard packaging 
that replaces plastic shrink wrap on multipack 
cans. The roll out in our EU markets will be 
completed this year. We also continue to 
invest in infrastructure to collect and recycle 
our packaging to ensure a circular packaging 
economy. We now have deposit return 
schemes in place or in progress in 12 of our 
markets, and work with governments, NGOs 
and academic institutions to determine the 
right schemes everywhere we operate. 

I am proud of the support that we continue 
to provide to our communities, particularly the 
opportunities we give to young people to help 
them develop their full potential. In 2018, we 
promised to train one million young people 
by 2025 via our flagship #YouthEmpowered 
programme, and to date have supported 
more than 548,000.

Investing in our people and 
nurturing our values‑based culture 
We also remain steadfast in our commitment 
to invest in our people, their potential, and 
support personal and professional growth 
through a variety of learning and developmental 
programmes. Our Sales Academy, Supply 
Chain Academy, Excel leadership programme 
and our annual LearnFest event are some 

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

5

examples of this. Today, more than 70% 
of our learning content is available online, 
and this has allowed us to innovate, adapt 
and accelerate to new ways of learning. 
The whole team is committed to building 
a more diverse workforce in an inclusive 
workplace environment. It is a commitment 
that I am personally passionate about and we 
have made some good progress. In 2021 56% 
of all appointments were women.

2021 also saw us conduct a comprehensive 
review of our business to ensure that our 
organisational structure and teams are 
designed to support our strategic big bets 
for future growth. To pursue our vision of 
being the leading 24/7 beverage partner, 
we enhanced our resources and expertise in 
coffee, digital commerce, data and analytics, 
and sustainability. And I was pleased to 
see that 85% of appointments were 
internal candidates.

The introduction of the COO role in 2020 
has enabled us to strengthen our leadership 
capacity, performance edge and coordination 
as well as sharpen our focus on people 
development. The structure enables me to 
spend more time on our strategic partnerships, 
strategic agenda and targeted prioritised 
areas, like culture and D&I, which I oversee 
personally. I am also able to invest more time 
behind our sustainability and regulatory agenda.

We also created a new role of Strategy and 
Transformation Director in 2021. The role 
is designed to drive more efficient and 
better coordinated strategy execution by 
transforming our enterprise-wide processes 
and projects from the start. This will drive 
better simplification, prioritisation and create 
more time for customer focused initiatives.

Our 70th anniversary last year also gave 
me time to reflect on my 25 years with the 
Company. I am as proud today to work with 
my colleagues across Coca‑Cola HBC as I was 
when I first walked through the doors of the 
Zagreb office all those years ago. 

I am especially proud that even in these most 
challenging of times, we are nurturing a strong 
team that genuinely cares for one another, 
underlined by resilience and belief in our future. 
We remain focused as one connected team 
on both what we are trying to achieve and 
how we will deliver it. While we look back at our 
achievements, we recognise there is much 
more to learn and improve. I am truly grateful 
to be part of a team that is driven by deep 
values, continues to have ambitious bold 
dreams, and is committed to creating value 
in the market with our customers, while making 
a visible difference to the world we care for.

Zoran Bogdanovic
Chief Executive Officer

6

COCA-COLA HBC

Our business at a glance

The leading 24/7 
beverage partner

Coca‑Cola HBC is a growth‑focused consumer 
packaged goods business and strategic bottling 
partner of The Coca-Cola Company.

Sparkling

74%

Percentage of Coca‑Cola HBC revenue

Hydration

7%

Juice

4%

Our 24/7 portfolio
Our portfolio is the strongest 
and broadest in the beverage 
industry. Our products cater 
to a growing range of tastes 
with a wider choice of healthier 
options, premium products 
and increasingly sustainable 
packaging, giving us an 
undisputed ability to delight 
consumers across all 
consumption occasions.

RTD Tea

3%

Energy

6%

Coffee

<1%

Plant based

<1%

Premium spirits and flavoured 
alcoholic beverages

Snacks

3%

<2%

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

7

Egypt 
added  
in 2022

+90bpsbps

value share gained in NARTD

Winning in the marketplace
We produce and sell an unparalleled 
portfolio of beverage brands relevant to 
every customer, consumer and occasion. 
Our route to market is second to none 
across our markets since it includes a 
wide range of consumer channels – from 
supermarkets and convenience stores 
to hotels, cafés and restaurants – and 
encompasses more customers than any 
competitor. Customer service and focus is 
critical for our business and we are devoted 
to helping our customers grow their 
businesses, which in turn grows ours.

Where we operate
In 2021 we celebrated our 70th year. Our roots date back to 1951 when A.G. Leventis 
founded the Nigerian Bottling Company in Lagos. Since then the business has expanded 
across Europe and Russia, and in 2022 we added Egypt. Today we seek to refresh 715 million 
consumers in 29 markets, spanning three continents.

29

countries across three continents

36,000

employees

Established markets

Developing markets

Emerging markets

34.6%

of Group revenue

12.1%

Comparable EBIT 
margin 

19.0%

of Group revenue

7.8%

Comparable EBIT 
margin 

46.4%

of Group revenue

12.7%

Comparable EBIT 
margin 

Earning our licence 
to operate
We create value for all stakeholders, making 
a strong contribution to the development 
of the societies in which we operate through 
employment and our wider supply chain, 
as well as through community projects which 
have long been a core way of doing business 
for us. We operate in a way that preserves 
our environment, integrating sustainability 
into our decision making and actions.

8

COCA-COLA HBC

Our business model
Our business model

Delivering value for 
our stakeholders

1. Our resources and relationships

2. How we do it

Human
Our success is dependent on the passion 
and customer focus of our talented 
people. We empower them to pursue 
growth opportunities, both for 
themselves and our Company.

Natural
To produce our products, we use raw 
materials including water, energy and 
PET resin. We source these using 
sustainable practices and seek to use 
them efficiently.

Social and relationships
Maintaining the trust of stakeholders 
is essential to our business. Our most 
valuable relationships are with 
The Coca‑Cola Company, our people 
and the communities we operate in, our 
customers, suppliers and governments 
and regulators.

Financial
Our business activities require financial 
capital and we seek to allocate it 
efficiently. This capital is provided by our 
equity and debt holders, as well as cash 
flow earned from our operations.

Intellectual
Innovation is embedded in our culture 
and the intellectual property created from 
that includes new packaging, new products 
and improvements in manufacturing, 
logistics and sales execution. 

Manufacturing
Our plant and logistics assets allow 
us to prepare, package and deliver 
our products to meet the needs 
of customers and consumers.

Read more about how we leverage our 
unique 24/7 portfolio and win in the 
marketplace on pages 18 to 29.

1. Working with suppliers
We work with our suppliers 
to procure high-quality 
ingredients, sustainably 
sourced raw materials and 
equipment and services 
required to produce beverages.

4. Serving our consumers 
and communities
Our 24/7 product portfolio 
caters to a range of tastes and 
preferences and we continually 
innovate to remain relevant.

2. Producing beverages 
efficiently and sustainably
Using concentrate from 
The Coca-Cola Company 
along with other ingredients, 
we prepare, package and deliver 
products with an optimised 
manufacturing infrastructure 
and logistics network.

56
plants

96
distribution centres

3. Partnering with 
our customers
We grow by supporting our 
customers’ growth, leveraging 
our 24/7 portfolio, focusing on 
areas of high value opportunity 
and executing with excellence.

3. What we do

We are a strategic bottling partner 
of The Coca-Cola Company
We have the exclusive right to bottle 
and sell the beverages of The Coca‑Cola 
Company in our 29 markets. We also 
partner with other beverage businesses 
such as Monster Energy, Brown‑Forman, 
Campari and Edrington to sell their 
products in our markets.

How our partnership works
The Coca-Cola Company owns and 
develops its brands while Coca‑Cola HBC

is responsible for producing, distributing, and 
selling these beverages, using concentrate 
we buy from The Coca-Cola Company 
under an incidence-based pricing model. 
We work together to ensure we have the 
right portfolio for our customers and 
consumers in each market and to ensure 
excellent, efficient execution. We also share 
marketing costs and responsibilities, with 
The Coca-Cola Company marketing to 
consumers while we take responsibility 
for trade marketing to our customers.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

9

Our impact
We believe that the only way to create 
long-term value for all our stakeholders 
is through sustainable growth. We create 
socio-economic value for the societies in 
which we operate by creating jobs, training 
workers, building physical infrastructure, 

procuring raw materials, transferring 
technology, paying taxes, expanding access 
to products and services, and creating 
growth opportunities for our customers, 
distributors, retailers and suppliers.

Measuring and managing these contributions 
through the sustainable growth of our 
business is an important part of our purpose. 
Since 2010 we have conducted socio-
economic impact studies in our markets 
to better understand the range and extent 
of the value created in our ecosystem.

4. Value created

5. Socio‑economic contribution

796,942

training hours for 
our people

1.7m

customers served

€1,015.2m

total employee costs

31,920

employees in the Coca-Cola 
System in our markets

1

=

job in the 
System

10

jobs in our 
community

320,311

indirect employment across 
the value chain

548,835

2017-2021 cumulative 
young people trained in 
our communities

Our people
• 

In 2021 we provided jobs directly to 27,211 
people in 28 countries

•  Median basic salary ratio women/men: 1.15

Our customers
•  We increased the frequency of our customer 

• 

engagement, providing customers with 
the best support
In the marketplace we achieved a new 
total number of almost 577,000 
energy‑efficient coolers

Our communities 
•  We trained 210,422 young people through 

our #YouthEmpowered programme 
to boost employability

•  We invested €6.8 million in local 

community initiatives

Our shareholders
•  We continued to control costs and generate 

• 

strong growth in profit
In recognition of our business’s strength and 
future opportunities, the Board has proposed 
a dividend of €0.71 per share, a +10.9% 
increase compared with last year

Our wider stakeholders
•  Our business activities generate revenue 

for our customers, suppliers and contractors 
as well as income for our employees

€3.4bn

paid in taxes

€11.5bn

created in added value across 
our value chain

€541m

CapEx spend in our markets

Our consumers
•  We provide high-quality beverages and 

healthy options, reducing calories per 100ml 
of sparkling soft drinks by 15% in 2021 
compared to our 2015 baseline

Our suppliers 
•  We spent over €3.5 billion with local suppliers
•  We are working with our suppliers to support 
their sustainable practices and emission 
reduction plans

16,200

suppliers operating 
across our value chain

>€3.5bn

spent with local 
suppliers

715*m

potential consumers refreshed

To read the methodology behind 
our socio-economic impact 
numbers, please see page 247

 * With the addition of Egypt.

 
 
 
 
 
 
10

COCA-COLA HBC

Stakeholder engagement

Building on 70 years 
of stakeholder 
engagement for 
mutual benefit

The strength of our stakeholder 
ecosystem enabled us to 
ensure the safety of our people, 
partners and communities while 
maintaining production 
throughout the year. 

Our people

Material issues
•  Employee wellbeing and engagement
•  Human rights, diversity and inclusion 

Growth pillars

Key challenges
•  Building the best teams in the industry
•  Engagement as remote working 

continues 

•  Mental wellbeing

Our customers

Material issues
•  Economic impact
•  Nutrition
•  Packaging and waste management

Growth pillars

How we engage
•  Focused and continuous conversations 
•  Employee Assistance Programme
•  Regular employee surveys to understand 

Relevant KPIs
•  Employee engagement
•  Percentage of managers that are women
•  Lost time accident rate

and act on needs and wellbeing

•  Offering personalised experiences and 

opportunities for personal and 
professional growth

•  Ongoing dialogue with employee 

representative bodies

Outcomes of engagement
•  Support for our people to maintain 

engagement levels, which remained 
high in 2021

•  Higher levels of satisfaction with line 

manager support were reported as we 
addressed needs of people working under 
different conditions

Key challenges
•  Opportunities for growth and 

value creation 

•  Offering a 24/7 beverage portfolio 

that meets the changing preferences 
of consumers 

•  Pandemic-related trading and 

movement restrictions

•  Supply and delivery challenges 

How we engage
•  Key account managers engage with our 

customers at a strategic level

•  Our business developers continued to 

make regular visits to outlets
•  We provided targeted support to 

out-of-home channel customers to 
reopen businesses once restrictions 
were lifted

Principal risks
•  Health and safety
•  People retention
•  Geopolitical and security environment

Read more on pages 39-43.

Outcomes of engagement
•  We increased direct engagement 
via our customers teams and via 
customer surveys

Relevant KPIs
•  Volume and FX-neutral revenue growth 
•  Customer feedback from surveys
•  High merchandising standards
•  Cooler coverage of high potential outlets

Principal risks
•  Changing retail environment
•  Product quality and food safety

Read more on pages 25-29.

Our suppliers

Material issues
•  Climate change
•  Sustainable sourcing
•  Water stewardship
•  Economic impact

Growth pillars

Our communities

Material issues
•  Climate change
•  Corporate citizenship
•  Economic impact
•  Packaging and waste management
•  Water stewardship

Growth pillars

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

11

Key challenges
•  Rising costs of ingredients, labour, 

packaging material, energy and water
•  Minimising the environmental impact 

of water and energy resources, 
as well as emissions 

How we engage
•  Feedback received through our annual 

Group Stakeholder Forum

•  Regular, ongoing interaction with the 

Coca-Cola System’s Central 
Procurement Group and our technology 
and commodity suppliers

Outcomes of engagement
•  Our long-term work with partners to 

reduce our water and energy use has also 
brought efficiencies. This is particularly 
important given our NetZeroby40 
commitment

•  Activities related to sustainable sourcing 

and certifications

Relevant KPIs
•  % of key agricultural ingredients 

sustainably certified

•  % of our suppliers adopting our Supplier 

Guiding Principles 

Principal risks
•  Plastics and packaging waste
•  Water availability and usage
•  Commodity costs
•  Managing our carbon footprint

Read more on pages 34-36, 48.

Key challenges
•  Climate change
•  Waste from our packaging
•  Water conservation
•  Empowering youth and women

How we engage
•  We engage with customers and partners 
to understand what skills and training 
young adults need in specific markets
•  Via our #YouthEmpowered sessions we 

increase the employability of young people

•  We participate actively to support the 
set-up and implementation of new 
packaging collection schemes

Outcomes of engagement
•  We continued to support frontline efforts 
to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic via 
volunteering and product donations

•  Our support of new collection schemes is 
translating into increased collection rates 
for packaging waste in many markets 
•  We have committed to NetZeroby40 

across the entire value chain

Relevant KPIs
•  #YouthEmpowered
•  % absolute emissions reduction
•  # water stewardship projects in water 

priority locations

•  % primary packaging collected
•  # volunteering hours

Principal risks
•  Geopolitical and security environment
•  Plastics and packaging waste
•  Managing our carbon footprint
•  Water availability and usage

Read more on pages 46-50.

Emission reductions in our 
supply chain
As part of our efforts to partner with our 
suppliers, we held our first ever supplier 
sustainability event in 2021. At the event 
we prompted our suppliers to establish 
their own science-based emissions targets 
by 2030 and collaborate with us to develop 
longer-term net zero aspirations with 
focus on several key packaging and 
ingredients partners. Better partnerships 
are crucial to achieve our ambitious 
NetZeroby40 target.

Approximately 90% of our Company’s 
carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 
emissions, which occur in the value chain, 
linked to our operations, but are generated 
from sources beyond our control. Together 
with the Coca-Cola System, we have so far 
initiated sustainability partnerships with 
about 20 critical suppliers, representing 
50% of our Scope 3 emissions.

 
12

COCA-COLA HBC

Stakeholder engagement continued

Our consumers

Material issues
•  Nutrition
•  Product quality
•  Responsible marketing

Growth pillars

Government

Material issues
•  Climate change
•  Nutrition
•  Packaging and waste management
•  Water stewardship

Growth pillars

Our shareholders

Material issues
•  Corporate governance

Growth pillars

Key challenges
•  Ensuring product supply and safety
•  Continuously evolving our products 

to meet consumers’ needs for healthy 
hydration, quality, taste, innovation 
and convenience

How we engage
•  We understand consumers’ needs and 

preferences through collecting consumer 
insights. While this is also part of 
The Coca‑Cola Company’s role, we gain 
access to these insights

•  Consumers also provide feedback on 

social media and via the consumer hotlines

Outcomes of engagement
•  We continued to evolve our portfolio 

offering to address changing consumer 
moments and invested further in 
digital and e‑commerce to meet new 
shopper needs

Relevant KPIs
•  % reduction of calories per 100ml SSD
•  # consumer complaints

Principal risk
•  Product quality and food safety

Read more on pages 20-22.

Key challenges
• 

Industry and/or product-specific policies, 
such as taxes, restrictions or regulations

•  COVID-19-related regulations 
•  Environmental policies

How we engage
•  Much of our engagement with 

governments is conducted at an industry 
level through trade associations
•  We partner with local governments 

to tackle waste collection challenges 
and water availability

Outcomes of engagement
• 

In response to regulations and levies on 
certain types of plastic packaging, we have 
lightweighted packages and used more 
sustainable materials

•  To address health and nutrition concerns, 
we continue to add low- or no-sugar drink 
options in every market and provide 
transparent nutritional information

Relevant KPIs
•  % absolute emissions reduction
•  % reduction of calories per 100ml SSD
•  % packaging collected
•  # water stewardship projects

Principal risks
•  Product-related taxes and regulatory 

changes

•  Ethics and compliance

Read more on pages 22, 47, 49-50.

Key challenges
• 
•  Maintaining focus on long-term 

Increasing focus on ESG

potential of the Group rather than 
short‑term volatility

How we engage
•  Communication during our Annual 

General Meetings, investor roadshows, 
press releases and results briefings, 
and ongoing dialogue with analysts 
and investors

Outcomes of engagement
•  Stepped-up consultation efforts and 

strengthened two-way dialogue between 
the Company and investors, ensuring 
both good understanding of long-term 
Company strategy in the markets and 
that investor concerns are considered 
in decision‑making

Relevant KPIs
•  Management access and positive investor 

perceptions of strategy 

Principal risks
•  Plastics and packaging waste
•  Changing retail environment
•  Commodity costs
•  Product-related taxes and 

regulatory changes

•  Foreign exchange fluctuations
•  Managing our carbon footprint
•  Geopolitical and security environment
•  Suppliers and sustainable sourcing

Read more on page 101.

The Coca‑Cola  
Company

Material issues
•  Nutrition
•  Responsible marketing
•  Sustainable sourcing
•  Corporate citizenship 

Growth pillars

NGOs

Material issues
•  Climate change
•  Corporate citizenship
•  Human rights, diversity and inclusion 
•  Packaging and waste management
•  Water stewardship

Growth pillar

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

13

Key challenges
•  Support for consumers, customers 

and communities

•  Profitable growth opportunities
•  Value share in our markets
•  Sustainable sourcing

How we engage
•  Day-to-day interaction as business 

partners, joint projects, joint business 
planning, functional groups on strategic 
issues and ‘top-to-top’ senior 
management forums

Outcomes of engagement
•  Our partnership added to the strength 

and depth of our 24/7 portfolio, especially 
thanks to the continued roll-out 
of Costa Coffee

•  We increased implementation of 

sustainable, ethical practices in our supply 
chain through System-wide collaboration 

Relevant KPIs
•  % reduction of calories per 100ml SSD
•  % of key agricultural ingredients 

sustainably certified
Investments in community projects

• 

Principal risks
•  Suppliers and sustainable sourcing
•  Strategic stakeholder relationships

Read more on pages 8, 22, 27, 35.

Key challenges
•  Climate adaptation, move toward net zero 

Outcomes of engagement
•  6% training capacity for our first-time 

emissions and water and energy use

managers went to NGO leaders in 2021

•  Packaging waste
•  Sustainable sourcing
•  Partnerships with communities and 

grassroots organisations
•  Diversity and human rights

How we engage
•  We include NGOs and community 

partners in our leadership development 
programmes, offering online training for 
managing virtual teams and leading in 
times of crisis

•  We partner with specific NGOs for 

targeted projects 

•  We engage through our annual Group 
Stakeholder Forum and our annual 
materiality assessment, as well as through 
ad hoc meetings

Delivering value for 
the communities where 
we operate 
Across all markets, we took our commitment 
to create value for wider society seriously, 
continuing to focus on COVID-19 support, 
disaster relief and our #YouthEmpowered 
programme. For COVID-19, we again 
provided a mixture of cash donations, 
free products and donations of equipment. 
We provided more than 300 refrigerators, 
for instance, to expand capacity for 
vaccine storage in Greece. In response 
to earthquakes, floods and wildfires, 
we contributed cash or donated products 
to support victims, governments, fire 
brigades, and the Red Cross in Croatia, 
Greece, North Macedonia and Russia. 

Relevant KPIs
•  # partnering NGOs

Principal risks
•  Plastics and packaging waste
•  Managing our carbon footprint
•  Suppliers and sustainable sourcing
•  Water availability and usage
•  Ethics and compliance

Read more on pages 46-47, 50.

Despite the pandemic, which has limited 
in-person programmes, we remain on track 
to support the employability of one million 
young people across our markets by 2025. 
In Italy and Greece we re-purposed 
#YouthEmpowered tools to address the 
needs of the hard-hit hospitality sector and 
delivered masterclasses for young people 
aspiring to a HoReCa career. In Czech 
Republic we helped young people from 
vulnerable backgrounds find high-quality 
jobs, while in Hungary we started training 
young people with disabilities.

 
 
14

COCA-COLA HBC

Market trends

Adapting to 
evolving trends

Market trends

How we are responding

Delivered through

Growth pillar

Dynamic retail environment
In 2021 we saw an improvement in private consumption, boosting performance across categories. 
The out-of-home channel recovered from 2020 closures, yet restrictions on its operations 
were not fully lifted in all countries and were dependent on vaccination rates and COVID-19 
case evolution. Online retailers and discounters experienced strong growth again in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of close customer partnerships. 

The flexibility of our route to market allowed us to actively support our customers so that 

they could drive more transactions and capture growth opportunities as markets began to 

reopen, which was particularly valuable for our out-of-home customers. The at-home 

channel performed strongly during 2021, as drinking occasions at home remained strong 

even as lockdowns eased. We remained a key partner to our at-home customers, ensuring 

product availability and adapting our offering.

Consumer preferences
The COVID-19 pandemic strengthened interest in health and wellness, with people looking not 
only for organic offerings, but also those with less sugar or fat and for functional products that 
can enhance immunity. Consumers are getting accustomed to socialising, working or training 
at home. Many consumers are willing to spend more to replicate out-of-home experiences in 
their homes, turning to iconic brands they trust.

We continued to leverage the trend for out-of-home experiences at home, with our adult 

sparkling portfolio performing well through 2021, supported by our joint activation of 

Premium Spirits. Our increasingly broad portfolio of energy brands and innovations supported 

strong growth. Following the 2020 launch of Costa Coffee in 14 markets, we rolled out to 

an additional three markets in 2021. We also acquired a stake in Caffè Vergnano, a premium 

Italian coffee brand which complements our Costa Coffee offering. Our non-sparkling 

portfolio recovered, boosted by the reopening of hotels, restaurants and cafés as well as 

a return of on‑the‑go consumption.

Digital evolution
Trends toward digital channels have further accelerated throughout the pandemic, as 
consumers adopt faster virtual solutions and technology. The performance of daily tasks 
online, such as working, getting education or banking, has led consumers to become more 
comfortable with technology and to appreciate how much it is needed. Online shopping has 
seen important growth and online food orders expanded, benefiting from periods of restricted 
activity in the out-of-home channel.

Our business-to-business Customer Portal has transformed into an engagement-driven 

digital platform for businesses, allowing us to more than quadruple digital transactions 

to 8% of our total transactions in 2021. We have increasingly digitised our route to market 

in the e‑commerce channel, partnering with e‑retailers and food delivery platforms to 

maximise online sales. We also expanded the use of our data, advanced analytics and artificial 

intelligence capabilities, achieving coverage of advanced analytics solutions across all our 

largest markets during the year.

Sustainability
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic remained the world’s biggest challenge. As the world gradually 
lifted lockdowns and rolled out vaccinations, employee health and safety and community support 
were high priorities. Climate change mitigation and adaptation, and commitments to cut 
emissions were in the spotlight of the UN Climate Change Conference in Scotland in November. 
Consequently, businesses have been announcing ambitious net zero emissions targets while 
investing in more sustainable packaging solutions. Equality and inclusion have been of increased 
concern in 2021. As a result, consumers and customers expect governments and businesses 
to take bolder action. Effective solutions to sustainability challenges, and transparent practices, 
help strengthen brand reputation, customer loyalty and competitive advantage.

Regulatory environment
Policy makers tried to balance the need to restart economies with fiscal gaps created by 
the ongoing pandemic. The European Commission proposed a number of policies and new 
mechanisms to achieve its target of drastically reducing net greenhouse gas emissions. 
At the same time, the Farm‑to‑Fork strategic framework and the new Code of Conduct for 
responsible business and marketing practices focus on creating sustainable food systems. 
Packaging remained on the agenda in the EU, through the transposition of the Single Use 
Plastic and the revision of the Plastic Packaging and Packaging Waste Directives.

While unique challenges continued in 2021, protecting our people remained our top priority. 

We supported both our communities and our customers with numerous relief initiatives, 

including charitable and product donations. We stayed on track with our Mission 2025 

sustainability commitments. We announced our most ambitious sustainability goal to date: 

a commitment to reduce emissions to net zero across our value chain by 2040. Moreover, 

we continue to make progress on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and were 

ranked 8th of over 11,000 companies assessed globally by the Refinitiv D&I index. 

-24%

Absolute carbon 

emissions in operations 

were lower by 24% in 

2021 compared with 2017

Our target to achieve net zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2040 is part 

of our commitment to create a sustainable food system. Additionally, we continued to 

progress towards achieving our Mission 2025 goals to help collect the equivalent of 75% 

of primary packaging, make 100% of our consumer packaging recyclable and achieve a 

25% calorie reduction in our sparkling beverage portfolio. As part of the Coca-Cola System 

in Europe and the European Soft Drinks Association, we are also contributing to the EU’s 

voluntary code of conduct for responsible food businesses.

46%

In 2021, we recovered 

46% of the primary 

packaging we put 

in the marketplace

+0.9pp

We gained or maintained 

share in the majority 

of our markets in the 

non-alcoholic ready-to-

drink (NARTD) category 

and gained 0.9pp 

of value share to 27%

+14%

The at-home channel 

continued to grow in 

2021 with volumes up 

14% in comparison to 

2019 and 10% above 

2020 volumes

+87%

Revenue in the 

e-commerce channel 

grew by 87% in 2021 

compared with 2020

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

15

Market trends

How we are responding

Delivered through

Growth pillar

Dynamic retail environment

In 2021 we saw an improvement in private consumption, boosting performance across categories. 

The out-of-home channel recovered from 2020 closures, yet restrictions on its operations 

were not fully lifted in all countries and were dependent on vaccination rates and COVID-19 

case evolution. Online retailers and discounters experienced strong growth again in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of close customer partnerships. 
The flexibility of our route to market allowed us to actively support our customers so that 
they could drive more transactions and capture growth opportunities as markets began to 
reopen, which was particularly valuable for our out-of-home customers. The at-home 
channel performed strongly during 2021, as drinking occasions at home remained strong 
even as lockdowns eased. We remained a key partner to our at-home customers, ensuring 
product availability and adapting our offering.

Consumer preferences

The COVID-19 pandemic strengthened interest in health and wellness, with people looking not 

only for organic offerings, but also those with less sugar or fat and for functional products that 

can enhance immunity. Consumers are getting accustomed to socialising, working or training 

at home. Many consumers are willing to spend more to replicate out-of-home experiences in 

their homes, turning to iconic brands they trust.

We continued to leverage the trend for out-of-home experiences at home, with our adult 
sparkling portfolio performing well through 2021, supported by our joint activation of 
Premium Spirits. Our increasingly broad portfolio of energy brands and innovations supported 
strong growth. Following the 2020 launch of Costa Coffee in 14 markets, we rolled out to 
an additional three markets in 2021. We also acquired a stake in Caffè Vergnano, a premium 
Italian coffee brand which complements our Costa Coffee offering. Our non-sparkling 
portfolio recovered, boosted by the reopening of hotels, restaurants and cafés as well as 
a return of on‑the‑go consumption.

+0.9pp

We gained or maintained 
share in the majority 
of our markets in the 
non-alcoholic ready-to-
drink (NARTD) category 
and gained 0.9pp 
of value share to 27%

+14%

The at-home channel 
continued to grow in 
2021 with volumes up 
14% in comparison to 
2019 and 10% above 
2020 volumes

Digital evolution

Trends toward digital channels have further accelerated throughout the pandemic, as 

consumers adopt faster virtual solutions and technology. The performance of daily tasks 

online, such as working, getting education or banking, has led consumers to become more 

comfortable with technology and to appreciate how much it is needed. Online shopping has 

seen important growth and online food orders expanded, benefiting from periods of restricted 

activity in the out-of-home channel.

Our business-to-business Customer Portal has transformed into an engagement-driven 
digital platform for businesses, allowing us to more than quadruple digital transactions 
to 8% of our total transactions in 2021. We have increasingly digitised our route to market 
in the e‑commerce channel, partnering with e‑retailers and food delivery platforms to 
maximise online sales. We also expanded the use of our data, advanced analytics and artificial 
intelligence capabilities, achieving coverage of advanced analytics solutions across all our 
largest markets during the year.

+87%

Revenue in the 
e-commerce channel 
grew by 87% in 2021 
compared with 2020

Sustainability

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic remained the world’s biggest challenge. As the world gradually 

lifted lockdowns and rolled out vaccinations, employee health and safety and community support 

were high priorities. Climate change mitigation and adaptation, and commitments to cut 

emissions were in the spotlight of the UN Climate Change Conference in Scotland in November. 

Consequently, businesses have been announcing ambitious net zero emissions targets while 

investing in more sustainable packaging solutions. Equality and inclusion have been of increased 

concern in 2021. As a result, consumers and customers expect governments and businesses 

to take bolder action. Effective solutions to sustainability challenges, and transparent practices, 

help strengthen brand reputation, customer loyalty and competitive advantage.

Regulatory environment

Policy makers tried to balance the need to restart economies with fiscal gaps created by 

the ongoing pandemic. The European Commission proposed a number of policies and new 

mechanisms to achieve its target of drastically reducing net greenhouse gas emissions. 

At the same time, the Farm‑to‑Fork strategic framework and the new Code of Conduct for 

responsible business and marketing practices focus on creating sustainable food systems. 

Packaging remained on the agenda in the EU, through the transposition of the Single Use 

Plastic and the revision of the Plastic Packaging and Packaging Waste Directives.

While unique challenges continued in 2021, protecting our people remained our top priority. 
We supported both our communities and our customers with numerous relief initiatives, 
including charitable and product donations. We stayed on track with our Mission 2025 
sustainability commitments. We announced our most ambitious sustainability goal to date: 
a commitment to reduce emissions to net zero across our value chain by 2040. Moreover, 
we continue to make progress on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and were 
ranked 8th of over 11,000 companies assessed globally by the Refinitiv D&I index. 

-24%

Absolute carbon 
emissions in operations 
were lower by 24% in 
2021 compared with 2017

Our target to achieve net zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2040 is part 
of our commitment to create a sustainable food system. Additionally, we continued to 
progress towards achieving our Mission 2025 goals to help collect the equivalent of 75% 
of primary packaging, make 100% of our consumer packaging recyclable and achieve a 
25% calorie reduction in our sparkling beverage portfolio. As part of the Coca-Cola System 
in Europe and the European Soft Drinks Association, we are also contributing to the EU’s 
voluntary code of conduct for responsible food businesses.

46%

In 2021, we recovered 
46% of the primary 
packaging we put 
in the marketplace

16

COCA-COLA HBC

Our purpose and strategy

A year of progress towards 
Growth Story 2025

In 2021 we remained clear on our 
vision to be the leading 24/7 beverage 
partner, as well as on the strategy 
which will get us there.

This vision is grounded in our purpose to provide 
growth for our customers and delight consumers 
by nurturing passionate and empowered people as we 
enrich our communities and care for the environment. 

Our purpose is directly linked to our strategy and to 
the five growth pillars that guide us as we pursue our 
objectives and targets.

Our purpose

Our growth pillars

We are devoted to 
growing every customer 
and delighting every 
consumer 24/7

By nurturing passionate 
and empowered teams 
of people

While enriching our 
communities and caring 
for the environment

1

2

3

4

5

Leverage our 
unique 24/7 portfolio

Read more on pages 18-23.

Win in the 
marketplace

Read more on pages 24-29.

Fuel growth through 
competitiveness and investment

Read more on pages 32-37.

Cultivate the potential 
of our people

Read more on pages 38-43.

Earn our licence 
to operate

Read more on pages 44-51.

Our growth mindset values

Winning with customers
We are the selling organisation 
devoted to providing 
innovative solutions to create 
shared value

Nurturing our people
We believe in our people, 
and have a passion to develop 
ourselves and others

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

17

Growth Story  
2025 targets

5-6%
FX-neutral revenue  
growth per annum,  
on average

20-40 bps
Comparable EBIT 
margin growth 
per annum,  
on average

Employee 
engagement
score greater 
than the high-
performing norm

Accomplish
Mission 2025  
sustainability 
commitments 

By remaining focused on our Growth Story 2025 
strategy, we have been able to prioritise the actions 
and investments that are positioning the Company for 
sustained success. Continued focus on this strategy 
over the last two years has laid the groundwork for 
the strong performance we are now seeing as markets 
recover from the turbulence of the initial phases 
of the pandemic. 

How we are growing

•  Offer the best 24/7 beverage portfolio on the 

planet in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company 
and others partners.

•  Build unrivalled teams of true partners for our customers, 
executing with excellence in every channel for prioritised 
drinking moments

•  Fast-forward critical capabilities for growth

•  Transform, innovate and digitalise our business to ensure 

that we are fit for the future

•  Invest in building the best teams in the industry
•  Develop an inclusive growth culture around our 

empowered people

•  Be an environmental leader, engage our communities 

behind water and waste initiatives, and empower youth, 
together with our partners

Excellence
We strive for unparalleled 
performance by amazing 
customers with our 
passion and speed

Integrity
We always do what is right, 
not just what is easy, 
and are accountable for 
the results

Learning
We listen, have a natural 
curiosity to learn and 
are empowered to take 
smart risks

Performing as one
We collaborate with agility 
to unlock the unique 
strength of diverse teams

18

COCA-COLA HBC

Our porfolio is stronger 
than ever with a true 
24/7 offering. 

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

19
19

1

Growth pillar

Leverage 
our unique  
24/7 portfolio

Highlights in 2021
•  Strong momentum across all 
segments and continued 
expansion to become the leading 
24/7 beverage partner, creating 
shared value with our consumers 

•  Maintained resilience in the 

sparkling category by leveraging 
low- and no-sugar variants, Adult 
Sparkling, flavours and different 
pack formats

•  Achieved another year of strong 
double-digit revenue growth 
in energy drinks, with continued 
new roll-outs and launches
•  Rolled out Costa Coffee in 

additional markets, bringing the 
product to 17 markets in total

•  Acquired a stake in Caffè 

Vergnano, a premium coffee brand 
to complement Costa

Priorities in 2022
•  Continue to prioritise scalable 
and profitable brands as well as 
products, whilst driving 
disciplined innovation

•  Continue driving excellence 
in execution to capture the 
growing at-home occasion, 
while maintaining focus behind 
the out-of-home channels
•  Increase the penetration of 

single-serves and affordable entry 
packs helping expand our price/mix
•  Continue to drive growth in energy
•  Continue to grow organically and 
roll out Costa Coffee and Caffè 
Vergnano, building our presence 
in one of the most attractive 
beverage categories 

KPIs

Stakeholders

Principal risks

•  FX-neutral revenue 

growth 

•  Volume growth
•  FX-neutral revenue 
per case growth

Our consumers

Our customers

Shareholders

The Coca-Cola  
Company 

•  Changing retail 
environment

•  Product related taxes 

and regulatory changes

•  Strategic stakeholder 

relationships

20

COCA-COLA HBC

Leverage our unique 24/7 portfolio continued

Percentage of Coca‑Cola HBC revenue

Sparkling
Hydration
Juice
RTD Tea
Energy

74%
7%
4%
3%
6%

Coffee
Plant based
Premium Spirits 
and flavoured 
alcoholic 
beverages
Snacks 

<1%
<1%

3%
<2%

UN Sustainable Development Goals
We serve our consumers with a broad range 
of high-quality products. In doing so, we 
create value by contributing to global goals 
for good health and wellbeing, innovation, 
responsible production and consumption 
as well as partnerships.

Strong momentum across 
the portfolio
We performed strongly, despite a 
challenging backdrop in 2021, with the 
COVID-19 pandemic still impacting all our 
markets through the year. Our broad and 
flexible 24/7 portfolio, together with our 
expertise in adjusting our pack/price 
architecture and our continuous execution 
excellence across channels, once again 
proved crucial.

Over the summer months, we saw a strong 
improvement in out-of-home consumption, 
as government measures eased, consumers 
started travelling, vaccination rates 
increased, and hotels, restaurants and cafés 
gradually reopened across most of our 
markets. While leveraging the recovery in 
the out-of-home channel, we maintained 
our focus on capturing at-home occasions. 
The breadth and relevance of our portfolio, 
brand strength and market leadership 
boosted our Group market share in excess 
of 2020 and 2019 levels. 

With the pandemic still a significant issue 
across the globe and inflationary pressures 
growing, we saw consumer focus around 
both premium occasions and affordability. 
Our vast portfolio of offerings, propositions 
and initiatives provided tools to address both 
issues. We expect to continue to leverage 
these market trends in the years to come.

Sparkling growth driven by 
strategic focus areas
Our sparkling portfolio remained the key 
focus across our markets in 2021. The main 
growth and premiumisation drivers continued 
to be Trademark Coke and Adult Sparkling, 
which together with our flavoured sparkling 
portfolio, provided consumers with a variety 
of choices across the affordable and 
premium spectrum. 

Our ongoing efforts to provide healthier 
options across our portfolio also helped 
ensure the resilience of Sparkling, which was 
one of the best performing categories 
during the year. The strength of our portfolio 
and the performance of well-loved brands 
like Coke, supported by unrivalled execution, 
allowed us to increase market share by 10 
basis points in Sparkling. Our 2021 relaunch 
of Coke Zero, coupled with the launch of the 
new Coke Icon visual identity, with strong 
activations including sampling, demonstrated 
our commitment to adjust products to 
provide consumers with healthier options.

With a new flavour profile that is even closer 
to that of Trademark Coke, Coke Zero 
volumes increased by 20.0% during the year 
with low- and no-sugar Sparkling up 47.3% 
overall. Fanta and Sprite were also activated 
in select markets, and both delivered 
double-digit volume growth. 

The Coca-Cola System capitalised on the 
long-awaited UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, 
with strong activations across our markets 
that drove both consumer and customer 
engagement. Towards the end of 2021 the 
Coca-Cola System also launched the new 
Real Magic platform and campaign, to bring 
to life a new marketing platform aimed at 
engaging with the Gen-Z audience. Real 
Magic was a core part of marketing activities 
in December, featuring Trademark Coke to 
re-connect with our consumers. 

Beyond the core Coke brand products, 
we continued to build our adult sparkling 
business, providing a variety of sophisticated 
flavours for straight consumption and mixing. 
Socialising at home remained very relevant 
in 2021 and we continued to leverage this 
trend with our joint activation of Premium 
Spirits. As hotels, restaurants and cafés 
reopened, we supported our customers’ 
recovery, building on the important occasion 
of socialising away from home.

Loosening of restrictions boosts 
still portfolio 
After a challenging environment in 2020, 
our still portfolio rebounded significantly 
in 2021 as hotels, restaurants and cafés 
reopened and on-the-go consumption 
occasions returned. 

The performance of water significantly 
improved, helped by greater sales of 
single-serve products, particularly through 
the summer months. In 2021 we continued 
to invest in a targeted way behind Aquarius 
functional water, meeting the growing 
demand for hydration enhanced with 
minerals. We continued to introduce 
sustainability initiatives in water, rolling out 
recycled plastic (rPET) bottles in the Czech 
Republic and further investing in dedicated 
marketing campaigns. 

In Juice, we repositioned Cappy, 
rejuvenating the visual identity towards a 
more premium brand positioning and further 
developed the Cappy Lemonades range to 
drive profitable growth in our juice business. 
The strength of our portfolio, combined 
with the new visual identity and excellent 
execution in store, allowed us to increase 
value share by 60 bps.

In tea, we expanded the no-sugar portfolio 
for FUZETEA and launched a new label 
design across markets.

AdeZ, our plant-based, sugar-free beverage 
line, has continued to perform well in Italy, 
an important market for our plant‑based 
business, delivering double-digit revenue 
growth in 2021 and value share growth of 
30bps. The recently launched multi-seed 
variants made progress, increasing their 
volume contribution from 9% to 12% 
across markets.

Products for every occasion 
and demographic
Energy is one of the fastest growing 
non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink (NARTD) 
categories across our markets, driven by 
both new demographics and higher per 
capita consumption. Our broad portfolio 
continues to evolve, and we have been 
agile at responding to affordability and 
premiumisation trends that have emerged 
through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Energy was one of our best performing 
categories during the year and delivered 
a sixth consecutive year of double‑digit 
volume growth. Revenue growth was 42% 
for the total energy portfolio, driven by clear 
strategic priorities for all markets. Our revenue 
growth came from existing products, as well 
as product innovations and brand launches 
into new markets during the year.

The category accounted for 6.4% of our 
Group revenues in 2021, up 100 basis points.

With new packs and flavours for existing 
brands, the expansion of newly introduced 
brands, impactful activations and increased 
product availability in the market, we 
increased value share for our energy brands 
by 40 basis points.

We have an increasingly broad portfolio of 
brands and our strong partnership with 
Monster supports our continued growth. To 
develop the category further into adjacent 
segments, after a successful launch in 2019 
in Ireland we launched Reign, a performance 
energy beverage with caffeine and 
electrolytes, in Poland in 2021. 

The coffee category is important to our 
efforts to become the leading 24/7 
beverage partner. We launched Costa 
Coffee in three additional markets in 2021, 
bringing the product to 17 markets in all, and 
we continued to see market share growth. 
While the initial 2020 Costa launch primarily 
targeted the at-home channel, we expanded 
our efforts in 2021 as restaurants, cafés and 
offices reopened. Almost all the coffee 
machines we placed with out-of-home 
customers were digitally enabled, allowing us 
to share data and insights with customers.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

21

We recruited 4,000 out-of-home customers 
during the year, ahead of our plans, with a 
strong pipeline for 2022.

In 2021 we also acquired a 30% stake in 
Caffè Vergnano, a premium Italian coffee 
brand, to complement our existing Costa 
Coffee proposition. The combination of the 
two coffee businesses gives us a total coffee 
portfolio, which addresses a broad range of 
consumer and customer needs in a 
fast-growing category. We started 
distributing Caffè Vergnano products in 
selected markets at the end of 2021 and we 
will continue rolling it out during 2022.

As part of our fully integrated 24/7 strategy, 
we sell premium spirits in 25 of our markets, 
working closely with partners to distribute 
world class brands like Jack Daniels, Aperol, 
Macallan and Famous Grouse. Our focus 
on mixability provides us with strong 
cross-selling opportunities with our core 
beverage portfolio and creates a compelling 
offering for our hotel, restaurant and café 
customers, positioning us as a preferred 
one-stop-shopping partner. 

In 2021 we enjoyed strong double-digit 
growth in Premium Spirits, due to the 
continued expansion of our portfolio 
offerings in the markets we operate in, our 
core focus on premium and super premium 
products, and rigorous execution around the 
consumer trend for cocktails. We have made 
sure we are well set up for the future, further 
developing targeted capabilities through our 
Sales Academy.

In 2021, we also continued to pursue a 
targeted market approach with our hard 
seltzer proposition, Topo Chico, consistent 
with our objective to invest further in this 
category. Topo Chico was rolled out in 
Switzerland, where distribution was prioritised 
in out-of-home channels and online.

Growing responsibly by delivering 
on our commitments
We are advancing our business strategy 
to become a total beverage company by 
giving people more of the drinks they want. 
Consumers’ tastes and preferences continue 
to evolve, and they are increasingly conscious 
of their calorie and sugar intake while still 
wanting more choice.

22

COCA-COLA HBC

Leverage our unique 24/7 portfolio continued

An important aspect of our strategy includes 
changing recipes to reduce added sugar, 
promoting low- and no-calorie beverage 
options and making smaller packages more 
available to enable portion control. The 
Guideline Daily Amount labels on our 
packages provide at-a-glance information 
on calories, as well as sugar and all key 
nutrients.

We support the current recommendations 
of leading health authorities, including WHO, 
that individuals should not consume more 
than 10% of their total calories from added 
sugar. We are reducing added sugar in 
several products, including Sprite and Fanta, 
using our strength in innovation to meet our 
consumers’ evolving needs. As part of our 
Mission 2025 sustainability targets, we have 
committed to reduce calories per 100ml of 
sparkling soft drinks by 25% between 2015 
and 2025 across all our markets. By the end 
of 2021, we had achieved a 15% reduction. 
Through these efforts, we are contributing 
to the European Soft Drinks Association’s 
(UNESDA’s) target to reduce added sugar 
in beverages by 10% by 2025 from a 
2019 baseline. 

We are committed to making the healthier 
choice the easy choice for consumers, 
a commitment that spans across all our 
business activities. We seek to achieve this 
by delivering on our commitments, adhering 
to The Coca-Cola Company’s Global 
Responsible Marketing and School Beverage 
Policies and UNESDA’s pledges. We commit 
to not market directly to children under 13 
and we do not offer any soft drinks in primary 
schools. In the EU and Switzerland, we 
offer only no‑ and low‑calorie beverages 
in secondary schools. Through UNESDA 
and the Coca‑Cola System in Europe we 
contribute to the European Commission’s 
new code of conduct in support of 
a sustainable food system.

We strive to minimise food loss and food 
waste in our operations, focusing on all parts 
of our value chain. Preventing food loss 
helps us preserve water and other natural 
resources, avoid related carbon emissions, 
and mitigate the related social and economic 
effects in agriculture. 

At our manufacturing sites we have targets 
for production yield, and in our markets we 
have targets for the age of finished beverage 
products in order to minimise the number 
of products at risk of expiration. The trend 
of expired products was unchanged relative 
to 2020 at 0.65% in carbonated soft drinks 
and 0.60% in juices, related to a shift in 
consumption habits through the pandemic.

Our food loss from finished beverages was 
0.14% in 2021, compared with 0.23% in 
2020 and 0.17% in 2019. The higher level in 
2020 reflected product expirations during 
out-of-home channel lockdowns, while 
reopenings in 2021, as well as our continuous 
efforts, helped us stabilise food loss in 2021.

Managing freshness, quality 
and food waste
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, 
we maintained supply and continued to 
deliver the highest quality beverages to our 
customers and consumers. We increased 
investment in the capabilities of our 
employees in more innovative ways, while 
reinforcing the basics.

We worked closely with our trusted suppliers 
of key ingredients and packaging materials 
to overcome unexpected issues, with only 
two critical non-compliances in the year. 
These were both related to our packaging 
suppliers, resulting in a product recall in Italy 
and a product withdrawn from the market 
in Romania.

As the pandemic continued to disrupt 
business activity, we kept product age 
monitoring as a hybrid model for 2021. 
Across all operations we used warehouse 
age measures, which provide us with all the 
relevant freshness information for products 
leaving our warehouses. This was combined 
with regular product age monitoring during 
storage and transportation to ensure that 
product age in the market is below the 
established shelf-life specifications.

Despite accelerated changes in consumer 
behaviour and preferences, in 2021 we 
achieved a 22.4% reduction in consumer 
complaints compared with 2020. 
We will continue with our efforts to reach 
zero complaints.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

23
23

Future‑focused

portfolio

“The coffee category is 

increasingly important in 
Romania. We are excited 
to welcome Caffè Vergnano 
this year and will continue to 
create special experiences 
for our consumers.”

Positioning our portfolio 
for the future
Our portfolio of brands and categories has 
shifted in the last five years, and is likely to 
shift further in the future. We are focused 
on making sure that our 24/7 beverage 
portfolio is relevant to every occasion 
at any time of the day – whether that’s 
a morning coffee on the go, a lunchtime 
sparkling beverage or an evening cocktail. 
While our core sparkling category still 
makes up a significant portion of our 
portfolio, as we look to capture more 
consumption occasions we have increased 
focus on areas such as Adult Sparkling, 
Energy, Coffee, targeted Still propositions 
and Premium Spirits.

Mihaela Hoffman
Coffee & Premium Spirits Business 
Director, Romania

Coffee is a focus area we have expanded 
into in the last few years. Costa Coffee 
is now in 17 markets, and our aim is to 
reach all our markets by 2023. Our recent 
acquisition of the premium Caffè Vergnano 
brand allows us to focus on higher-end 
segments of the coffee category as well, 
complementing our Costa proposition. 
We have significant ambitions to increase 
our presence in coffee, supported by 
continuous investment in our capabilities, 
such as connected coffee machines 
and big data analytics, to better serve 
our customers.

24

COCA-COLA HBC

We know that our success 
is dependent on the 
success of our customers.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

25

2

Growth pillar

Win in the 
marketplace

Highlights in 2021
•  Supported the reopening 

of hotels, restaurants and cafés
•  Strengthened our relationship 

with e-retailers and developed our 
partnerships with new channels, 
achieving higher market 
share online

•  Accelerated the use of big data, 

advanced analytics and 
new technology

•  Introduced the new Sales 

Academy across all our markets, 
to drive our salesforce’s capability 
to deliver improved customer 
service, performance and execution

•  Deployed image recognition 

technology to five new markets 
and increased our connected 
cooler coverage by +3pp

Priorities in 2022
•  Continue to execute our revenue 
growth management through 
both price and mix acceleration, 
while addressing consumer 
needs for affordability as well as 
premiumisation

•  Advance our big data and 

advanced analytics capabilities to 
further enhance our segmented 
execution model

•  Continue to invest to improve 
our digital commerce abilities 
and respond to rapid growth

•  Improve our coverage of dynamic 

route-to-market solutions 
across markets, supported by the 
deployment of image recognition 
in all markets and an acceleration 
in the increase of coverage 
in connected coolers

KPIs

Stakeholders

Principal risks

•  FX-neutral revenue 

growth 

•  Volume growth
•  FX-neutral revenue 
per case growth

Our consumers

Our customers

Shareholders

The Coca-Cola  
Company 

•  Changing retail 
environment

•  Quality
•  Geopolitical and security 

environment
•  Cyber incidents

26

COCA-COLA HBC

Win in the marketplace continued

Excellence in execution
We know that our success is dependent on 
the success of our customers. Throughout 
the global pandemic, we have prioritised 
safety and customer service, while avoiding 
supply disruptions. We stood by out-of-
home customers as restrictions disrupted 
their operations and helped them reopen as 
restrictions eased. The COVID-19 pandemic 
demonstrated the value of our customer 
partnerships, while underlining the need 
to continue to further develop our core 
commercial capabilities to help us to address 
new and evolving consumer occasions and 
ways of shopping. 

Accelerating our critical growth capabilities 
is a key driver of our Growth Story 2025 
strategy. The key capabilities we are focusing 
on are big data and advanced analytics, 
value-led revenue growth management, 
tech-enabled route to market, and 
customer-centric key account management. 
Our digital transformation is accelerating 
within the business and is fundamental to 
all these capabilities, enabling us to better 
understand the real and changing needs of 
our customers and consumers, drive rapid 
revenue recovery in a profitable manner and 
anticipate or react to new challenges faster 
and smarter than our competition. 

Generating value for our customers
The at-home channel performed strongly 
during 2021, as drinking occasions at home 
continued even as out-of-home channels 
reopened. We remained a key partner to 
our at‑home customers, ensuring product 
availability and adapting our offering to focus 
on capturing growth opportunities. With one 
large international customer in Italy, we jointly 
launched an on-shelf availability project to 
improve the replenishment process, which 
is now being rolled out further. We have 
also been collaborating with a key retailer in 
Poland to implement a Costa Coffee Corner 
in their stores. This success is now being 
introduced in additional markets. 

Our out-of-home customers have had a 
more mixed year, experiencing good 
recovery but not yet back to 2019 levels in 
all markets. There were lockdowns across 
many countries in Q1, followed by a strong 
rebound in the summer. In Q4, however, 
restrictions resumed in certain markets. 
We have stood by our out‑of‑home 
customers’ sides throughout the crisis, 
providing them with consumer insights, 
targeted programmes and practical support 
as markets reopened.

As the hotel, restaurant and café (HoReCa) 
channel began to reopen, we introduced 
our HoReCa for tomorrow (H4T) framework 
to support channel acceleration. Through 
the H4T framework we focused on being a 
full-service partner to our customers, 
increasing the frequency of sales visits and 
helping to upgrade the HoReCa experience 
through both portfolio premiumisation and 
innovations. We are providing upskilling 
for customers and continuing to build our 
internal capabilities to support the channel. 
Our restart programmes took place through 
Q2 across all our markets, helping hotels, 
restaurants and cafés restart their business 
growth by addressing their specific needs.

Big data and advanced analytics
To improve insight and decision-making, we 
use data and analytics capabilities to identify 
and capture value-creation opportunities, 
particularly for top-line acceleration and cost 
optimisation. We are now able to analyse 
data at a granular level, allowing us to 
implement focused initiatives that generate 
incremental value in targeted areas of the 
business. We expanded the use of these 
capabilities and achieved coverage of 
advanced analytics solutions across all our 
largest markets in 2021. 

There are four priority areas we have been 
focusing on. The first, segmented execution, 
is where we use our capabilities to identify 
customer needs in different locations and 
different types of outlets to better target 
product assortment and marketing activities.

Segmented execution has produced 
promising results across our largest markets 
in 2021, including volume increases and 
improved outlet prioritisation for new 
product launches. For the prioritisation 
of our Costa Coffee roll‑out in Bulgaria, 
Hungary, Poland and Russia, we analysed a 
vast range of data, including demographics 
and traffic flow. In Bulgaria, for example, 
we targeted locations with proximity to city 
parks and those with outdoor seating areas. 

The second priority is demand forecasting. 
We are driving operational excellence 
through machine learning, improving our 
forecasting for short- and long-term 
demand in our markets. This streamlines 
inventory management and prevents 
out-of-stock incidents.

Thirdly, we are transforming our promotion 
management with our algorithms providing 
a holistic measurement of the return on 
investment for each promotion, including 
the negative impact of forward buying, 
competitor promotions and cross-brand 
cannibalisation. Finally, we are using our data 
to help improve our retention efforts for 
business developers, as well as to understand 
drivers of successful performance.

To further scale our capabilities, we are 
combining a number of data sets to develop 
a 360-degree view of each of our customers, 
while also maintaining strong data 
governance. We have introduced leading 
data quality and governance tools to maintain 
the quality of our priority datasets, treating 
data as a strategic asset.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

27

UN Sustainable Development Goals
As we build our business by helping our 
customers to grow and thrive, we make 
substantial contributions to the achievement 
of the Sustainable Development Goals related 
to ending poverty, decent work, sustainable 
communities, responsible production, justice 
and strong institutions, as well as partnerships.

Optimising our digitally enabled 
route to market 
Our route-to-market capabilities showcase 
our wide beverage portfolio in every outlet, 
increasingly assisted by technology. In a 
challenging year, our agile operating model, 
built through investment over several years, 
enabled us to react quickly to the changing 
environment. We delivered impressive 
volume growth compared with 2019, even 
with most of our markets operating under 
restrictions for several months of the year 
and out-of-home visits much lower. 
The flexibility of our route to market allowed 
us to dynamically re-allocate our sales force, 
maximising opportunities in a changing 
marketplace. We actively supported our 
customers so that they could drive 
more transactions and capture growth 
opportunities as markets began to reopen.

Improvements made to our route to market, 
particularly through increased use of digital 
and data capabilities, are allowing for a more 
granular segmentation of our customer 
base, more targeted services and stronger 
execution. As explained in the digitalisation 
section on page 30, we further incorporated 
digital tools into our route to market, 
increasing our share of digital orders through 
our business-to-business platforms and 
increasing coverage of our Customer Portal 
across our markets.

Revenue growth management
With The Coca-Cola Company, we have 
built a revenue growth management (RGM) 
framework that helps us maximise both 
the number and value of our transactions, 
supporting profitable top-line growth. 
We deliver this by improving mix across 
different levers, as well as through pricing 
and increasing the return on investment on 
our promotions. With these efforts, we help 
our customers meet consumer demand for 
affordability as well as premiumisation. 

In 2021 we made progress with our smaller 
multi-serve entry packs, which allowed us 
to compete at attractive price points for the 
consumer and grow transactions in smaller 
baskets in a margin-accretive way. Sales of 
the multi-serve entry pack format grew by 
16% in the year, driven by ongoing strong 
performance in Russia, Poland and Italy and 
the introduction of smaller packs in Hungary, 
Ireland and Czech Republic. 

We also provide our customers with 
affordable options through our promotion 
strategy. Advanced analytics are helping us 
to quantify the incremental benefit from 
promotions at the customer and outlet level. 

Premiumisation strategies have helped 
us sustain the increase in at‑home 
consumption we saw during the first phases 
of the pandemic as consumers replicated 
out-of-home experiences at home. 
We drove greater sales of multi‑pack 
single-serves, and this helped us to improve 
our single-serve mix in the at-home channel, 
with single-serve volumes growing 16% 
in 2021, 19% above 2019 levels.

Another driver of premiumisation is the 
growth of glass packages. We saw a good 
performance of our 1L returnable glass 
bottles in Austria, as well as sustained 
double-digit growth of 330ml glass packs 
in Romania.

Pricing is another critical lever of our RGM 
strategy. In 2021, we implemented price 
increases in 95% of our markets. To support 
these pricing moves and make the best 
decisions, we analyse data on elasticities per 
brand, pack and pack type.

28

COCA-COLA HBC

Win in the marketplace continued

With the reopening of our markets, we 
worked to reinforce our leadership through 
increased market execution in displays and 
the placement of connected coolers. On top 
of this we have enhanced our execution 
capabilities by the expansion of image 
recognition from three countries to eight. 

To support our business growth and 
single-serve mix opportunities, we 
continued to invest in new coolers, reaching 
88% coverage of our top customer outlets, 
up 3pp compared to last year. We now have 
a total of 1.4 million coolers on customer 
premises. Approaching half of these, 44%, 
have online connections, helping us drive the 
efficiency of our assets and enhance our 
sales teams’ productivity.

Driving stronger capabilities across 
our salesforce
To deliver our strategy, our people need 
the right tools to address customer needs. 
This was the thinking behind the 
establishment of our Sales Academy in 
2020, to build unmatched sales teams that 
constantly strive to improve our service and 
drive value with and for all our customers.

After a successful pilot in 2020, we launched 
the Sales Academy in all our markets in 2021. 
The Sales Academy has been developed as 
a transformative digital learning approach to 
help build our teams’ capabilities on the job, 
allowing each country to have flexibility 
to focus on the capabilities that are most 
relevant to their market. Feedback from 
our pilot markets has been strong, with our 
customers in Russia appreciating that our 
sales force works collaboratively to drive 
better operational performance and offer 
solutions to drive sales.

Evolving our customer satisfaction 
approach 
A key learning from 2020 and the COVID-19 
pandemic was that being close to our 
customers is the most important way to 
win in the market. We were able to make 
significant advances through 2020 with our 
customer experience and brought in 
additional improvements in 2021.

To remain competitive, we ensure that 
we listen and respond to every customer. 
In 2021 we made step changes to empower 
our salespeople to drive customer-centric 
behaviours and ‘close the loop’ to resolve 
issues immediately.

When a customer raises an issue, we target 
a 48-hour response, listening carefully and 
improving their experience swiftly.

We launched CustomerGauge, a new digitally 
enabled customer experience feedback 
approach, across all our markets in 2021. 
We initiated a faster and simpler way of 
listening to our customers more frequently, 
and we enhanced our ability to capture more 
data and actionable insights to drive revenue 
growth. This is a key example of the digital 
transformation Coca‑Cola HBC is undergoing 
in every aspect of the business. We expect 
CustomerGauge feedback to lead to more 
learnings and further improvement in 2022. 

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

29

Future-focused

route to market

Anton Salov
Business Developer, Russia 

“Our upgraded Customer 
Portal helps me to spend 
more time working on 
customer and category 
development. Our platform 
really helps us lead the way 
in digitalisation in Russia.”

Digitalisation is the focus within 
our route to market 
Our route to market is increasingly digitally 
enabled, and the COVID-19 pandemic 
provided an additional boost to this trend. 
Our business-to-business Customer Portal 
was relaunched in 2020 and transformed 
from a functional order-taking platform to 
an engagement-driven digital experience 
for our customers. The improvement 
in the Customer Portal user experience 
helps our customers to be promptly 
notified on portfolio expansion, ongoing 

promotions and marketing activities, 
which translates to higher revenues 
and customer satisfaction.

Russia is leading the way in digitalisation 
and e-commerce for Coca-Cola HBC and 
now sees 32% of all orders come through 
the Customer Portal, the highest level 
across our markets. In the coming years 
we see further opportunity to improve 
functionality, deepen our customer reach, 
expand to all our markets and further 
increase business-to-business 
digital transactions.

30

COCA-COLA HBC

Digitalisation across Coca‑Cola HBC 

Enhancing connections 
and accelerating growth 
through data and 
digitalisation

Investments in data and digital capabilities have consistently 
been prioritised across the Group because we know they are 
creating real opportunities for our business. We are benefiting 
from more targeted sales strategies, access to e-commerce 
channel growth, improved demand forecasting and even 
improved understanding of what is needed to increase 
employee retention.

Investing in digital 
commerce
We have been investing in and developing 
a suite of digital commerce platforms and 
solutions to serve the growing numbers 
of consumers and customers choosing 
to shop online, a trend that has picked 
up substantially since the start of the 
pandemic. Throughout 2021, we continued 
to refine our digital commerce strategy, 
and invested capital and management 
attention in this area to capture the 
significant growth opportunity.

When customers order online, it streamlines 
processes, freeing up our business 
developers to help our customers develop 
their growth opportunities in the beverage 
category. It also has the potential to open 
our portfolio to large numbers of smaller 
outlets which may not have been economic 
for business developers to serve.

Route to customer
Our business-to-business Customer Portal 
has been transformed from an order-taking 
system to an engagement-driven, digital 
experience for business owners who 
want to maximise growth efficiently. 
After introducing our customer portal to 
22 of our markets in 2020, we increased 
engagement through 2021, increasing the 
number of customers reached through our 
platform. This investment has helped us 
achieve rapid growth in online ordering, 
with the Customer Portal’s share of total 
orders quadrupling in 2021 to 8%. 

We have also been investing behind several 
other business-to-business opportunities 
to better serve our customers, creating 
platforms where we can really leverage our 
existing physical route to market. WABI2B, 
for example, is a one-stop-shop for 
traditional trade and hotels, restaurants 
and cafés to buy products from us or from 
other consumer products groups. In 2021 
we launched WABI2B in Nigeria and Russia.

Route to consumer
While beverages are an attractive product 
for consumers to buy online given their 
bulk, the category is still relatively early in 
this transition, particularly when compared 
to other consumer categories. This creates 
a significant longer-term opportunity to 
capture growth in this channel. We are 
partnering with e-retailers and our existing 
brick-and-click customers to increase our 
digital shelf space and visibility as well as 
direct shopper engagement. 

The emergence of food delivery platforms 
has created a new growth opportunity. 
These platforms, which deliver restaurant 
or take-away food directly to consumers’ 
homes, grew rapidly during the pandemic 
and allowed the hotel, restaurant and café 
channel to continue to operate even when 
they were not able to open their doors. 
We have been working to increase the 
presence of our products on these 
platforms and to increase the rate at which 
consumers purchase one of our beverages 
in combination with their meal. 

Coca-Cola HBC has operated in the 
direct-to-consumer channel in Switzerland, 
one of our larger markets, for many years 
with Qwell. While the channel is still a small 
part of our business, we continue to learn 
a lot which is allowing us to understand 
what drives success and identify potential 
good ideas.

8%

Percentage of transactions through 
Customer Portal, our main B2B platform

87%

Revenue growth from e-retail in 2021

Understanding our 
opportunities better 
with data 
Big data and advanced analytics are already 
creating real value across a range of use 
cases and have the potential to do much 
more as we continue to develop this 
critical capability. We use data and analytics 
to identify and capture value-creation 
opportunities, particularly for top-line 
acceleration and cost optimisation, and to 
improve our service and operations across 
all functions. 

We are now able to analyse data at a 
granular level, allowing us to make decisions 
and implement focused initiatives that 
generate incremental value in targeted 
areas of the business. Our data capabilities 
are even being used to gain insights to 
support the performance and retention 
of new business developers. 

In 2021, we achieved our aim to expand 
our use of big data, advanced analytics 
and artificial intelligence across our 
largest markets.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

31

State-of-the-art 
manufacturing 
and logistics
To optimise our supply chain and finance 
functions, we have invested in a range 
of technologies.

In our manufacturing plants, we have 
improved efficiency by investing in new, 
automated production lines. These reduce 
idle time, thus expanding our capacity while 
reducing costs. In 2021, we introduced 
a new digital manufacturing platform with 
a monitoring system in seven markets. 
This has given us better insight into energy 
consumption and expanded our use of 
predictive maintenance, reducing costs 

and equipment downtime. In our 
warehouses, we have introduced 
augmented reality headsets to speed 
order packing and reduce error rates. 

Digital transformation in our supply chain 
is also improving productivity and reducing 
costs. In 2021, we implemented an SAP 
e-procurement solution in many of our 
markets, with further roll-out planned 
for 2022.

Our successful implementation of SAP’s 
newest enterprise application suite, 
S/4HANA, in 2021 is simplifying processes 
and increasing productivity across our 
commercial, supply chain and finance 
functions. This technology provides a solid 
foundation for future technological tools by 
increasing our ability to extract and use data.

A connected culture
As thousands of our people began working 
remotely for the first time in 2020, we 
accelerated our investment in new digital 
tools for learning and connection. 

Our online Sales Academy, launched in 
2020 and rolled out across our markets 
in 2021, offers development tools for all 
layers of our sales force.

It provides a great onboarding experience 
for new business developers as well as 
in-depth training in specific product 
categories and channels, including premium 
spirits and hotels, restaurants and cafés. 

Throughout the onboarding process, new 
business developers are guided by our new 
ONBOARD app. We have also introduced 
an app for continuous performance 
conversations, embedding continuous 
feedback throughout our business. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic reduced 
opportunities to meet in person, new 
digital tools keep our people connected 
and engaged. At our virtual leadership 
conference in 2021, participants shared 
personal stories and inspiration. Digital 
channels are also helping to drive the 
visibility and attractiveness of our employer 
brand. Over 550 of our employees post 
regularly on social media channels, and we 
encourage social media conversations 
around our products and specific events.

32

COCA-COLA HBC

New technology is driving 
dramatic improvements in 
accuracy and productivity, 
and cost savings.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

33

3

Growth pillar

Fuel growth 
through 
competitiveness 
and investment

Highlights in 2021
•  Supply chain costs as % of net 
sales revenue decreased by 
1.4 basis points in comparison 
to prior year 

Priorities in 2022
•  Continued focus and investment 
in digital commerce, underpinned 
by next generation digital 
marketing capabilities

•  Further implementation of 

•  Smooth integration of IT systems 

advanced analytics supported 
roll-out of segmented execution 
to all markets

•  Automation and digitalisation 
of manufacturing process
•  Successful implementation 

of SAP’s S/4HANA for 
greater productivity

for Egypt 

•  Introduce digital solutions for 

supply chain and demand planning 

•  Reduce the use of PET, 

accelerating package-less and 
refillable options and eliminating 
plastic from secondary packaging

•  Expand predictive maintenance

KPIs

Stakeholders

Principal risks

•  OpEx as % of NSR 
•  CapEx as % of NSR 
•  Comparable EBIT margin
•  ROIC

Our suppliers

Shareholders

•  Plastics and packaging 

waste

•  Changing retail 
environment
•  Cyber incidents
•  Foreign exchange 

fluctuations

•  Water availability
•  Managing our carbon 

footprint

•  Suppliers and sustainable 

sourcing

34

COCA-COLA HBC

Fuel growth through competitiveness and investment continued

We demonstrated our 
resilience and adaptability 
during the year, maintaining 
production continuity 
and avoiding any supply 
interruptions for our customers 
while continuing to make health 
and safety our top priority. 

This required us to embrace innovation, 
data and sophisticated digital technologies, 
while investing in our people to develop 
new capabilities.

As trading levels rebounded, so too did 
direct marketing expenses. However, with 
fewer physical meetings and less travel, 
some operational cost reductions were 
maintained. New technology is driving 
dramatic improvements in accuracy and 
productivity, and cost savings.

Optimising infrastructure
By expanding and optimising our production 
and warehouses, we support our expanded 
24/7 portfolio and improve our ability to 
serve our customers and address changing 
consumer needs and preferences.

We continued our investments to increase 
the capacity of our plants by installing six 
new production lines in Nigeria, Ukraine and 
Romania to address increasing demand and 
avoid out-of-stock issues. Six warehouses 
were constructed or renovated in 2021, 
adding capacity and increasing efficiency. 
Our warehouse projects support better 
customer service, cost efficiencies and 
volume growth in five markets, 
including Nigeria. 

We also increased our investments in 
innovative KeelClip™ equipment, adding 
installations in Romania, Italy, Greece and 
Hungary. KeelClip™ is a minimalist 
paperboard packaging solution which 
replaces plastic packaging for multi-packs, 
helping us achieve our sustainability 
objectives. By improving our manufacturing 
efficiency with additional investment in 
automated production lines, we reduced idle 
time and expanded our production capacity 
by nearly 3% while achieving cost savings. 

To streamline maintenance in our 
production facilities, we introduced a digital 
manufacturing platform in several markets in 
2021. This platform allows better monitoring 
of production, gives higher visibility of energy 
consumption and allows us to use a more 
flexible, predictive maintenance approach. 
Shifting to predictive maintenance has 
helped us to achieve better control of our 

maintenance costs, limiting equipment 
downtime. In 2022, we will expand the 
new maintenance approaches to five 
additional markets.

Across the business, our optimisation 
efforts have resulted in a 30% reduction in 
plants across our territory, from 80 in 2008 
to 56 at the end of 2021. At the same time, 
we increased our production lines per plant 
by 44% which allowed us to maintain our 
capacity and create more efficient and 
flexible facilities. To improve our service 
offering while reducing our costs, we have 
optimised our logistics network by reducing 
our distribution centres by 66% and our 
warehouses by 65% over the same time 
period. These structural improvements 
support a lean and resilient operating model.

Leveraging technology and big data
Our continued investment in technology 
has supported our business resilience 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Our successful implementation of SAP’s 
newest enterprise application suite, 
S/4HANA, in 2021 is already increasing 
productivity across our Group while providing 
a solid foundation for the deployment of 
additional technological tools. The S/4HANA 
implementation brought better support to 
business needs, and provides new insights 
by improving access to data in our systems. 
This is helping us serve customers in a more 
segmented way and streamline order taking, 
helping us provide better service to our 
customers faster.

We continued to digitally transform our 
route-to-market capabilities, achieving 
significant increases in sales through our 
enhanced Customer Portal. See the 
Digitalisation section for more details 

on page 30. Technology is also helping 
us improve market execution. We fully 
activated our in-store image recognition 
technology in seven business units, more 
than doubling the number of outlets covered 
to 350,000. We are processing over two 
million product execution images every 
month with 98% accuracy, freeing up sales 
people to spend more time with customers 
and improving revenue per outlet. 

New digital tools are improving operational 
productivity and helping us serve customers 
cost-effectively with better monitoring 
of insights and data. We introduced a range 
of solutions for digital transformation across 
many different business areas during the 
year, including planning, logistics and 
procurement. Automation, for example 
of quality and safety, has helped us be 
more flexible to meet fast‑changing 
customer needs.

We made progress digitising our 
procurement, implementing the SAP Ariba 
e-procurement tool in 12 markets in 2021, 
with plans to expand this to all our markets in 
2022. This supports greater standardisation 
of our procurement activities. We are also 
piloting the integration of SAP Ariba with 
third-party assessments of financial, 
environmental and social risk.

We are also reducing costs and streamlining 
processes with new digital platforms for 
internal purchases, such as our buying 
platform for trade marketing activities. 
Launched in 16 markets in 2021, this 
improves our marketing activities while 
generating economies of scale to drive 
down costs.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

35

Agriculture (PSA). These principles are 
aligned with leading third-party sustainable 
farming standards and assurance schemes 
such as the Farm Sustainability Assessment 
of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative 
Platform (SAI‑FSA), Bonsucro, Fairtrade 
International and Rainforest Alliance.

By working to implement practices that align 
with the PSA, such as efficient farm 
management practices, we manage supply 
and reputational risks while delivering value 
for all stakeholders, including farm workers. 
Along with The Coca-Cola Company, we 
issued a PSA supplier guide as a reference to 
support implementation of sustainable, 
ethical practices.

To ensure our principles are being upheld, 
we use external third-party verification 
while encouraging our suppliers to follow 
sustainable practices to maximise value 
and contain their costs. Our 2025 target 
for ingredient sourcing is to achieve 100% 
certification of our key agricultural ingredients 
against the Principles for Sustainable 
Agriculture. Due to accelerating demand 
and limited availability of sugar crops, we 
were forced to turn to new suppliers in 
2021. This disruption meant 80% of key 
agricultural ingredients purchased in 2021 
were certified, a drop from 82% in 2020. 
We are working to stabilise supply and 
introduce improved practices with 
new suppliers.

Packaging and transport
Improving the sustainability of our packaging 
is one of our Mission 2025 sustainability 
objectives. In 2020, we installed new 
in-house PET recycling and preform 
manufacturing technology at our plant in 
Krakow, with the objective of improving our 
access to food grade, recycled PET (rPET). 
In 2021 we commenced the installation 
of additional in‑house recycling technology 
in Italy and plan for an expansion to Romania 
in 2022.

In Switzerland, we have received approval 
to use green rPET for our sparkling and 
water portfolio together with additional rPET 
bottle lightweight activities.

This will close the Swiss recycling loop for 
green bottles sold to market, increase the 
availability of rPET feedstock and support 
lowering recycling costs. These bottles will 
be in the market in Q1 2022.

As new single-use plastic regulations came 
into effect in the second half of 2021 in the 
EU, we are now supplying paper straws. 
We are also investigating options to replace 
plastic lids on our paper cups. 

We had success piloting a new stretch film 
used on pallets in Poland in 2021, reducing 
plastic used on pallets by 40% while 
improving product stability. We plan to 
implement this on a larger scale during 2022. 
We also made progress with cardboard 
packaging, incorporating more than 80% 
recycled content for the first time. 

As our business generates more data, we 
are also getting better at deriving value from 
this important asset. We are establishing 
a long‑term data strategy and vision, 
implementing a data governance process, 
democratising data access through a new 
Azure cloud enterprise data warehouse 
and enhancing data insights with cross‑
functional management reporting. Business 
data used with purchased data helps us 
leverage artificial intelligence to improve 
segmented execution, demand forecasting 
and product performance. By rolling out 
segmented execution powered by big data 
and advanced analytics to all of our markets 
during 2021, we achieved incremental 
revenue and business growth.

Improving our impact
In 2021, we started to track our business 
performance based on our newly validated 
2030 science-based carbon emission 
targets and, looking beyond 2030, 
committed to achieve net zero across our 
value chain by 2040. In support of these 
goals, we continued to increase our use 
of renewable and clean energy and invest 
in energy reduction and decarbonisation 
projects across our markets. In Nigeria, 
we installed additional solar panels at four 
of our bottling plants. These installations are 
connected to the local electricity grid and 
provided 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions 
savings in 2021. In Cyprus and at 10 of our 
production sites in Russia, we began using 
100% renewable electricity. Combined with 
our use of energy from clean or renewable 
sources in 12 additional markets, we are 
achieving savings of 67.5 kilo tonnes of CO2 
emissions annually.

Approximately 90% of Coca‑Cola HBC’s 
carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 
emissions in our value chain, which are linked 
to our operations but generated from sources 
we do not control. As we cannot achieve our 
ambitious sustainability objectives on our 
own, our work with suppliers is ever more 
critical. Our procurement team began 
working in 2021 with our key packaging 
partners on greenhouse gas emission 
reductions. We also launched collaborations 
with additional critical suppliers. Together 
with The Coca-Cola Company and other 
bottlers, we are now working on emissions 
reduction with 20 critical suppliers who 
represent over 50% of our Scope 3 emissions.

In 2021, we expanded our work with the farms 
where our priority ingredients, including 
natural sweeteners and fruit, are grown 
to improve productivity, compliance, 
transparency and resiliency. We source using 
the System-wide Principles for Sustainable 

36

COCA-COLA HBC

Fuel growth through competitiveness and investment continued

“New digital tools are 
improving operational 
productivity and 
helping us serve 
customers cost‑
effectively with better 
monitoring, insight 
and data.”

We also made improvements to 
requirements for our suppliers, significantly 
strengthening the human rights, ethics and 
compliance practices we expect. Our buyers 
were retrained during the year on the 
sustainability risk assessment tools available 
for supplier selection and governance. 

We use internal supply base assessments, 
audits of compliance and the EcoVadis 
platform to monitor and assess 
performance of critical suppliers. EcoVadis 
gives us information to monitor a range 
of risks using 21 criteria from international 
standard-setters such as ISO 26000 and the 
International Labour Organization. In 2021, 
over 1,100 of our critical suppliers were 
assessed using EcoVadis, an increase of 
about 40% compared with 2020. Our plan is 
to expand the use of these assessments for 
better, more objective supplier monitoring 
going forward and leverage our EcoVadis 
partnership across the Coca-Cola 
System to improve information sharing 
between bottlers. 

Beyond our green fleet achievements 
for passenger cars for our salespeople, 
described on page 48, in Serbia we 
introduced new heavy trucks fuelled by liquid 
natural gas in 2021. These have 50% 
lower emissions than conventional models. 
We also increased the capacity of our 
light-weight trailers by 6%, reducing trips 
needed and further contributing to emission 
reduction. We imported bulk resin to Nigeria 
for the first time via sea cargo, moving away 
from containerised deliveries in vessels. 
Doing so resulted in a 55Mt reduction in CO2 
emissions. We plan to expand our purchases 
of bulk resin in 2022 to further increase 
emission reductions. As sugar supply was 
disrupted, we focused on the optimisation 
of sugar deliveries in 2020 and 2021.

Sustainable procurement 
Our suppliers are important partners and 
contributors to the ongoing and sustainable 
success of our business, and we held our 
first Group supplier sustainability event in 
2021, with 300 participants, to support 
collaboration. During the virtual event, 
company and external experts provided 
context regarding the environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) factors facing the 
industry, as well as examples of best 
practices and new opportunities arising 
from sustainability.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our sustained efforts to reduce our costs and 
improve our impact have generated significant 
results for our business, our communities, 
society and the environment. These results 
correspond to contributions to the Sustainable 
Development Goals for clean water and 
sanitation, clean energy, economic growth, 
industry innovation, sustainable communities, 
responsible production, climate action, 
life below water and life on land.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

37

Future‑focused

investment

Gerald Lewis
Head of Technology Strategy 
and Operations Group Digital 
and Technology Platform 
Services

“Our continuous investment in innovation 
and technology has delivered new digital 
products that are tightly integrated 
with our evolving technology platforms. 
These products have achieved improved 
operational productivity and help 
us serve our customers cost-effectively 
and in more flexible ways to meet their 
fast-changing needs.”

Fueling growth by investing in new digital tools 
and sustainabilityy
Automation is key for our business. It helps us to be more 
productive, enabling better, faster results, while improving 
the experience of our people, customers and partners.

Across our Company, investments in new digital tools are helping 
us to capture new growth opportunities, create more value for our 
customers and achieve our sustainability goals. As a result, our 
back-office systems and processes have been streamlined, we 
have achieved operating and cost efficiencies in our manufacturing 
plants and we have access to more relevant data insights to better 
serve our customers.

38

COCA-COLA HBC

In 2021 we continued to 
listen to our people to 
understand how we could 
best support them to 
succeed while staying safe 
through the pandemic.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

39

4

Growth pillar

Cultivate the 
potential of 
our people

Priorities in 2022
•  Build unmatched sales teams by 
strengthening our commercial 
talent pipeline

•  Drive an inclusive and purpose-
driven culture by redefining our 
culture narrative and updating our 
leadership model 

•  Continue simplifying processes and 
investing in capabilities necessary 
to achieve our growth strategy

•  Continue efforts to build an 

inclusive workplace and a diverse 
workforce that reflects our 
customer base and communities 

Highlights in 2021
•  Protected the health and wellbeing 
of our people as the COVID-19 
pandemic continued, while further 
investing to support new ways 
of working

•  Sought more feedback from our 

people, through the annual 
employee engagement survey 
and periodic pulse surveys, and 
acted on their feedback

•  Strengthened the collaborative 
spirit and growth mindset values 
which underpin our culture and 
continued our efforts to make 
learning available to everyone
•  Launched a unique development 

experience for all our frontline sales 
people to upgrade their critical 
capabilities and enhance 
customer support

•  Continued working towards a more 
diverse and inclusive workforce

KPIs

Stakeholders

Principal risks

•  Employee engagement 
•  Percentage of managers 

that are women 

•  Lost time accident rate

Our people

•  Health and safety
•  People retention
•  Geopolitical and security 

environment

40

COCA-COLA HBC

Cultivate the potential of our people continued

Strengthening our culture
We strive to create an irresistible place to 
work, where our people feel heard, valued 
and supported. In 2021 we continued 
applying what worked best during the early 
days of the pandemic: listening to our people 
to understand how we could best support 
them to succeed while staying safe in a 
period of rapid change. 

Our teams have emerged from two years 
of a global pandemic even stronger. As a 
result of their dedication, perseverance and 
innovation, we helped our customers reopen 
quickly and adapt and grow sustainably 
despite the turbulent market conditions. 
We continue to unite around a common 
purpose, democratise learning for all our 
colleagues and build a resilient and agile 
organisation.

Support and engagement during 
the pandemic
Ensuring the safety of our people, as well as 
our customers, partners and communities, 
continued to be our top priority in 2021. 
This was the focus of our Company 
leadership as well as the cross-functional 
teams leading our COVID-19 pandemic 
response across the Group and in each 
market. We continuously adapted our 
guidelines and protocols as vaccines 
were rolled out and as new COVID 
variants emerged.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances 
in 2020, we conducted two employee pulse 
surveys in addition to our annual employee 
engagement survey to better understand 
what employees needed during the pandemic.

As the fast pace of change continues, we 
have made pulse surveys a permanent part 
of our internal communications, ensuring 
employees have multiple opportunities to 
provide feedback each year. This helps 
ensure that management and the Board 
really understand what our people need 
to succeed. 

We once again conducted three all-
employee surveys in 2021. The Company’s 
Employee Engagement Index score, the 
outcome of our annual engagement survey 
conducted in October 2021, remained 
steady at 88% with 85% of the workforce 
participating. We continue to benchmark our 
employee engagement against other 
high-performing companies, partnering with 
Qualtrics, our partner in measuring company 
culture. Our 2021 results were three 
percentage points above the Qualtrics 
Global Top Decile Norm, which represents 
the top 10% of more than 15 million people 
from more than 350 companies.

Importantly, 96% of employees working 
directly with our customers feel they have all 
the necessary protective equipment they 
need and 96% of all employees are aware of 
the Company’s health and safety policies. 
Many of our employees enjoy being able to 
work from home at least part of the time, but 
not everyone is the same. From survey 
responses in 2020, we learned that remote 
work arrangements increased the need for 
line manager support. In our 2021 
engagement survey, 85% of our people 
reported feeling supported by their line 
manager. Through surveys conducted 
during the year, employees expressed their 
concerns about the complexity of processes 
and the resulting impact on workloads. 

Improvement across all Cultural pillars (% of favourable replies by the employees)

90

88

86

84

82

80

78

76

74

Agility

Customer
Centricity

Growth
Opportunity

Meaningful
& Empowering
Work

Positive Work
Environment

Supportive
Management

Trust in
Leadership

2018 score

2021 score

To address this important finding, we have 
intensified our focus on simplification.

To support new ways of working, we 
conducted more meetings virtually to 
optimise time spent travelling and with our 
customers. In Poland and Austria, we 
streamlined and redesigned offices, 
improving the work experience for our 
people while reducing costs.

We continued offering support to family 
members through a global employee 
assistance programme, providing 24/7 
confidential support for our people and their 
families. The programme features trained 
specialists through an external partner for 
help with challenges ranging from work-
related issues and relationship difficulties to 
isolation and trauma. Help is available by 
phone, online or through an app. Specialised 
support is also provided to our line managers 
to help them support team members facing 
challenges.

Health, safety and wellbeing
We believe that a safe and healthy workplace 
is a fundamental right and also a business 
imperative. As the COVID-19 pandemic 
impacted markets across our territory for a 
second year, we continually updated our 
relevant guidelines and protocols. We also 
carefully monitored illness rates to monitor 
possible cases of transmission on our 
premises. While employees continued to 
become ill with COVID, we attempted to 
eliminate transmission within the workplace. 

As hybrid working models combining remote 
and office-based work became the norm, we 
focused on new approaches to wellbeing 
and employee support. Our refreshed 
wellbeing framework addresses employees’ 
physical, mental, emotional, financial and 
social needs. Each of our markets offers 
tools and resources in each area, tailored to 
market-specific needs. In Russia, where we 
have an extremely comprehensive wellbeing 
programme, our leaders act as role models, 
sharing their personal wellness stories. 

To ensure a workplace that safeguards 
mental health and supports our people when 
mental wellbeing issues arise, we introduced 
a mental wellbeing policy and provided online 
access to useful resources. This addresses 
the risk of isolation some employees report 
with hybrid work arrangements. To help 
leaders understand how they can assist in 
safeguarding the mental wellbeing of their 
team, we created a guide for all managers.

For the fourth consecutive year, no 
employees lost their life at work during 2021. 
Regrettably however three contractors died 
in road incidents.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

41

This compares with two contractor fatalities 
in road incidents during 2020. Our fleet 
safety training programmes blend 
classroom and on-the-road training 
elements. Safety training combined with 
ongoing installation of collision avoidance 
technology in fleet vehicles led to an 8.2% 
improvement of accidents per million 
kilometres travelled in 2021. This is our ninth 
consecutive year of improvement.

Overall, employee workplace-related 
accidents increased by three compared to a 
previous year. Our Lost Time Accident Rate 
was 0.25 for 2021, compared with 0.23 in the 
prior year. Meanwhile, the Lost Time Incident 
Frequency Rate for contractors improved by 
7.05% vs 2020. Our behaviour-based safety 
programme was expanded from 
manufacturing plants and warehouses to 
90% of our commercial function. During 
2021, we eliminated 82.8% of barriers to 
safety identified under this programme. By 
the end of 2021, we are proud to report that 
7,652 employees and 865 contractors were 
trained as behaviour-based safety observers 
supporting the programme. 

We also successfully launched the Coca-
Cola System’s Life Saving Rules, with each of 
our sites taking corrective actions to achieve 
error-intolerant systems and processes by 
the end of 2022.

Building a sense of belonging 
and trust
Our values-based culture remains a strength 
and a source of resilience as our common 
beliefs help us adapt with speed and agility. 
Two important findings from our 2021 
engagement survey were an increase in our 
people’s understanding and belief in our 
overall purpose and vision and 
improvements in engagement scores 
across all of our cultural pillars. This reflects 
the success of our efforts to empower our 
people and foster the growth mindset 
needed to achieve our vision.

We believe inviting people to bring their true 
self to work and share their authentic stories 
is the best way to foster trust and 
behaviours that support our strategic goals. 
Storytelling is therefore used extensively 
across the business to strengthen 
connections. 

Our Red Talks programme shares personal 
transformation stories across the Group, 
inspiring our people to change and grow. At 
our 2021 virtual leadership conference, 
stories were shared from different countries 
covering management of wellbeing to 
dealing with change.

Similar storytelling campaigns took place in 
all our markets, featuring personal, authentic 
stories from each region. To expand 
opportunities to share and connect, we 
built a community of over 100 colleagues 
organised in an informal virtual community. 
We have also organised virtual Coffee Corner 
sessions attracting over 700 colleagues, 
which feature podcast-like interviews on 
topics such as how to become a better 
colleague or finding strength to 
face difficulties.

Through our internal #thisisme campaign, 
we invite our people to bring their true self to 
work by sharing photos, quotes and sources 
of inspiration and motivation. Launched 
initially for Group employees, the programme 
proved extremely popular, growing organically 
with posts from colleagues across all 
countries, functions and layers.

To further enhance our growth mindset 
values and collaborative culture, a Culture 
Activation Toolkit was launched in 2021 
giving our markets the ability to target local 
needs. To empower people in different 
settings, the toolkit includes guides on 
setting up and building communities or 
leading from within.

In our second year of continuous 
performance conversations with mutual 
accountability, nearly all of our people, 95%, 
completed quarterly snapshot discussions 
with their managers. More than 75% of our 
people gave feedback to their managers 
during the year. Usage data for our feedback 
app shows that continual feedback is 
becoming well established across the Group. 

Achieving greater diversity 
and inclusion
As part of our Mission 2025 sustainability 
goals, our Company has committed 
to increase the proportion of women 
in management to 50%. The proportion 
of management roles held by women edged 
up 1pp to 39% in 2021. Despite continual 
progress, to achieve our ambition of a diverse 
workforce that reflects our customer base 
and communities we must do even more.

In 2021, we created a new Diversity, Equity 
and Inclusion (DEI) Steering Committee, 
sponsored by CEO Zoran Bogdanovic, to 
provide strategic direction and governance 
to our DEI efforts. To help us drive the right 
behaviours, we introduced new training to 
identify and act on potential instances of 
discrimination. Several hundred employees 
in our People & Culture and Legal, Ethics 
& Compliance functions participated. 
Our workshops on disrupting unconscious 
bias are also being rolled out to leadership 
teams of business units across the Group.

Together with our Coca-Cola System 
partners, we launched an International 
Coca-Cola System-wide series of women’s 
network events. Quarterly events were held, 
including a panel discussion with our CEO 
and Chief People & Culture Officer on how 
leaders can drive inclusion. This role 
modelling was also seen in our CEO’s 
continued participation as a judge in the 
WeQual awards for female leaders. 

Newly introduced initiatives built on our 
existing Inclusive Leadership e-learning 
modules, available to all leaders. Every 
business unit has targets and action plans 
appropriate to their market to contribute to 
our gender diversity commitment and our 
DEI Community continues to ensure best 
practices to support diversity, equity and 
inclusion are shared across our territory. 

To attract more women into our Company, 
we once again ran an International Women’s 
Day campaign, #NoJobHasAGender, 
which was promoted through social media 
channels. We continued to increase our 
social media presence with a focus on 
female career experience, covering subjects 
such as career growth and leadership. 
Our series #WomenofCCHBC included 19 
videos and was viewed by over two million 
people online. 

We regularly review our Human Rights Policy, 
our Code of Business Conduct and other 
internal standards to ensure we adhere to 
all applicable laws and regulations and 
demonstrate best practice as stakeholder 
expectations evolve. These documents are 
available on our website at https://www.
coca-colahellenic.com/en/about-us/
corporate-governance/policies. 

Helping our people realise their 
potential and developing talent
To ensure that everyone in our Company 
has the ability to contribute to our purpose, 
vision and mission, we make learning 
accessible to every employee. We provide 
tools and encouragement for our employees 
to continue growing through self-learning, 
coaching and mentoring to develop both 
leadership and functional skills.

As we continued to strengthen our culture 
of continuous learning, digital learning is 
becoming more important. About 80% 
of our employees are self‑driven active 
learners on our various digital platforms. 
We have expanded our Personal Learning 
Cloud, which now offers over 2,500 
resources. For the second year, we 
organised a virtual LearnFest. Over 6,000 
attendees and more than 40 internal and 
external speakers participated.

42

COCA-COLA HBC

Cultivate the potential of our people continued

In 2021 we further evolved our Talent Review 
Framework to accelerate development 
across functions and borders. We identified 
20% more potential emerging leaders within 
our workforce than in 2020. We remain 
focused on maintaining bench strength, 
particularly in our commercial function, and 
building a strong, diverse pipeline of leaders. 
A majority of participants in many of our 
leadership development programmes, 
including our Fast Forward programmes, are 
female. This supports our ambition to achieve 
gender balance in senior management 
roles by 2025.

As employee turnover rebounded to 
pre-pandemic levels in 2021 to 13.1%, 
compared to 8.8% in 2020 and 12.3% in 2019, 
the higher rate of external hiring gave us the 
opportunity to recruit people with critical 
new capabilities. As 35.5% of all external 
hires during the year were female, and more 
than half of new hires for senior leadership 
roles were women, we also succeeded in 
strengthening gender diversity.

As the skills needed for our organisation to 
be successful in an ever-changing market 
are constantly evolving, this year we 
launched a skills-based talent marketplace, 
which enables us to better understand 
our employees’ skills and capabilities, while 
matching them to the challenges of both 
today and tomorrow. The programme was 
successfully piloted in Austria in 2021 and 
will be rolled out to additional markets in the 
coming years.

Developing the critical capabilities 
of our sales teams
Following the 2020 launch of our digital Sales 
Academy, we continued to roll out this 
comprehensive developmental experience 
for our sales force across all our markets in 
early 2021. About 1,300 new business 
developers have completed our Licence to 
Start certification, which gives new hires a 
strong onboarding experience and ensures 
they are equipped to support our customers 
even faster. Over 8,500 members of the 
existing sales force have also benefited from 
Sales Academy modules. Building on this 
success, similar learning modules designed 
for supply chain management will be rolled 
out for 12,000 people in our supply chain 
function in 2022. 

To enhance the onboarding experience 
for business developers, we have created 
a fully integrated onboarding experience 
that includes pre-onboarding activities, 
human resources information and 
country‑specific content.

About 90% of new business developers 
report satisfaction with the onboarding 
experience, including feedback from 
their line managers about their progress 
and performance.

To identify the main drivers of business 
developer turnover in five selected business 
units, we performed an in-depth analysis 
using artificial intelligence in close 
collaboration with our Group Data, Insights 
& Analytics team. The main findings of 
this analysis, which include issues around 
complexity, compensation and line manager 
support, are now forming the basis of a 
holistic review of how we attract, select, 
develop and compensate our frontline 
sales people. As part of this effort, we are 
simplifying tasks so that they can spend 
more time with our customers.

An attractive and authentic 
employer brand
During 2021, we improved the visibility 
and attractiveness of our employer brand. 
We received 76 recognitions across 28 
countries reflecting different measurements 
of employer attractiveness. The perception 
of our employer brand improved in 11 
of our markets during the year, and our 
compounded average rank also improved 
according to Universum, an employer brand 
consultancy. We are especially proud of 
being recognised in the Forbes World’s 
Best Employers 2021 list and, thanks to our 
progress on diversity and inclusion, we were 
ranked 8th in the Refinitiv D&I index.

Over 550 of our employees post regularly 
on social media, and we are ranked the 39th 
most active company on social media in 
the food and beverage sector in Europe, 
according to analysis by employee influencer 
platform DMSN8. We encouraged social 
media conversations through 24 campaigns 
around our products or around specific 
events. We also introduced monthly ‘behind 
the scenes’ features on LinkedIn and 
Facebook. The initial features shared, 
highlighting photos of unique employee 
experiences, received more than 100,000 
views on each platform.

Looking ahead, we will continue 
strengthening our pipeline with a special 
focus on our commercial function and 
increasing retention through targeted 
career conversations. We will also support 
the development of our employees through 
more cross-functional, skills-based 
development, identify and accelerate the 
development of emerging leaders, and build 
a more inclusive and diverse workforce that 
reflects the communities we serve.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
Efforts to foster an engaging workplace and 
an inclusive environment, nurture and develop 
the capabilities of our people, increase gender 
balance in our management ranks and reduce 
stress and support employee wellbeing all 
contribute toward global goals for development. 
The specific Sustainable Development Goals 
supported are those for: good health and 
wellbeing; gender equality; decent work 
and economic growth; reducing inequalities; 
and peace, justice and strong institutions.

In our efforts to boost the agility of our 
Company, we have completed more than 80 
agile initiatives, trained over 700 people, and 
certified 135 Scrum Masters and 18 Agile 
coaches since 2019. As we evolve into a 
truly agile organisation, we are establishing 
mission-based, cross-functional, 
empowered and self-managed teams, which 
we call dynamic pods. These allow us to 
improve our speed and quality of delivery on 
critical missions through dynamic staffing of 
critical capabilities. To accelerate channel 
and category growth, we launched dynamic 
pods in eight of our business units in 2021.

Taking into account the global trends of 
increasing turnover and intensifying scarcity 
of talent, development of high-performing 
people is a top priority. We made notable 
progress accelerating the leadership 
development of more than 450 of our 
colleagues during the year. Learning from 
others continues to act as a multiplier of 
leadership development, with 80 new active 
internal coaches and 71 new coaching 
engagements. Mentoring is now 
technology-enabled, with 339 active 
mentors and 259 new mentoring 
engagements supported online during the 
year. The success of these initiatives is 
demonstrated by extremely high participant 
satisfaction rates. All of the leadership 
coaching participants and 97% of mentoring 
participants reported satisfaction with their 
learning experience.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

43

Future‑focused

teams

Mariam Oginni
Regional Sales Director, 
Lagos Central, Nigeria

“Be kind, take a deep breath 
and remember: you miss 
100% of shots that you 
do not take.”

It wasn’t easy to start a new job anywhere 
during the pandemic, but Mariam Oginni 
faced additional challenges when she 
became Coca‑Cola HBC’s first female 
Regional Sales Director in Nigeria in 2020. 
Despite working in northeast Nigeria, which 
has additional security concerns, she led her 
team to deliver 20% sales growth in the 
region, exceeding targets.

Mariam attributes this success to working 
smartly and tremendous support from 
colleagues and managers, but also the 
diversity of her team. 

“When both genders work together,” 
she says, “we can accomplish more than 
ever before.” 

44

COCA-COLA HBC

We create value for all 
stakeholders, making 
a strong contribution to 
the development of 
the societies in which 
we operate

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

45

5

Growth pillar

Earn our 
licence 
to operate

Highlights in 2021
•  Announced NetZeroby40, our 
most ambitious environmental 
target to date

•  Reduced our Scope 1 and 2 
carbon emissions by almost 
137 kilo tonnes compared with 
2017 baseline

•  Established Italy as the first 

Coca-Cola HBC country to launch 
100% rPET bottles for all ‘on-the-
go’ sparkling drinks and iced tea
•  Investing in on-site PET recycling 

technologies in Poland, Italy, 
and Romania

•  Achieved once again the status 
of Europe’s most sustainable 
beverage company in the 2021 
Dow Jones Sustainability Index, 
and received ‘A’ ratings from the 
2021 Carbon Disclosure Project 
(CDP) for climate change and water

•  Continued to support the 

communities where we operate 
during the COVID-19 pandemic

Priorities in 2022
•  Embed our net zero ambition 
across the business and in 
decision-making processes

•  Continue reducing emissions from 
direct operations, and work with 
our suppliers to reduce Scope 3 
emissions across our value chain
•  Enter new partnerships in areas 

such as forestry and water 
replenishment to remove our 
residual emissions and meet our 
science-based targets for 2030
•  Design a sustainable packaging 

strategy that will help us reach net 
zero, with a focus on test-and-
learn for various package-less 
and refillable solutions across 
our markets

•  Increase the share of rPET bottles 
in our portfolio for selected markets
•  Continue to progress towards our 
collection targets by supporting 
the design and set-up of collection 
models with local market relevance

KPIs

Stakeholders

Principal risks

•  Absolute greenhouse gas 
emissions Scope 1, 2, 3 

•  Water usage in water-

risk areas

•  # young people trained 

through 
#YouthEmpowered
•  % primary packaging 

collected

Our people

Our communities

Our consumers

•  Plastics and packaging 

waste

•  Managing our carbon 

footprint

•  Water availability
•  Suppliers and sustainable 

Our suppliers

sourcing

•  Ethics and compliance

NGOs

Our shareholders

Government

The Coca-Cola  
Company 

46

COCA-COLA HBC

Earn our licence to operate continued

Delivering results for all 
stakeholders
Over the 70 years that we have been in 
business, no challenge has tested all the 
communities in which we operate at such 
scale as the COVID-19 pandemic. As our 
customers, communities and partners faced 
additional disruptions in 2021 we continued 
to provide support to those in need. 

We created value for all stakeholders by 
making significant contributions to the 
development of the societies in which we 
operate, while also finding ways to take 
care of our environment by integrating 
sustainability into our decision-making 
and actions. 

During 2021, we began to track our business 
performance based on our newly validated, 
science-based carbon emission targets for 
2030. We also set new and ambitious targets 
for sustainability beyond 2030, announcing 
our NetZeroby40 commitment to reduce 
the carbon emissions in all our activities 
across the entire value chain and reach net 
zero emissions by 2040. To achieve this 
goal, we will reduce our direct emissions to 

an absolute minimum over the coming 
decades, building on the 50% reduction we 
have already achieved over the last 10 years. 
Since 90% of our carbon footprint comes 
from our value chain, it is essential that we 
find new, more effective ways to collaborate 
to achieve our ambition.

Contributing to the communities 
where we operate
During the first half of 2021 and the 
disrupting lockdowns across our territories, 
we continued providing support for those 
fighting COVID-19 on the front lines in all 
our markets by making product, in‑kind and 
in-cash contributions to hospitals, shelters 
and NGOs, including the Red Cross and food 
banks. In Greece we also supported the 
vaccination efforts of the health system 
and donated 301 refrigerators for vaccine 
storage. We also provided disaster relief 
support in Greece, Russia, Croatia and 
North Macedonia.

In 2021, we continued to provide learning 
opportunities to community partners from 
various non-governmental organisations 
across the countries in which we operate. 

Number of young people trained through 
#YouthEmpowered

Supporting our communities

,

0
0
0
0
0
0
1

,

5
6
8
3
0
2

,

9
1
0
2
–
7
1
0
2

3
1
4
8
3
3

,

0
2
0
2
–
7
1
0
2

1
0
4
1
2

,

7
1
0
2

2
1
8
5
8

,

8
1
0
2
–
7
1
0
2

5
3
8
8
4
5

,

1
2
0
2
–
7
1
0
2

5
2
0
2
–
7
1
0
2
t
e
g
r
a
T

Product donations
•  Focused on frontline keyworkers and 

food banks

c.3m

litres

Volunteering
•  Focused on the vulnerable and our 

customers

c.2,042*

colleagues

Community investments
•  Long-term community initiatives
•  Continued COVID-19 recovery support
•  Disaster relief (Greece, Russia, Croatia, 

and North Macedonia) 

c.€6.8*m

 * Including Bambi

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

47

Absolute Scope 1 and 2 CO2 eq emissions
(‘000 tonnes)

Absolute Scope 3 CO2 eq emissions
(‘000 tonnes)

Renewable and clean* electricity 
in operations in the European Union 
and Switzerland (%)

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

100%
in 2025

97

99

100

87

89

78

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2025
goal

 * Clean source means CHP using natural gas.

We continued to purchase renewable 
electricity to meet all of our needs in 
Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Croatia, Austria, 
Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Hungary, 
the Czech Republic, Greece, Serbia and 
Romania. We also continued to install 
solar panels at our Nigerian operations, 
generating renewable electricity for four of 
our bottling plants. These installations are 
connected to the local electricity grids and 
provided 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions 
savings in 2021.

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

-55%
2030 vs. 2017

-4%

563

-14%

538

481

-23% -24%
432

426

5,000

4,000

3,000

256

2,000

-1%

-6%

4,079

4,051

-11%

3,845

-21%
2030 vs. 2017

-10%

3,623

3,683

-21%

3,210

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2030
goal

1,000

0

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2030
goal

We invited over 100 partners to join our 
internal leadership training schemes and 
develop their skillsets by taking part in our 
programmes ‘Communicating with impact’, 
‘Design thinking’ and ‘Influencing skills’. By 
the end of the year, 6% of the participants 
in Coca‑Cola HBC leadership programmes 
were our community partners. 

#YouthEmpowered
With the COVID-19 pandemic still causing 
economic disruption, we accelerated our 
#YouthEmpowered programme using both 
in-person and online modules. The 
programme reached more than 210,000 
young people in 2021, bringing the total 
number who have participated in the 
scheme since it was launched in 2017 
to 548,000.

Italy has seen continuous growth in youth 
employment programmes thanks to its 
Ministry of Education’s teaching scheme, 
which encourages high school students 
to gain additional training or do internships. 
There is also an increasing demand for 
online education in Italy and a long-standing 
partnership with several educational 
platforms, and this has helped almost 
100,000 participants to benefit from our 
#YouthEmpowered programme. We also 
delivered masterclasses for hotel school 
students and continued running ‘Girls in 
STEM’, a programme that encourages 
female students to pursue careers in 
science, technology, engineering or math.

In Ukraine, we continued to support the 
iLearn platform, which provides free, 
high-quality education to more than 25,200 
high school graduates. The platform was 
supplemented in 2021 with new webinars 
and mock exams that further enhanced 
learning. We also continued working with 
a major online educational platform in 
Armenia, enabling over 8,800 students 
to improve their social and business skills. 
In Poland, we reached out to over 22,500 
young people with an educational application 
that boosts soft and business skills.

Climate and renewable energy 
achievements
In 2021, we continued to work towards our 
Mission 2025 commitments, addressing 
climate change by reducing our emissions 
and increasing our use of renewable energy. 
We reduced absolute emissions from our 
direct operations and production by a 
further 6 kilo tonnes, achieving a cumulative 
24% reduction against our 2017 baseline. 

We also increased the use of renewable and 
clean electricity in our operations in the EU 
and Switzerland to 99%. At the same time, 
we delivered on our 2025 renewable and 
clean energy goal, reaching 53% (9ppt 
increase compared to 2020). In support 
of this objective, we transitioned all 10 of 
our production sites in Russia and our 
operations in Cyprus to 100% renewable 
electricity, saving 66,000 tonnes of CO2 
emissions on an annual basis.

48

COCA-COLA HBC

Earn our licence to operate continued

Partnerships with suppliers 
to reduce emissions in our 
supply chain
Partnering with our suppliers is the key 
to achieving our ambitious NetZeroby40 
target. In 2021, we held our first Group 
Supplier Sustainability event in which we 
discussed with more than 300 external 
experts globally how businesses can 
partner to face international challenges on 
environment, social and governance (ESG) 
factors. Additionally, we continued hosting 
the Supplier Innovation Days, where our 
key strategic partners share with us their 
freshest, smartest and most innovative ideas. 

Tackling emissions in our supply chain
Managing our carbon footprint has been 
identified as a Principal risk for the company, 
(see page 62) and has also been identified 
as a key transitional risk in our climate 
change risk programme, (see page 69).

UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our community initiatives contribute to 
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
Our initiatives to empower youth and women 
contribute to the goals for quality education, 
decent work and economic growth, sustainable 
cities and communities, and partnerships. 
Our initiatives regarding water stewardship, 
CO2 emissions reduction and waste reduction 
aid global progress towards the SDGs for 
clean water and sanitation, and climate action. 
Our initiatives in communities help advance the 
global objectives of good health and wellbeing, 
and sustainable cities and communities.

About 90% of our carbon footprint is made 
up of downstream emissions from our 
products and upstream emissions found 
in our supply chain, so we need to work 
with our suppliers to reduce our overall 
emissions. In 2021, we were awarded an 
‘A’ ranking as a Supplier Engagement Leader 
for the sixth consecutive year by the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP), an organisation 
that collects climate-related data. CDP 
assesses how effectively companies are 
engaging their suppliers on climate change, 
and issues letter grades to indicate their 
level of success. Our results placed us in 
the top 8% of companies, earning us an 
‘A’ rating and a place on CDP’s leader board. 
This rating builds on ‘A List’ rankings for 
our actions in addressing climate change 
and water security. 

“To build a more sustainable company and 
future, we have so far initiated sustainability 
partnerships with about 20 critical suppliers, 
representing 50% of our upstream, scope 3 
emissions,” says Marcel Martin, our Chief 
Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, 
and former Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Green Fleet transition
To achieve our ambitious climate goals 
it is essential that we make a progressive 
transition towards more sustainable 
technologies for both our light and heavy 
fleet. To make this happen, we have 
launched our ‘Green Fleet Programme’ 
and set clear targets across our business 
territories, with a comprehensive roadmap 
to achieve our goals. We have accelerated 
our transition throughout 2021 by introducing 
battery and plug-in electric car models in 
15 countries. In 13 of our markets, our fleet 
contains hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles 
powered with compressed natural gas 
or liquified petroleum gas. As a result, 16% 
of our light fleet is now made up of more 
environmentally friendly models, which have 
helped achieve a reduction of CO2 emissions 
in grams per kilometre of 7% compared 
with a 2019 baseline, and a total reduction 
in CO2 emissions of 11,130 tonnes. Across 
the heavy fleet, we have reduced our CO2 
footprint by 11% compared with the same 
2019 baseline, equivalent to a reduction 
of 23,681 tonnes of CO2.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

49

Our initiatives in packaging
On a Group level, efforts to increase the 
percentage of rPET used to manufacture 
our bottles led to a slight increase, up 1ppt 
compared with 2020. While we had several 
100% rPET launches, their impact was diluted 
due to strong growth in markets which do 
not currently use rPET, such as Nigeria.

Italy became the first Coca‑Cola HBC 
market to launch a 100% rPET bottle for 
sparkling brands in 2021. The 100% rPET 
packaging was introduced for all on-the-go 
packs of Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite, as well 
as FuzeTea. We also introduced 100% rPET 
bottles for a fifth Coca‑Cola HBC water 
brand, Natura, in the Czech Republic. 

We also expanded our use of KeelClipTM, 
which replaces plastic film on multi-can 
packs with an innovative paperboard 
solution. By the end of 2021, it had been 
rolled out in 10 markets. We aim to introduce 
KeelClipTM in Greece and Hungary in 
early 2022, and to replace plastic film on 
multi‑can packs across all our EU markets 
for The Coca‑Cola Company portfolio 
products. We expect these efforts to reduce 
our use of virgin plastic by 2,000 tonnes 
annually across the Group. We continue to 
pilot further methods of lightweighting or 
reducing packaging, and some of our 
successes will be implemented during 2022.

Partnerships help us achieve 
packaging objectives
In Austria, we are working with Reclay, a 
packaging recovery organisation, to fulfil our 
responsibility to support the sustainability 
of product packaging. In Vienna, consumers 
are rewarded through an app developed 
by Reclay and the Coca‑Cola System to 
prevent littering. By checking in via geo‑
tagging at a recycling bin and scanning 
the product code, consumers are able to 
participate in a lottery with weekly and 
monthly draws to win prizes.

We began working with METRO, a leading 
international player in wholesale trade, which 
has launched an international collaboration 
to help clean up the world’s oceans. METRO 
aims to recover millions of kilos of plastic 
waste before it reaches the oceans, and to 
improve the lives of vulnerable communities 
in coastal regions by promoting more 
sustainable packaging and recycling. 
This collaboration included numerous 
suppliers, including Coca‑Cola HBC and 
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. METRO 
also promoted products in recyclable or 
recycled plastic across countries.

Our Mission 2025 sustainable packaging commitments

Our commitments 

2021 achievements

•  Recover 75% of our primary packaging 

for recycling or reuse by 2025

•  Make 100% of our primary packaging 

fully recyclable by 2025

• 

Increase the percentage of rPET in 
our bottles to 35% by 2025. In our EU 
countries, we plan to reach 50% rPET 
by 2025

46%

of our total primary packaging was 
collected in 2021 for recycling or reuse

99.9%

of our primary packaging is recyclable

rPET:

10%

of the PET that we used across total 
CCHBC markets was rPET

18%

of the PET that we used in CCHBC 
EU and Switzerland markets was rPET

Progress towards sustainable 
packaging
Plastics and packaging waste has been 
assessed as a Principal risk for the Company, 
(see page 62) and a key transitional risk 
under our climate change risk programme, 
(see page 69) given the additional costs we 
expect to incur in achieving our Mission 2025 
targets as well as future long-term targets.

As part of our Mission 2025 targets, we have 
committed to collect 75% of our packaging 
for recycling or reuse by 2025. In addition, 
we support the Coca-Cola System World 
Without Waste ambition to reach 100% 
collection by 2030.

We believe that, wherever possible, 
collection systems should be established on 
a national level. Where effective systems do 
not exist, we participate actively to support 
the set-up and implementation of new 
packaging collection schemes. Delivering 
this sort of meaningful change takes time.

Looking beyond the +2ppt increase we 
achieved for packaging collection in 2021 
compared with 2020, we have made 
substantial progress in developing 
sustainable national packaging collection 
solutions by playing a leading role in their 
design and set up across multiple markets.

We are actively engaged in supporting the 
implementation of deposit return schemes 
in seven of our markets (Austria, Cyprus, 
Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Romania and 
Slovakia). We expect these to go live 
between 2022 and 2025.

We have also played a leading role in aligning 
industry peers and advocating for well-
designed collection schemes in an additional 
seven markets: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, 
Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and 
Northern Ireland. In Hungary, we expect a 
state-owned deposit return scheme to be 
implemented by 2024.

While we believe deposit return schemes 
are the right solution for many countries, 
especially EU markets, a first step is to set 
up well‑functioning packaging recovery 
organisations, known as PROs, to 
organise the efficient implementation 
of fit‑for‑purpose national collection and 
recovery systems. 

In several of our developing and emerging 
markets we are helping to establish or 
improve such packaging recovery 
organisations. In 2021, we supported 
successful pilots for new packaging recovery 
organisations in Ukraine and Moldova. In 
addition, we funded collection modelling 
studies or supported advocacy efforts in six 
markets, including Nigeria and Russia, while 
implementing the learnings from pilot 
projects and collection modelling.

We also support a circular economy for 
packaging by increasing our use of recycled 
plastic, or rPET, and reducing or eliminating 
plastic use where possible.

50

COCA-COLA HBC

Earn our licence to operate continued

Water stewardship
Water is the main component of our 
beverage production, which is why we 
have a special responsibility to protect this 
precious resource. Water availability and 
usage has been assessed as a Principal risk 
for the Company, see page 64; and both 
a physical risk, see page 68, and transitional 
risk under our climate change risk programme. 
We are reducing the amount of water we 
use in all our activities and paying significant 
attention to our impact in water-stressed 
areas. To achieve our 2025 goals, we are 
working to minimise water use by 20% in 
plants that are located in water risk zones. 
Together with our stakeholders and our 
communities in those watersheds, we also 
want to make sure that people in water 
risk zones where we operate have access 
to safe, clean water.

In 2021, all our bottling plants were certified 
to have met the standards of the Alliance 
for Water Stewardship (AWS), except for 
the Lurisia plant in Italy and the Natura plant 
in the Czech Republic (certification now 
covers 96% of our bottling plants and 99.6% 
of production volume).

The certifications confirm that we meet 
the global benchmark for responsible water 
stewardship, with 52 bottling plants achieving 
a Gold or Platinum Standard certification.

The standards require certified businesses 
to use water as little as possible, as well as 
to reduce water consumption where possible 
across the entire value chain. Special 
emphasis is placed on working together 
with stakeholders and local communities 
to ensure that any water challenges are 
tackled successfully.

In Nigeria, one of the main water risk areas, 
we created a water task force to upgrade 
the water facilities in our operations. By the 
end of 2021, all water systems at our bottling 
plants in Nigeria had been upgraded with 
new installations and advancements, such 
as new sand and carbon filters, water tanks, 
and the drilling of new boreholes. These 
advancements will enable us to reduce our 
impact on precious water resources.

In 2022 we will further engage with two water 
stewardship projects. In Greece, together 
with our NGO partners, GWP-Med, we aim 
to make technical interventions that will turn 

Locations with water priority1 plants

Folegandros into a zero water loss island and 
save 10M litres of water every year. And in 
Russia, we will focus on modern monitoring 
technologies to improve the ecological state 
of the three most polluted rivers in the 
Moscow region.

Water use ratio in water priority plants
(litre/litre of produced beverage)

2,5

2,0

1,5

1,0

0,5

0,0

-20%
2025 vs. 2017

1.97

1.93

1.82

1.82

1.80

1.57

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2025
goal

Nigeria

Moscow 
region

Italy

Bulgaria

Greece

Armenia

Cyprus

Water priority locations

1.  Water priority locations are defined based on our 

comprehensive risk assessment (i.e. access to WASH, 
water stress and other local risks).

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

51

Future‑focused

packaging

Anna Gronostajska
Quality, Safety and 
Environment Manager

“It’s exciting to work with new 
technologies that contribute 
to our NetZeroby40 target. 
Our efforts to increase rPET 
supply at our Krakow plant 
will impact emissions related 
to our product packaging, 
which is nearly a third 
of the Company’s total 
carbon emissions.” 

The future of packaging towards 
net zero
Our business uses various packaging 
materials and delivery methods, each 
with different carbon footprints. Because 
nearly a third of our carbon emissions are 
attributable to our product packaging, it is 
essential that we innovate in this area to 
achieve our ambitious NetZeroby40 target. 
Bottles made from rPET have a much 
lower carbon footprint than PET bottles 
made from virgin material, but high-quality 
food-grade rPET is both scarce 
and expensive.

To improve our supply of rPET we have 
introduced innovative technology on-site 
at our Krakow plant in Poland which allows 
us to process non-food grade ‘hot washed’ 
PET flakes, which are readily available, 
to produce high-quality food-grade rPET. 
This helps get around the need for highly 
segregated recycling, which is currently 
rare. To further increase the use of rPET 
in our portfolio, we will also introduce this 
process in Italy in 2022 and Romania in 2023.

52

COCA-COLA HBC

Key performance indicators

Tracking our 
progress

We measure our performance against our strategic 
objectives using specific key performance indicators 
(KPIs). These KPIs allow us, and our stakeholders, 
to track our progress in delivering on our targets.

These are also the financial and operational 
milestones which we focus on in implementing 
our Growth Story 2025 strategy.

1

Growth pillar
Leverage our unique 
24/7 portfolio

2

Growth pillar
Win in the 
marketplace

How we measure our progress
Volume is measured in unit cases, where one unit 
case represents 5.678 litres. We grow volume as 
we expand per capita consumption of our products 
and expand into new market or categories.

What happened in the year
Volume grew by 13%, or 14% on a like-for-like1 
basis. Volumes grew rapidly as our Established and 
Developing markets reopened and the Emerging 
markets benefited from strong recovery. 

Link to remuneration
Revenue growth is used to assess business 
performance for the purpose of annual 
Management Incentive Plan (MIP) bonus awards, 
and volume is a key component of revenue.

See p123 for a full description of the MIP.

Volume growth (%)

Like-for-like
14.0

13.0

4.2

Like-for-like
2.6

2020

3.3

2018

2019

2021

-5.7

Like-for-like
-4.6

15

12

9

6

3

0

-3

-6

-9

How we measure our progress
We measure revenues on a currency-neutral and 
like-for-like basis to allow better focus on the 
underlying performance of the business. We grow 
currency-neutral revenue per case through pricing 
and other RGM actions.

What happened in the year
Currency-neutral revenue per case grew by 5.8%, 
or by 3.9% excluding pricing taken to pass on the 
Polish sugar tax, as positive category mix and 
package mix as well as pricing actions drove 
improvement. Currency-neutral revenue grew 
by 19.6%, or by 20.6% on a like‑for‑like basis.

Link to remuneration
Revenue growth is used to assess business 
performance for the purpose of our MIP awards.

See p123 for a full description of the MIP.

Currency‑neutral revenue 
per case growth (%)

Currency‑neutral revenue growth (%)

5.8

1.7

2018

1.0

2019

2020

2021

-4,1

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

25

20

15

10

5

0

-5

-10

Like-for-like
20.6

19.6

6.0

4.4

Like-for-like
3.7
2020

2018

2019

2021

Like-for-like
-8.5

-9.6

1.  Performance, unless stated otherwise, is negatively impacted by the change in classification of our Russian Juice business, Multon, from a joint operation to a joint venture, following 
its re‑organisation in May 2020. Performance is also positively impacted by the acquisition of Bambi in June 2019, when compared to 2019. Unless stated otherwise, performance 
compared to 2019 is presented on a like-for-like basis.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

53

3

Growth pillar
Fuel growth through 
competitiveness and investment

How we measure our progress
We measure this by comparable EBIT and 
comparable EBIT margin progress. We generate 
positive operational leverage as we grow revenues 
on our efficient cost base. Using a comparable 
measure allows us to adjust for one-off items which 
impact comparability of performance year on year.

What happened in the year
Comparable EBIT grew by 23.6%. Comparable 
EBIT margins grew by 60bps taking EBIT margins 
to 11.6% as revenue recovery generated operating 
leverage in the business. 30bps of the expansion 
was due to a property divestment in Cyprus.

Link to remuneration
Comparable EBIT is used to assess business 
performance for the purpose of our MIP awards.

See p123 for a full description of the MIP.

How we measure our progress
We measure capital expenditure (CapEx) as a 
percentage of net sales revenue (NSR), and ROIC 
(return on invested capital), to ensure prudent capital 
allocation and efficient working capital management. 
Disciplined investment supports our growth.

What happened in the year
CapEx as a percentage of NSR reached 
7.5%, within our targeted range for this metric. 
We prioritised investments based on our strategy, 
particularly focusing on growth markets, digital 
and sustainability. ROIC increased by 370bps 
to 14.8% as operating profit improved and we 
continued to carefully control net working capital. 
40bps of the improvement was due to a property 
divestment in Cyprus.

Link to remuneration
ROIC is given a 42.5% weighting in the assessment 
of performance conditions used to determine 
long-term Performance Share Plan (PSP) awards.

See p123 for a full description of the PSP.

Comparable EBIT (%)

Comparable EBIT margin (%)

1000

800

600

400

200

0

12

11.6

758.7

680.7

672.3

831.0

10

10.2

10.8

11.0
Like-for-like
10.6

2018

2019

2020

2021

8

6

2018

2019

2020

2021

CapEx as percentage of NSR (%)

ROIC (%)

8

7

6

5

4

7.6

7.5

6.9

6.4

2018

2019

2020

2021

16

14

12

10

8

14.2

13.7

14.8

11.1

2018

2019

2020

2021

5

Growth pillar
Earn our licence 
to operate

How we measure our progress
Progress on Mission 2025 as well as progress 
towards our NetZeroby40 ambition.

What happened in the year
We made progress against most areas of 
commitments; however, we need to accelerate 
our improvement in packaging. Please see details 
of our performance on the following page.

Link to remuneration 
Our efforts and ambitions are long term and 
cumulative, therefore greenhouse gas reduction 
is used to determine long‑term PSP awards. 
Greenhouse gas reductions have a 15% weighting 
in PSP determinations. The benefit of this KPI is 
that it is quantifiable, and several of our Mission 
2025 commitments feed into its progress.

Read more on pages 54-55.

4

Growth pillar
Cultivate the potential 
of our people

How we measure our progress
We conduct an engagement survey with an 
independent third party and measure our results 
against the norm for companies which perform 
highly on this metric.

What happened in the year
Our employee engagement is above the global 
top decile norm.

Link to remuneration
Maintaining our high engagement score is part 
of the CEO’s individual performance metrics. 
These are used along with business performance 
measures to determine the CEO’s annual MIP 
bonus award.

Read more on pages 39-43.

Employee engagement score (%)

100

80

60

40

20

0

85

88

Global Top
Decile norm

Employee
engagement

54

COCA-COLA HBC

Sustainability targets

5

Earn our 
licence to 
operate

Mission 2025 –  
our sustainability 
commitments
Sustainability is integrated into 
every aspect of our business. 
It is fundamental to our business 
strategy, which aims to create 
and share value with all of 
our stakeholders.

Our Mission 2025 approach 
is based on our stakeholder 
materiality matrix and is fully aligned 
with the United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs) and 
their targets. Our six key focus 
areas reflect our value chain: 
reducing emissions; water use 
and stewardship; packaging 
(World Without Waste); ingredient 
sourcing; nutrition; and our people 
and communities.

The table provides data on the 
progress of each of the six 
sustainability pillars.

Note: The 17 SDGs are an urgent call for action 
by all countries – developed and developing 
– in a global partnership. Each of the 17 goals 
has very specific targets, referenced by the 
numbers shown above. You can read more 
about the SDGs and these targets here: 
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs.

Sustainability 
areas

Climate and 
renewable 
energy

Material issues

•  Climate change
•  Economic impact

Water 
reduction and 
stewardship

•  Water stewardship
•  Economic impact

World Without 
Waste

•  Packaging and waste 

management
•  Economic impact

Ingredient 
sourcing

Nutrition

Our people 
and 
communities

•  Product quality
•  Human rights, diversity 

and inclusion
•  Economic impact
•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Product quality
•  Nutrition
•  Responsible marketing

•  Human rights, diversity 

and inclusion

•  Employee wellbeing 
and engagement
•  Corporate citizenship
•  Packaging and waste 

management
•  Economic impact

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals  
(SDGs) and their targets

9.4

11.6

13.1

9.4

11.6

15.1

17.17

9.4

11.6

14.1

17.17

7.2 
7.3

12.2

6.1 
6.4 
6.5 
6.6
12.1 
12.2 
12.4

8.4

12.1 
12.2 
12.5

8.3 
8.8

13.1

9.4

3.4

12.8

3.4 
3.6

8.5 
8.6 
8.8

12.2 
12.4

4.3 
4.4

10.2 
10.4

16.7

12.1 
12.2 
12.4 
12.6 
12.7

5.5

11.6

17.16 
17.17

2025 commitments1

performance

Status

30% reduction in carbon ratio 

in direct operations 

Overachieved 2025 goal.

2021 

36%

50% increase in energy-efficient 

refrigerators to half of our coolers 

42%

in the market

50% of our total energy from renewable  

53%

and clean2 sources

100% total electricity used in the EU 

and Switzerland from renewable 

99%

and clean2 sources

20% water reduction in plants 

located in water‑risk areas 

(water priority locations)

8%

100% help secure water availability for 

all our communities in water‑risk 

21%

areas (water priority locations)

Overachieved 2025 goal.

Further implementation of 

successful practices and 

innovations for those locations 

is planned.

Four projects out of 

19 locations. Two more projects 

agreed and will start in 2022.

75% help collect the equivalent of 75% 

of our primary packaging

46%

Action plan in place to deliver 

roadmap targets, see page 49.

35% of total PET used from 

recycled PET and/or PET from 

10%

renewable material

100% of consumer packaging to 

be recyclable3

99.9%

100% of our key agricultural ingredients 

sourced in line with sustainable 

80%

agricultural principles 

While we had a number of 100% 

rPET launches, their impact was 

diluted due to strong growth in 

markets such as Nigeria which 

don’t currently use rPET.

Acceleration of 2021 volume 

required new suppliers to be 

added, who will be certified 

in the near future.

1 MLN train one million young people 

through #YouthEmpowered

548,835

Cumulative number 2017‑2021; 

2021‑only number is 210,422.

25% reduce calories per 100ml 

of sparkling soft drinks 

(all CCH countries)4

15%

10% community participants in 

first-time managers’ development 

6%

programmes

20

engage in 20 zero-waste 

partnerships (city and/or coast)

10% of employees take part 

in volunteering initiatives

115

7%

ZER0 target zero fatalities among 

our workforce

ZER0

50% reduced (lost time) accident rate 

38%

per 100 FTE

50% of managers are women

39%

Due to continued COVID-19 

restrictions, no mass 

volunteering events 

were possible.

The main causes for the 

accidents were falls, slips 

and trips.

Material issues

(SDGs) and their targets

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals  

Sustainability 

areas

Climate and 

renewable 

energy

•  Climate change

•  Economic impact

9.4

11.6

13.1

7.2 

7.3

12.2

6.1 

6.4 

6.5 

6.6

12.1 

12.2 

12.4

8.4

12.1 

12.2 

12.5

8.3 

8.8

13.1

3.4 

3.6

8.5 

8.6 

8.8

12.2 

12.4

9.4

11.6

15.1

17.17

9.4

11.6

14.1

17.17

9.4

4.3 

4.4

10.2 

10.4

16.7

12.1 

12.2 

12.4 

12.6 

12.7

5.5

11.6

17.16 

17.17

Water 

reduction and 

stewardship

•  Water stewardship

•  Economic impact

World Without 

•  Packaging and waste 

Waste

management

•  Economic impact

Ingredient 

sourcing

•  Product quality

•  Human rights, diversity 

and inclusion

•  Economic impact

•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Product quality

•  Nutrition

•  Responsible marketing

and inclusion

•  Employee wellbeing 

and engagement

•  Corporate citizenship

•  Packaging and waste 

management

•  Economic impact

Our people 

•  Human rights, diversity 

and 

communities

Nutrition

3.4

12.8

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

55

2025 commitments1
30% reduction in carbon ratio 

in direct operations 

2021 
performance
36%

Status

Overachieved 2025 goal.

50% increase in energy-efficient 
refrigerators to half of our coolers 
in the market

50% of our total energy from renewable  

and clean2 sources
100% total electricity used in the EU 
and Switzerland from renewable 
and clean2 sources

20% water reduction in plants 
located in water‑risk areas 
(water priority locations)

100% help secure water availability for 
all our communities in water‑risk 
areas (water priority locations)

42%

53%

99%

8%

21%

Overachieved 2025 goal.

Further implementation of 
successful practices and 
innovations for those locations 
is planned.

Four projects out of 
19 locations. Two more projects 
agreed and will start in 2022.

75% help collect the equivalent of 75% 
of our primary packaging

46%

Action plan in place to deliver 
roadmap targets, see page 49.

35% of total PET used from 

recycled PET and/or PET from 
renewable material

10%

100% of consumer packaging to 
be recyclable3

100% of our key agricultural ingredients 
sourced in line with sustainable 
agricultural principles 

99.9%

80%

While we had a number of 100% 
rPET launches, their impact was 
diluted due to strong growth in 
markets such as Nigeria which 
don’t currently use rPET.

Acceleration of 2021 volume 
required new suppliers to be 
added, who will be certified 
in the near future.

25% reduce calories per 100ml 

of sparkling soft drinks 
(all CCH countries)4

15%

10% community participants in 
first-time managers’ development 
programmes

6%

1 MLN train one million young people 
through #YouthEmpowered

548,835

Cumulative number 2017‑2021; 
2021‑only number is 210,422.

20

engage in 20 zero-waste 
partnerships (city and/or coast)

10% of employees take part 
in volunteering initiatives

115

7%

ZER0 target zero fatalities among 
our workforce

ZER0

50% reduced (lost time) accident rate 

per 100 FTE

38%

50% of managers are women

39%

Due to continued COVID-19 
restrictions, no mass 
volunteering events 
were possible.

The main causes for the 
accidents were falls, slips 
and trips.

Key to performance status
Each of the Mission 2025 commitments 
is broken down into a series of annual 
targets that need to be met in order 
to be fully on track with our 2025 goal. 
The colour coding below reflects the 
current status in relation to the desired 
position at this point in time on the 
trajectory towards 2025 and our agreed 
action plans, i.e.:

We are fully ahead or on track 
to meeting the target
We are not fully on track, but 
we do not believe there is risk 
to meeting the target
We are not on track, and without 
corrective action there is risk 
that we will miss the target

1.  Baseline 2017.
2.  Clean source means CHP using natural gas.
3.  Technical recyclability by design.
4.  Baseline 2015.
5.  Supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation.

56

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality

Material 
issues

To understand which issues matter most 
to our business, our stakeholders and the 
communities where we operate, we conduct 
a rigorous materiality assessment each 
year. As part of this process, we consider 
a broad range of issues including external 
trends in the food and beverage industry; 
issues identified in international standards 
and benchmarks; the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals; and input 
from stakeholders.

Our annual materiality assessment is carried 
out in four phases: 1) identify material issues; 
2) assess impact on or importance to 
stakeholders; 3) assess impact on society 
and environment; and 4) review and validate 
findings. With this process we can manage 
the risks and opportunities material issues 
present and address the challenges 
we are facing.

In line with the Global Reporting Initiative 
(GRI) Standards, we define material issues 
as those having significant economic, 
environmental and social impacts or 
those which substantively influence the 
assessments and decisions of stakeholders.

2021 Materiality matrix

Material issues are integrated in our strategy, 
our short-, medium-, and long-term goals, 
and are linked to management of our 
principal risks and opportunities.

This ensures that our approach to 
sustainability is focused on achieving the 
greatest impact and tackling the issues that 
matter most.

Our materiality process also informs our 
disclosure, including the content of this 
report. Our Integrated Annual Report is 
aligned with the principles and elements 
of the International Integrated Reporting 
Council’s (IIRC) framework and prepared in 
accordance with the GRI Standards, amongst 
others. Periodically, we adjust our approach 
as standards and best practice evolve. 

Our annual materiality survey, a key part 
of our materiality process, is performed 
together with The Coca-Cola Company. 
At the end of 2021 we approached around 
1,860 external and internal stakeholders, 
including consumers, customers, suppliers, 
employees, communities, governments, 
non-governmental organisations, investors, 
trade associations and academics. 
The outcome of the survey is a ranking 
of material issues, plotted in the materiality 
matrix. By assessing the importance of 
these issues to our stakeholders and their 
decisions, combined with an assessment of 
the impact on society and the environment, 
we derive the relative materiality of each 
issue and prioritise them accordingly.

Although these are the material issues 
facing our business, they should not be 
viewed in isolation as they are interconnected 
and impacting each other. The Social 
Responsibility Committee of the Board 
subsequently endorses the prioritised list of 
issues, resulting in the materiality matrix below.

In our 2021 materiality survey, packaging 
and waste management was again assessed 
as the number one topic, for the fourth 
year in a row, followed by climate change 
(for the second consecutive year). For our 
stakeholders, the importance of sustainable 
sourcing and economic impact continue 
being very high, and the top five league 
is complemented by product quality.

The Executive Leadership Team has 
responsibility for integrating our sustainability 
priorities into our business strategy and 
activities. Management of the potential risks, 
opportunities and impacts of our material 
issues takes place across the Company 
and is disclosed throughout this report. 
Additional information about our material 
issues is included in our GRI Content 
Index online.

We support the UN sustainability agenda 
and align our efforts with the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs). Our Mission 
2025 sustainability commitments, our 
short-, medium- and long-term ESG goals, 
and our material issues, are all linked to the 
UN SDGs and their underlying targets. You 
can find more about how our material issues 
and sustainability commitments link to the 
SDGs on pages 54-55 of this report and 
on our website.

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Packaging and waste management

Climate change

Corporate governance

Product quality

Sustainable sourcing

Economic impact

Corporate citizenship

Employee 
wellbeing and 
engagement

Human rights, diversity and inclusion

Nutrition

Water stewardship

Responsible marketing

Moderate

High

Very high

Economic dimension

Environmental dimension

Social dimension

Impact of the issue on environment and society

 
 
 
Recommendations 
from stakeholder 
forums inform 
our plans
Throughout 2021, 
we worked to implement 
recommendations from our 
2020 stakeholder forum, which 
focused on climate action 
in the new normal. 2020 
forum output was one of the 
drivers that inspired our bold 
NetZeroby40 commitment 
(please refer to the 
NetZeroby40 section of the 
report on page 46-48).

Due to the continuing impact of COVID-19, 
our 2021 stakeholder forum was yet 
again held online. While safeguarding 
everybody’s health, it also allowed us to 
reduce our carbon footprint. Forum 21’s 
theme was ‘Winning ESG Partnerships: 
When One Plus One Exceeds Two’, and 
the event placed special emphasis on 
sustainable packaging and climate action. 
Over 60 stakeholders from 24 countries 
attended to discuss better, stronger ESG 
partnerships. As in prior years, participants 
included our investors, customers, 
suppliers, NGOs, academia, policy makers, 
and other stakeholders.

The Forum sought to get input regarding 
several aspects of partnerships including:

•  the key ingredients of successful 

partnerships;

•  processes for creating shared value 

for partners or win-win situations; and

•  ways to measure success.

The primary outcome of Forum 21 was 
recommended ingredients needed to 
create successful ESG partnerships. 
These include:

•  shared vision, cultural alignment 

and passion;

•  shared sustainability mindset, similar 

business models and strategies;
•  successful thinking and long-term 

planning;

•  a clearly defined picture of success 

and milestones; and

•  flexibility and understanding 

between parties.

Stakeholders also had suggestions for 
creating impact through partnerships, 
such as advancing business and civil sector 
cooperation and bringing more disruptive, 
value-adding ideas with scalable, 
commercial potential. The consensus was 
that approaching objectives as a business 
case is linked with future success. 
Our stakeholders stressed the need to 
ensure goals for ESG partnerships are 
truly circular, with focus on impact and 
outcome, not just inputs and outputs. 
They also suggested that the Coca-Cola 
System continues sharing knowledge and 
resources and co-creating with partners.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

57

Additional stakeholders suggestions 
included:

•  driving improvements along the 

whole value chain, thus empowering 
local businesses, NGOs, customers 
and consumers;

•  driving industry-level, collaborative 

business alliances;

•  knowledge sharing and expert support 

for NGOs (e.g., training);

•  working with local suppliers and 
motivating them to follow ESG 
standards to become a part of corporate 
supply chains; and

•  partnering on empowering young 

women in STEM. 

These outcomes and recommendations 
were subsequently discussed with the 
Social Responsibility Committee of the 
Board. They will also serve as a basis for 
creating a Partnership Model that will help 
us guide and design joint ESG initiatives. 
The Partnership Model will be shared 
with both our stakeholders and our 
markets in 2022.

At Forum 21, an ESG Partnership 
Award was presented to the Romanian 
packaging recovery organisation 
GreenPoint Management, a company we 
have partnered with for over three years. 
The award recognised GreenPoint 
Management’s contribution to the 
development of infrastructure for separate 
waste collection and responsible waste 
management in Bucharest and other 
Romanian cities.

In 2022 we will continue expanding and 
strengthening partnerships in those areas 
prioritised as highly material.

58

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

Effective management 
of risk

Managing risk and uncertainty
In 2021, we continued to drive the principles 
of our SmartRisk programme through 
our business. SmartRisk, our approach 
to enterprise risk management (ERM), 
is designed to encourage managers to 
proactively identify and understand risks 
as early as possible and find ways of turning 
potential problems and incidents into 
opportunity – or at least reduce the impact 
if and when risks occur.

The risk management programme is led 
by our Chief Risk Officer (CRO), who works 
in close collaboration with the risk owners 
across our business units and Group 
functions in assessing and managing 
business risks. The CRO is tasked with 
maintaining a wide-angled view of all business 
streams and emerging risks and opportunities 
and, through regular reporting, ensures that 
risk visibility is provided to the Executive 
Leadership Team and our Board.

Risk and resilience in our business 
units and markets
Risk sponsors and risk and insurance 
coordinators in every business unit facilitate 
the continuous identification and assessment 
of operational and emerging risks on a 
country-by-country basis as set out in our 
ERM framework. 

This assessment is discussed at senior 
leadership team meetings every month and 
risk registers, or lists of risks, are updated 
accordingly. All risk registers are visible to 
the Group’s Business Resilience Team who 
review principal risks, emerging risks and key 
trends, providing benchmarking for risks 
across the business. 

Twice a year the Business Resilience Team, 
led by the CRO, hosts a business resilience 
conference where all risk sponsors and risk 
and insurance coordinators are updated 
on key trends and emerging risks across 
the business. The CRO also facilitates a 
discussion with the regional management 
teams and General Managers twice each 
year in key markets to discuss risk and 
resilience issues and trends, and to 
benchmark risks across the business.

At least once every other year, business units 
participate in an incident management and 
crisis resolution (IMCR) validation exercise. 
This includes participation in a crisis 
simulation based on a relevant business risk.

Group management
The CRO also facilitates a discussion twice 
each year with Group Function Heads 
and their teams to review key operational, 
strategic and emerging risks across the 
business and identify best practices for 
mitigation plans to improve our risk and 
resilience response.

The outcome of these discussions and the 
reviews with the business units and region 
teams are reviewed by the Group’s Risk and 
Compliance Committee. The Committee’s 
comments are shared with the Executive 
Leadership Team and the Audit and Risk 
Committee of the Board.

The CRO presents an overview of key 
operational, strategic and emerging 
risks each quarter to both the Executive 
Leadership Team and the Board’s Audit and 
Risk Committee. This quarterly overview 
includes risk mitigation approaches such 
as insurance coverage, and resilience 
programmes such as fraud prevention 
and crisis management.

The role of the Board
The Board retains overall accountability 
and responsibility for the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems, 
has defined the Group’s risk appetite, and, 
through the Audit and Risk Committee, 
has reviewed the effectiveness of these 
systems. During the year, the Board 
conducted a robust assessment of the 
principal and emerging risks, considering the 
nature and extent of the principal risks that 
have the potential to impact the ability of the 
Group to achieve its strategic objectives, 
and reviewed its risk appetite statement to 
ensure that it remained not only aligned to 
our objectives but supportive of our robust 
ERM programme and internal control systems.

Our internal audit department conducts 
an annual independent review of the ERM 
programme and its implementation, 
assessing the Company’s processes and 
their application against business best 
practices and International Accounting 
Standards. The Head of Corporate Audit 
makes recommendations to improve the 
overall risk management programme, where 
required, with the findings submitted to the 
Audit and Risk Committee of the Board. 
Building on this review, the Board and its 
Committees also conduct annual reviews 

of the effectiveness of our internal controls 
and further details of that review are set 
out in the Audit and Risk Committee Report 
on pages 108-109.

Principal risks in 2021
In 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic continued 
to have a significant impact on our business. 
While general market conditions improved 
as restrictions on hotels, restaurants and 
cafés lifted, we continued to see intermittent 
restrictions during the year as surges in 
COVID-19 cases continued and governments 
acted accordingly. Despite this volatility, our 
business remained agile, adjusting channel 
mix and customer support and service to 
ensure excellent business results.

The continued roll-out of vaccines across 
our territories and the lower severity of the 
now dominant Omicron variant reduced the 
health and safety risk to our people from the 
pandemic. However, we continued to see 
surges in case numbers across our markets. 
Despite numerous internal cases, we 
experienced no disruptions in our operations.

The final stages of 2021 saw tensions rise 
between Russia and Ukraine that led to 
conflict in early 2022. We focused on the 
health and safety of our people in all impacted 
countries. We also implemented several 
previously developed contingency plans 
to maintain business operations as border 
restrictions and sanctions were announced. 
On the 8th March 2022, The Coca-Cola 
Company (TCCC) announced that it is 
suspending its business in Russia. At the 
time of publication the Group is working 
closely with TCCC to implement this 
decision. In addition, economic sanctions 
imposed on Russia have had a significant 
impact on foreign exchange rates and the 
price of a number of commodities such as 
oil – which affects PET prices, and aluminum. 
Countersanctions imposed by Russia may 
have an impact on our Russian operations 
as well as other countries in our territory. 
We expect the geopolitical environment 
to remain volatile for some time.

Related at least in part to the COVID-19 
pandemic, global commodities showed a 
great deal of volatility during the year putting 
pressure on our suppliers as well as our 
Company directly. The cost of most of the 
key commodities critical to our business 
increased during the year. Aluminium, for 
example, increased 40% as a result of supply 
chain constraints and lower production 
globally. In addition, shortages of some 
ingredients and supplies during the year 
threatened to impact our operations.

The number of cyber‑attacks directed at 
companies continued to rise in 2021 with 
a significant increase in ransomware attacks.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

59

Where consistent with legal requirements 
and government guidance, we actively 
encouraged employees to be vaccinated. 

In Russia for example, governments 
mandated employees in certain industries, 
beverages being one, be fully vaccinated 
or risk closure of facilities. Through 
communication campaigns and facilitation 
of vaccination hubs, we met challenging 
government deadlines without disruption 
to our operations. 

Risk management in action:

Managing health 
and safety
We entered 2021 hoping 
to see a return to normal 
operations. However, 
the COVID-19 pandemic 
continued to affect global 
business conditions and posed 
continuing health and safety 
risks to our people.

To manage those health and safety risks 
as well as potential business disruptions, 
our Group Incident Management and Crisis 
Resolution Team continued to monitor 
case rates. 

As depicted in the diagram below, we 
maintained weekly records of internal case 
rates against case rates in each market. 
We focused on controlling and reducing 
transmission within our workplace and 
ensuring our efforts to protect employees 
were effective.

We worked closely with The Coca-Cola 
Company to maintain additional safety 
protocols within our production facilities 
to protect staff and the integrity of 
our production.

Country active cases per 100k vs Coca‑Cola HBC active/FTEs (16 November 2021)

2.0

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

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1.61 1.60

1.44

1.33

1.26

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increase from 9 November

decrease from 9 November

no change from 9 November

Resilient supply chain
2021 was a volatile year for 
securing supply of key 
ingredients, packaging and 
services at a reasonable cost, 
to maintain production and 
serve our customers.

Our treasury and procurement teams 
worked closely with our key suppliers 
to manage costs and supply by:

•  contracting volumes of key ingredients 

and packaging materials; 

•  expanding our supplier base by 

introducing new/alternative suppliers;
•  securing raw materials for our suppliers 
to provide them with security of supply; 
and

•  hedging/fixing forward prices.

We expect 2022 will be another challenging 
year due to ongoing shortages and 
increasing costs of certain raw materials, 
supply chain disruptions and 
logistics challenges.

We will continue to partner with our new 
and existing suppliers to minimise costs 
and disruptions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

We moved to strengthen our cyber-security 
programme through improving identity 
protection, securing an increasingly remote 
workforce and reducing vulnerabilities by 
hardening our IT environment. In addition, 
we developed a cyber incident management 
and crisis resolution (IMCR) plan, fully 
integrating our cyber response with our 
well-established IMCR programme. The plan 
was tested using simulations at business unit, 
Group and Executive Leadership Team levels.

Many of our office-based employees 
continued to work from home in line with 
government guidelines and our processes 
for managing COVID-19 transmission risk. 
In 2021, the Company started to transition 
some offices to permanent flexible working 
arrangements enabling our employees, 
at their request, to continue to work from 
home for at least part of their working week. 
Several policies and procedures were 
implemented to ensure a safe working 
environment at home. As noted in the 
Emerging Risks section, we will continue 
to monitor the impact of these new 
working arrangements.

In 2021, we saw government initiatives 
aimed at introducing or increasing taxes in 
a number of areas relevant to our business. 
In Poland for example, the introduction of a 
broad-based beverage tax had a significant 
impact at a time when the business was 
already under pressure from input cost 
increases. Governments are increasingly 
turning to levying additional taxes to 
respond to economic conditions, including 
increased debt levels, as well as public 
concerns on matters such as the health 
impact of sugar and single-use plastics.

Sustainability remained top of mind for our 
business and our stakeholders in 2021, 

Risk management in action

Egypt in focus
In the second half of the year, 
the Company announced that 
it would acquire Coca-Cola 
Bottling Company of Egypt 
(CCBCE) and the acquisition 
was completed in January 2022

notably including our commitment to 
NetZero emissions by 2040.

Emerging risks

Employee health and engagement 
in new ways of working
One of the outcomes of the COVID-19 
pandemic has been a rise in the number 
of our people working from home. As home 
working or hybrid arrangements are 
becoming more permanent, the Company 
has less direct control over the provision 
of safe and productive working conditions 
as we do in our office spaces. This increases 
the risk of occupational injuries impacting 
employee safety and our reputation as a 
caring, responsible employer; as well as 
increased costs of lost time and potential 
compensation claims.

In addition, the risk of our people feeling 
isolated and less engaged increases. 
This may impact their mental health and 
reduce the level of teamwork; and individual 
and group productivity which is critical to 
meeting one of our strategic Growth Pillars, 
see ‘Cultivate the potential of our people’ 
pages 40-42. It may decrease our 
attractiveness as an employer of choice 
and decrease our retention rates. It is critical 
that our line managers have the right skills 
to support our people to stay connected 
and engaged with the Company. We also 
need to utilize new technologies to 
support productive work, team building 
and engagement.

We made significant progress on our 
quantitative assessment of climate change 
risks with the development of our 2021 
water risk assessment (see page 71). 
Water is fundamental to our business 
and climate change will have a significant 
impact on the water sources that our local 
communities and our business rely upon. 
The water risk assessment better enables 
us to focus our investment and resources 
on water priority areas for our long-term 
management plans to assure supply and 
business continuity.

We continued to work to reduce and 
manage plastic packaging waste. We believe 
that, wherever possible, collection systems 
should be established at a national level. 
Where effective systems don’t exist, we 
participate actively to support the set-up 
and implementation of new packaging 
collection schemes. However, delivering this 
sort of meaningful change takes time and 
our progress has been incremental. 

A broader discussion on our climate-related 
risks, their link to materiality, and our risk 
management approach is provided as part of 
our statement on implementing the 
recommendations of the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
located on pages 66-67.

One of the fallouts of the COVID-19 
pandemic was higher than normal 
resignation rates reported by many 
companies – often referred to as the ‘Great 
Resignation’. We maintained good retention 
rates (85% in 2021 vs 89% in 2020) although 
we did see challenges in certain employee 
groups, primarily truck drivers and business 
developers in some countries.

Although CCHBC has considerable 
experience in working in emerging markets, 
Egypt has a unique risk profile. We are 
working closely with the Egyptian team 
to better understand the risks and 
opportunities inherent in the business and 
to share best risk management practices. 
Coca-Cola HBC and CCBCE established a 
joint integration management team in late 
2021 to ensure seamless transition of the 
Egyptian business into our ERM and IMCR 
programmes in 2022.

Political and security context
After a number of tumultuous years, the 
current Egyptian government has been 
very stable. The recent lifting of the state 
of emergency that had been in place since 
2014 and a statement of support from the 
IMF on its macroeconomic reforms are 
indicators of a positive outlook. 

Major infrastructure projects including the 
construction of rail networks, roads and 
bridges are also providing jobs and stability.

Our Egyptian business has a very robust 
security programme, led by an experienced 
management team that will continue 
to monitor the security environment and 
maintain effective mitigation programmes 
to protect our people and our key assets.

Competitive environment
As Egypt is one of the few countries 
in the world where Coca-Cola does not 
have leading market share, we expect our 
primary competitors to be concerned 
about the additional capability that 
Coca-Cola HBC will bring to support an 
already successful business. We expect 
them to respond strongly. We are very 
positive about the impact enhanced 

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

61

Our relationships with suppliers are critical 
for us to meet our sustainability objectives 
as outlined in Growth pillar ‘Earn our licence 
to operate’ page 48 and ‘Fuel growth through 
competitiveness and investment’ on pages 
35-36. To ensure that we are able to meet 
increasing stakeholder and regulatory 
expectations, we will continue to build our 
relationships with suppliers through initiatives 
such as our supplier sustainability forums 
as well as greater engagement to ensure 
more sustainable sourcing (e.g. training, joint 
initiatives, joint sustainable goal setting etc.)

In the longer term, many of our suppliers, 
particularly in key agricultural ingredients 
such as sugar and fruit juice, will be impacted 
by climate change. This could lead to 
increased costs due to increased scarcity 
or having to use alternative suppliers 
or ingredients. As part of our climate risk 
assessment process, we are conducting 
deeper assessments into the potential 
impact of climate change on our suppliers 
and the implications for our business. 
We will continue working with our suppliers 
to support them in setting and delivering 
science-based carbon reduction targets.

We will continue to monitor the impact 
of new working arrangements through 
employee listening mechanisms, including 
regular employee surveys, as well as provide 
support through our employee assistance 
programme and Mental Wellbeing policy, 
guidance and other support materials. 

Changing retail landscape
The Covid-19 pandemic has had both 
positive and negative impacts on retailers. 
We expect continuing changes as large 
retailers and buying groups grow and 
consolidate, increasing their pricing power. 
This can lead to increasing pricing pressure 
on our business which could reduce 
our profits.

Smaller retailers have continued to face 
challenging economic conditions and in 
some cases the removal of government 
subsidies in some countries may have further 
negative impact on them. Our business is 
significantly dependent on smaller retailers 
to deliver our products to consumers, 
particularly in emerging markets. If smaller 
retailers don’t survive, we may lose part of 
an important channel for delivering our 
products to consumers which could reduce 
our revenue. It is important that we continue 
to assist smaller retailers by helping them 
build their capabilities and leveraging our 
growing e-Commerce expertise.

A significant part of changes in retail is the 
continuing growth of e-commerce. 
E-commerce provides exciting opportunities 
for our company to enhance our relationship 
with customers and consumers that can 
drive revenue growth. In 2021 for example, 
we more than quadrupled orders made on 
our online customer portal to over 8% of 
all transactions. Our e‑Commerce sales 
grew by 87%. 

As digital and e-commerce grows, 
competition from new entrants and existing 
industry competitors; or failing to invest 
sufficiently or implementing an effective 
digital commerce strategy could impact 
our revenue growth. 

Sustainable sourcing
In the short to medium term, we expect 
increasing environmental, social and 
corporate governance (ESG) due diligence 
requirements across our supply chain, 
including new directives such as the 
EU Mandatory Due Diligence regime. 
While we have a good understanding of ESG 
performance in our larger suppliers, we 
may increasingly be held responsible for the 
actions or lack of compliance of suppliers 
deeper in our supply chain where we have 
less visibility. This increases the amount 
of management time spent in due diligence 
and can lead to reputation risks, and fines 
as well as additional costs in finding 
alternative suppliers.

route-to-market and revenue growth 
management capabilities will have on our 
competitive position in the medium to 
longer term.

Economic conditions
Egypt has a relatively high inflation rate and 
also imports ingredients paid in US dollars. 
Exchange rate fluctuations and inflation 
may affect the profitability of the business. 
CCHBC has well developed capabilities to 
manage these uncertainties.

Sustainability
While the Coca-Cola business in Egypt 
has prioritised several key areas in its own 
sustainability strategy, such as packaging 
collection, community investment and 
water stewardship, there are other areas 
that will require focus and investment 

to bring them in line with our sustainability 
goals. CCHBC is committed to doing this as 
part of our long-term sustainability strategy. 

Water
Egypt is almost entirely dependent on the 
River Nile as its source of water. Ethiopia’s 
construction of the Great Renaissance 
Dam across the Blue Nile, which provides 
around 85% of the Nile’s water, has led to 
tensions over water access. This is a key 
risk for Egypt. We remain optimistic that 
the countries impacted, primarily Egypt, 
Sudan and Ethiopia, will find a peaceful 
long-term solution that will allow Egypt 
to meet its water needs into the future.

62

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

Principal risks

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

1. Plastics and 
packaging waste

Concerns related to packaging 
waste and plastic pollution.

•  Decreased credibility in public discussions 
•  Long-term damage to our reputation and 

• 

licence to operate
Increased cost of doing business, including 
discriminatory taxes
•  Loss of consumer base

•  World Without Waste global vision 

•  Mission 2025 packaging-related commitments 

•  Partnerships with local communities, NGOs, start-ups and academia to manage packaging recovery 

and minimise environmental impacts

Link to material issues

•  Packaging and waste 

management 

•  Sustainable sourcing

2. Changing retail 
environment

 The risk of significant changes to 
consumer purchasing behaviour 
and customer requirements.

•  Reduced availability of our portfolio and overall 

•  Prioritisation of assortment per channel to drive higher margin packs

•  Economic impact

profitability

•  Enhanced marketing campaigns to capture growing occasions of socialising at home accelerated 

3. Commodity costs

The risk of raw material pricing 
fluctuations, particularly resin, 
sugar, gasoil and aluminium.

• 

Increased input costs

•  Pricing volatility managed by Treasury/Procurement departments for hedgeable raw materials universe 

•  Economic impact

through hedging/fixing of forward prices

•  Sustainable sourcing

4. Product‑related 
taxes and regulatory 
changes

The risk of governments imposing 
taxes and regulatory changes such 
as beverage taxes, sugar upper 
limits, sweetener restrictions, 
additional labelling requirements.

•  Cost increases that cannot be passed on in 

• 

price
Increased costs to meet additional regulatory 
requirements

•  Brand and reputation damage
•  Forced changes in the portfolio mix

5. Foreign exchange 
fluctuations

6. Cyber incidents

Principal risks 
trend

7. Geopolitical and 
security environment

The risk of foreign exchange 
volatility and rate fluctuations 
caused by uncertainty and 
complexity of macroeconomic 
environment and geopolitical 
developments, exacerbated by 
COVID-19.

Increased cost base

•  Financial loss
• 
•  Asset impairment
•  Limitations on cash repatriation

A cyber attack or data centre 
failure resulting in business 
disruption, or breach of corporate 
or personal data confidentiality.

•  Financial loss
•  Operational disruption
•  Damage to corporate reputation
•  Non-compliance with data protection 

legislation (e.g. GDPR)

Volatile and challenging 
macroeconomic, security and 
geopolitical conditions. The risk 
of civil unrest and conflict with 
other countries.

•  Safety of our people
•  Disruptions to our operations
•  Financial impact of economic and 

other sanctions

Increasing

Stable

Decreasing

Risk included 
in viability 
assessment

Link to growth 
pillars

3

1

4

2

5

8. Managing our 
carbon footprint

The risks and opportunities 
associated with reducing carbon 
emissions along our value chain.

•  Opportunity to reduce costs and enhance 

relationships with key stakeholders through 
increased use of renewable energy and 
new technologies 

•  Reputation costs of not meeting our 

sustainability commitments

•  Costs associated with moving to low GHG 
emissions, low-emission coolers, vehicles

•  Future carbon taxes
•  Scarcity of resources impacting production

•  Refreshed and enhanced key account capabilities and tools to partner and grow profitable revenue 

by COVID‑19 restrictions

with customers

•  Work closely with our out-of-home channel customers to drive transactions and support them selling online 

to more effectively manage the impact of COVID‑19, or in their reopening as restrictions ease

•  Accelerate Right Execution Daily (RED) to support our commitment to operational excellence

•  Develop our digital and e‑commerce capabilities to capture opportunities associated with existing and new 

distribution channels

•  Localised management plans in specific countries dependent on channel impact and risk and including 

variance in the impact of COVID-19 restrictions

•  Protocols are in place under the Treasury and Procurement Policies endorsed by the Board

•  Reporting and visibility to the Financial Risk Management Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee

•  Recovery through pricing whilst maintaining growth, avoiding disruption and still being competitive

•  Focus on product innovation and expansion to a 24/7 beverage portfolio

•  Expand our range of low- and no-calorie beverages

•  Corporate citizenship

•  Responsible marketing

•  Proactive approach to better understand concerns undertaken by Corporate Affairs and Sustainability 

•  Economic impact

in conjunction with our The Coca‑Cola Company counterparts.

•  Country-specific response plans to address the specific localised nature of the risk. 

•  Group strategy focusing on proactive and reactive advocacy with strategic plans, tax risk assessments, 

assets repository and targeted business unit support plans in place

•  Treasury policy requires, where possible, the hedging of 25% to 80% of rolling 12-month forecasted 

•  Economic impact

transactional foreign currency exposure

•  Hedging beyond 12 months may occur in exceptional cases subject to approval of Group CFO

•  Derivative financial instruments are used, where available, to reduce net exposure to currency and commodity 

price fluctuations

• 

Implement a NIST-aligned cyber security and privacy control framework and monitor compliance

•  Economic impact

•  Safeguard critical IT and operational assets

•  Enhanced ability to detect, respond and recover from cyber incidents and attacks

•  Foster a positive culture of cyber security

•  Monitor threat landscape and remediate associated vulnerabilities

•  Cyber-related crisis management (IMCR) exercise with Executive Leadership Team

•  Monitoring systems established with defined indicators to provide warning of escalation

•  Security risk assessments developed on a country-by-country basis to inform robust security plans

•  Business continuity programmes take into account risks associated with unrest and conflict and the 

•  Employee wellbeing 

and engagement

•  Economic impact

impact of sanctions

•  Continued development and training in IMCR programme

•  Approved science-based targets for 2030 and net zero commitment for 2040

•  Energy management programmes and transition to renewable and clean energy

•  Engagement and partnering with local and international stakeholders 

•  Focus on sustainable procurement

•  Areas of risk monitored by country risk teams and specific tactical plans in place across the operations.

•  Physical risk analysis including quantification and stress testing (consistent with TCFD requirements) 

and natural disaster plans in place across the operations

•  Review of Egyptian operations to understand impact on Group

•  Climate change

•  Sustainable sourcing

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

63

licence to operate

discriminatory taxes

•  Loss of consumer base

2. Changing retail 

environment

 The risk of significant changes to 

•  Reduced availability of our portfolio and overall 

consumer purchasing behaviour 

profitability

and customer requirements.

Principal risks

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

1. Plastics and 

packaging waste

Concerns related to packaging 

•  Decreased credibility in public discussions 

waste and plastic pollution.

•  Long-term damage to our reputation and 

•  World Without Waste global vision 
•  Mission 2025 packaging-related commitments 
•  Partnerships with local communities, NGOs, start-ups and academia to manage packaging recovery 

• 

Increased cost of doing business, including 

and minimise environmental impacts

Link to material issues

•  Packaging and waste 

management 

•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Prioritisation of assortment per channel to drive higher margin packs
•  Enhanced marketing campaigns to capture growing occasions of socialising at home accelerated 

•  Economic impact

by COVID‑19 restrictions

•  Refreshed and enhanced key account capabilities and tools to partner and grow profitable revenue 

with customers

•  Work closely with our out-of-home channel customers to drive transactions and support them selling online 

to more effectively manage the impact of COVID‑19, or in their reopening as restrictions ease
•  Accelerate Right Execution Daily (RED) to support our commitment to operational excellence
•  Develop our digital and e‑commerce capabilities to capture opportunities associated with existing and new 

distribution channels

•  Localised management plans in specific countries dependent on channel impact and risk and including 

variance in the impact of COVID-19 restrictions

3. Commodity costs

The risk of raw material pricing 

• 

Increased input costs

•  Pricing volatility managed by Treasury/Procurement departments for hedgeable raw materials universe 

fluctuations, particularly resin, 

sugar, gasoil and aluminium.

through hedging/fixing of forward prices

•  Protocols are in place under the Treasury and Procurement Policies endorsed by the Board
•  Reporting and visibility to the Financial Risk Management Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee
•  Recovery through pricing whilst maintaining growth, avoiding disruption and still being competitive

•  Economic impact
•  Sustainable sourcing

4. Product‑related 

taxes and regulatory 

changes

The risk of governments imposing 

•  Cost increases that cannot be passed on in 

taxes and regulatory changes such 

price

as beverage taxes, sugar upper 

limits, sweetener restrictions, 

additional labelling requirements.

• 

Increased costs to meet additional regulatory 

requirements

•  Brand and reputation damage

•  Forced changes in the portfolio mix

5. Foreign exchange 

The risk of foreign exchange 

•  Financial loss

fluctuations

volatility and rate fluctuations 

caused by uncertainty and 

complexity of macroeconomic 

environment and geopolitical 

developments, exacerbated by 

COVID-19.

• 

Increased cost base

•  Asset impairment

•  Limitations on cash repatriation

6. Cyber incidents

A cyber attack or data centre 

•  Financial loss

failure resulting in business 

disruption, or breach of corporate 

or personal data confidentiality.

•  Operational disruption

•  Damage to corporate reputation

•  Non-compliance with data protection 

legislation (e.g. GDPR)

7. Geopolitical and 

security environment

Volatile and challenging 

•  Safety of our people

macroeconomic, security and 

geopolitical conditions. The risk 

of civil unrest and conflict with 

other countries.

•  Disruptions to our operations

•  Financial impact of economic and 

other sanctions

8. Managing our 

carbon footprint

The risks and opportunities 

•  Opportunity to reduce costs and enhance 

associated with reducing carbon 

relationships with key stakeholders through 

emissions along our value chain.

increased use of renewable energy and 

new technologies 

•  Reputation costs of not meeting our 

sustainability commitments

•  Costs associated with moving to low GHG 

emissions, low-emission coolers, vehicles

•  Future carbon taxes

•  Scarcity of resources impacting production

•  Focus on product innovation and expansion to a 24/7 beverage portfolio
•  Expand our range of low- and no-calorie beverages
•  Proactive approach to better understand concerns undertaken by Corporate Affairs and Sustainability 

•  Corporate citizenship
•  Responsible marketing
•  Economic impact

in conjunction with our The Coca‑Cola Company counterparts.

•  Country-specific response plans to address the specific localised nature of the risk. 
•  Group strategy focusing on proactive and reactive advocacy with strategic plans, tax risk assessments, 

assets repository and targeted business unit support plans in place

•  Treasury policy requires, where possible, the hedging of 25% to 80% of rolling 12-month forecasted 

•  Economic impact

transactional foreign currency exposure

•  Hedging beyond 12 months may occur in exceptional cases subject to approval of Group CFO
•  Derivative financial instruments are used, where available, to reduce net exposure to currency and commodity 

price fluctuations

Implement a NIST-aligned cyber security and privacy control framework and monitor compliance

• 
•  Safeguard critical IT and operational assets
•  Enhanced ability to detect, respond and recover from cyber incidents and attacks
•  Foster a positive culture of cyber security
•  Monitor threat landscape and remediate associated vulnerabilities
•  Cyber-related crisis management (IMCR) exercise with Executive Leadership Team

•  Economic impact

•  Monitoring systems established with defined indicators to provide warning of escalation
•  Security risk assessments developed on a country-by-country basis to inform robust security plans
•  Business continuity programmes take into account risks associated with unrest and conflict and the 

•  Employee wellbeing 
and engagement
•  Economic impact

impact of sanctions

•  Continued development and training in IMCR programme

•  Approved science-based targets for 2030 and net zero commitment for 2040
•  Energy management programmes and transition to renewable and clean energy
•  Engagement and partnering with local and international stakeholders 
•  Focus on sustainable procurement
•  Areas of risk monitored by country risk teams and specific tactical plans in place across the operations.
•  Physical risk analysis including quantification and stress testing (consistent with TCFD requirements) 

and natural disaster plans in place across the operations

•  Review of Egyptian operations to understand impact on Group

•  Climate change
•  Sustainable sourcing

64

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

Principal risks

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

9. Water availability 
and usage

10. Health and safety

The risks related to water 
availability, water stress and water 
quality in our areas of operation, 
exacerbated by the effects of 
climate change and excessive 
water consumption in a catchment 
area leading to unsustainable 
water availability.

The risk to the health and safety 
of our people as a result of 
occupational workplace accidents, 
incidents and illnesses (including 
COVID-19 management).

•  Lack of water for local communities which 

diminishes our licence to operate and damages 
our brand reputation
Insufficient water or increased costs to 
manufacture our products

• 

•  Fatalities and/or serious injury and illness 

of employees, contractors, third parties and 
members of the public

•  Business continuity for people being absent 

from work due to infection or self-isolation due 
to COVID-19

•  Mental wellbeing of our people

11. People retention

Inability to attract, retain and 
engage sufficient numbers 
of qualified and experienced 
employees in highly competitive 
talent markets.

•  Failure to achieve our growth plans

•  Upgrade our Employer Value Proposition and Employer Brand

12. Suppliers and 
sustainable sourcing

13. Ethics and 
compliance

Principal risks 
trend

Increasing

Stable

Decreasing

Risk included 
in viability 
assessment

Link to growth 
pillars

3

1

4

2

5

14. Quality

15. Strategic 
stakeholder 
relationships 

Inability to secure supply of key 
ingredients, packaging and 
services at a reasonable cost 
because of supply-demand 
imbalances and/or crop yields.

The risk of fraud against the 
Company as well as risk of 
anti‑bribery and corruption (ABAC) 
fines or sanctions if our 
employees, or the third parties we 
engage to deal with governments, 
fail to comply with ABAC 
requirements. The risk of 
inadvertent non-compliance with 
international sanctions in certain 
countries.

•  Production disruptions
Increased input costs
• 

•  Damage to our corporate reputation
•  Significant financial penalties
•  Management time diverted to resolving 

legal issues

•  Economic loss because of fraud 

and reputational damages, fines and penalties, 
in the event of non‑compliance

The risk of serious product quality 
issues or contamination of our 
products.

• 
Illness to consumers
•  Reputation damage
•  Regulatory intervention
•  Adverse financial impact

We rely on our strategic 
relationships and agreements 
with The Coca‑Cola Company 
(including Costa Coffee), Monster 
Energy and our premium 
spirits partners.

•  Termination of agreements or unfavourable 

renewal terms could adversely affect 
profitability

• 

Identification and implementation of water stewardship programmes in water priority locations 

to mitigate shared water risks

•  Alliance for Water Stewardship certification for all plants

•  Source vulnerability assessment for all plants

• 

Implement water usage reduction plans

•  Deployment of Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) programmes 

•  End-to-End (E2E) contractor management process 

•  Health and Safety Board to continue

•  The Coca‑Cola Company lifesaving rules in place and incorporated in CCHBC Baseline 

Assessment programme

•  COVID-19 pandemic protocols in place across the entire organisation and reviewed regularly

•  Business continuity plans updated and tested

•  Regular country and System lessons learned shared across the entire organisation 

• 

Increased focus on mental wellbeing in Employee Assistance Programme

•  Develop leaders and people for key positions internally, improve leaders’ skills and commitment to 

talent development

•  Continuous employee listening to address culture and engage effectively

•  Promote an inclusive environment that allows all employees to achieve their full potential

•  Create shared value with the communities in which we work to ensure we are seen and considered 

as an ethical business with an attractive purpose

•  Expand talent pool by hiring more diverse workforce

•  Contracted volumes of key ingredients and packaging materials

•  Contracted prices when feasible 

•  Ensure hedgeable contracts

•  Expand supplier base and introduce new/alternative suppliers

•  Secure raw materials for suppliers to provide security of supply

Link to material issues

•  Water stewardship

•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Employee wellbeing and 

engagement

•  Employee wellbeing and 

engagement

•  Human rights, diversity 

and inclusion

•  Corporate citizenship

•  Economic impact

•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Annual ‘Tone from the Top’ messaging

•  Corporate governance

•  Code of Business Conduct, ABAC and commercial compliance training and awareness campaigns for 

our entire workforce and training on international sanctions for our employees exposed to this risk

•  All third parties that we engage must comply with our Supplier Guiding Principles, which include ABAC 

and international sanctions compliance

•  All third parties that we engage to deal with governments on our behalf are subject to ABAC due diligence. 

Screening of third parties and transactions potentially exposed to international sanctions risk

•  Cross-functional joint task force in Nigeria that proactively addresses risks in our key operations

•  Risk-based internal control framework and assurance programme with local management accountability

•  Periodic risk‑based internal audits of ABAC compliance programme

•  Speak Up! hotline

•  Full implementation of CCHBC Quality and Food Safety prevention programmes 

•  Product quality

•  Quality and Food Safety management system certification.

•  Quality and Food Safety capabilities development programmes implementation as part of Maturity 

Matrix programme

•  Elevated supplier quality management

•  Continued development and training in IMCR programme

•  Management focus on effective day‑to‑day interaction with our strategic partners

•  Working together as effective partners for growth

•  Engagement in joint projects and business planning with a focus on strategic issues

•  Participation in ‘top-to-top’ senior management forums

•  Economic impact

•  Corporate governance

Principal risks

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

• 

Identification and implementation of water stewardship programmes in water priority locations 
to mitigate shared water risks

•  Alliance for Water Stewardship certification for all plants
•  Source vulnerability assessment for all plants
• 

Implement water usage reduction plans

•  Deployment of Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) programmes 
•  End-to-End (E2E) contractor management process 
•  Health and Safety Board to continue
•  The Coca‑Cola Company lifesaving rules in place and incorporated in CCHBC Baseline 

Assessment programme

•  COVID-19 pandemic protocols in place across the entire organisation and reviewed regularly
•  Business continuity plans updated and tested
•  Regular country and System lessons learned shared across the entire organisation 
• 

Increased focus on mental wellbeing in Employee Assistance Programme

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

65

Link to material issues

•  Water stewardship
•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Employee wellbeing and 

engagement

•  Upgrade our Employer Value Proposition and Employer Brand
•  Develop leaders and people for key positions internally, improve leaders’ skills and commitment to 

talent development

•  Continuous employee listening to address culture and engage effectively
•  Promote an inclusive environment that allows all employees to achieve their full potential
•  Create shared value with the communities in which we work to ensure we are seen and considered 

•  Employee wellbeing and 

engagement

•  Human rights, diversity 

and inclusion

•  Corporate citizenship

as an ethical business with an attractive purpose
•  Expand talent pool by hiring more diverse workforce

•  Contracted volumes of key ingredients and packaging materials
•  Contracted prices when feasible 
•  Ensure hedgeable contracts
•  Expand supplier base and introduce new/alternative suppliers
•  Secure raw materials for suppliers to provide security of supply

•  Annual ‘Tone from the Top’ messaging
•  Code of Business Conduct, ABAC and commercial compliance training and awareness campaigns for 
our entire workforce and training on international sanctions for our employees exposed to this risk
•  All third parties that we engage must comply with our Supplier Guiding Principles, which include ABAC 

and international sanctions compliance

•  All third parties that we engage to deal with governments on our behalf are subject to ABAC due diligence. 

Screening of third parties and transactions potentially exposed to international sanctions risk
•  Cross-functional joint task force in Nigeria that proactively addresses risks in our key operations
•  Risk-based internal control framework and assurance programme with local management accountability
•  Periodic risk‑based internal audits of ABAC compliance programme
•  Speak Up! hotline

•  Economic impact
•  Sustainable sourcing

•  Corporate governance

•  Full implementation of CCHBC Quality and Food Safety prevention programmes 
•  Quality and Food Safety management system certification.
•  Quality and Food Safety capabilities development programmes implementation as part of Maturity 

•  Product quality

Matrix programme

•  Elevated supplier quality management
•  Continued development and training in IMCR programme

•  Management focus on effective day‑to‑day interaction with our strategic partners
•  Working together as effective partners for growth
•  Engagement in joint projects and business planning with a focus on strategic issues
•  Participation in ‘top-to-top’ senior management forums

•  Economic impact
•  Corporate governance

9. Water availability 

and usage

The risks related to water 

•  Lack of water for local communities which 

availability, water stress and water 

diminishes our licence to operate and damages 

quality in our areas of operation, 

our brand reputation

exacerbated by the effects of 

climate change and excessive 

water consumption in a catchment 

area leading to unsustainable 

water availability.

• 

Insufficient water or increased costs to 

manufacture our products

10. Health and safety

The risk to the health and safety 

•  Fatalities and/or serious injury and illness 

of our people as a result of 

of employees, contractors, third parties and 

occupational workplace accidents, 

members of the public

incidents and illnesses (including 

COVID-19 management).

•  Business continuity for people being absent 

from work due to infection or self-isolation due 

to COVID-19

•  Mental wellbeing of our people

11. People retention

Inability to attract, retain and 

•  Failure to achieve our growth plans

engage sufficient numbers 

of qualified and experienced 

employees in highly competitive 

talent markets.

ingredients, packaging and 

services at a reasonable cost 

because of supply-demand 

imbalances and/or crop yields.

Company as well as risk of 

anti‑bribery and corruption (ABAC) 

fines or sanctions if our 

employees, or the third parties we 

engage to deal with governments, 

fail to comply with ABAC 

requirements. The risk of 

inadvertent non-compliance with 

international sanctions in certain 

countries.

12. Suppliers and 

sustainable sourcing

Inability to secure supply of key 

•  Production disruptions

• 

Increased input costs

13. Ethics and 

compliance

The risk of fraud against the 

•  Damage to our corporate reputation

•  Significant financial penalties

•  Management time diverted to resolving 

legal issues

•  Economic loss because of fraud 

and reputational damages, fines and penalties, 

in the event of non‑compliance

14. Quality

15. Strategic 

stakeholder 

relationships 

The risk of serious product quality 

• 

Illness to consumers

issues or contamination of our 

•  Reputation damage

products.

•  Regulatory intervention

•  Adverse financial impact

We rely on our strategic 

•  Termination of agreements or unfavourable 

relationships and agreements 

renewal terms could adversely affect 

with The Coca‑Cola Company 

profitability

(including Costa Coffee), Monster 

Energy and our premium 

spirits partners.

66

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

Managing 
climate 
change risk

Assessment and mitigation 
of climate-related risk is 
integrated into our enterprise 
risk management programme, 
which underpins our robust, 
risk-based approach to the 
physical and transitional risks 
associated with climate change. 

We analyse our internal data and work with 
recognised specialist agencies, our 
insurance brokers and insurers to obtain 
regional analysis of climate science. 
This helps us make informed decisions and 
improves our understanding of the potential 
climate vulnerabilities in our operations 
and the communities in which we operate. 
This data and resulting analysis is shared 
across our business units, supporting 
climate resilience across our planning 
and operations.

At Coca-Cola HBC, we believe that the 
recommendations of the Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD) are an important step in the 
establishment of a framework for reporting 
climate-related risks and their financial 
impacts. We support efforts to improve 
the quality and consistency of disclosures, 
having been a leader in the field with our first 
carbon reduction commitments in 2006 and 
an early adopter of science-based targets.

The Board continues to have oversight 
of climate-related risks and opportunities 
through the activities of the Social 
Responsibility Committee and the Audit 
and Risk Committee. The Coca-Cola System, 
including Coca-Cola HBC, has identified 
eight material risks relating to the physical 
and transitional impact of climate change 
on our business.

These are depicted in the diagram on page 70.

The eight risks are linked to Principal risks 
‘’Plastics and packaging waste’ and ‘Managing 
our carbon footprint’ see page 62; and ‘Water 
availability and usage’ and ‘Suppliers and 
sustainable sourcing’ page 64.

Water scarcity is classified as a physical risk 
while the potential impact of changing water 
regulations is classified as a transitional risk.

Access to good-quality water, a key 
ingredient in our products, is critical for the 
sustainability of our business as well as for 
the communities where we operate.

The Chief Risk Officer provides the Executive 
Leadership Team (ELT) and the Audit and 
Risk Committee with quarterly updates 
of these risks.

In 2021, we enhanced our understanding 
of climate-related risks by conducting a 
comprehensive quantitative assessment 
of water risk (see Managing water risk across 
our territory on page 71). We will continue 
to refine our water risk assessment annually. 
In 2022, we will also build on our experience 
in quantitative climate risk assessments by 
adding an assessment of risks associated 
with carbon emissions.

Our response to climate change transcends 
all areas of our strategy and operations and, 
as a result, our TCFD disclosures can be 
found throughout this report. The table 
on page 67 explains where our disclosures 
on climate change can be found in this 
report and how the information aligns to 
the TCFD recommendations.

For additional information on our climate-
related disclosures, CCHBC makes an 
extensive, annual submission to the global 
environmental disclosure organisation,CDP. 
Our 2021 submission is publicly available at: 
2021 CDP Climate response

Due to the size of this disclosure document, 
we do not include the full submission here.

Governance of climate-related 
risks and opportunities
To ensure that climate-related risks and 
opportunities are given the highest level 
of oversight and are embedded into the 
strategy and mission of our Company, 
our assessment and management of the 
potential impact of climate change is 
supervised by Board’s Social Responsibility 
Committee (SRC).

The SRC is responsible for establishing the 
principles governing environment, climate 
impact and water security management; 
and for ensuring effective processes and 
systems are in place to implement our 
sustainability strategy. The SRC regularly 
reviews the Group’s performance in achieving 
environment, climate, water and socially 
relevant goals and ensures that sustainability 
and climate objectives are fully integrated 
into the Group’s business strategy.

The Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability 
Officer provides regular updates to the SRC 
on the Group’s progress. 

The assessment and management of 
climate-related risks and opportunities 
are integrated into the Group’s enterprise 
risk management process, see page 58. 
The Board’s Audit and Risk Committee 
oversees all business risks, including 
environmental and climate risks.

At management level, climate-related 
matters are supervised by the ELT which 
includes the Chief Corporate Affairs and 
Sustainability Officer. Led by the Chief 
Executive Officer, the ELT has responsibility 
for reviewing the assessment of the impact 
of climate-related risks and opportunities, 
the development of long-term strategies 
to manage the impact of climate change, the 
setting of annual targets and the approval of 
annual business plans which form the basis 
of the Company performance management. 
The ELT meets on a monthly basis and 
reviews the performance of the Company, 
including progress against the Group’s 
strategic pillars, in which climate-related 
issues and their impact are embedded, as 
well as, progress against the Group’s climate 
goals and targets.

We have also established a cross-functional 
working group with experts from different 
functions (Risk, Procurement, Finance, 
Environment, Supply Chain, Engineering, 
Sustainability) who have been studying 
different climate scenarios and assessing 
qualitatively and quantitatively the risks and 
opportunities inherent in those scenarios. 
A related cross-functional group has been 
working to develop our science-based 
carbon reduction targets and our 
NetZeroby40 goal and plans. They meet 
regularly (at least monthly) and present their 
work to the ELT.

Strategy and risk management
Climate-related risks and opportunities are 
assessed as part of our well-established 
enterprise risk management programme 
and our approach to managing our principal 
risks is holistic and integrated. The impact of 
climate change and emissions are linked to 
our water stewardship, sustainable sourcing 
and packaging waste agendas. In our Mission 
2025 sustainability commitments, climate 
change and emissions reduction, water 
stewardship and water use reduction, 
ingredient sourcing, and packaging waste, 
together contribute to four of our total six 
sustainability pillars.

We consider all risks, including climate-
related risks, over a range of timeframes 
and these are integrated into our business 
planning processes. Short-term risks 
(1-2 years) are linked with Company 
business planning yearly cycles; mid-term 
risks (3-5 years) are linked with our strategic 
planning process; and long-term risks 
(6-10 years) are linked with our long-term 
planning process.

As part of our ERM programme, our risk 
assessments include an assessment of the 
likelihood of the risk eventuating and the 
impact of a variety of factors including health 
and safety, financial impact, damage to 
reputation and brands, business 
interruption, and management effort.

Details of our analysis of climate-related 
risks and opportunities on the Group’s 

business, strategy and financial planning 
in the whole value chain and identified eight 
risks are disclosed on the next pages.

Incentives for meeting our Mission 2025 
sustainability goals are part of the 
compensation for members of the ELT. 
Targets related to energy usage, emissions 
reduction, water usage, sourcing and 
packaging are linked to annual bonuses for 

Location of TCFD aligned disclosures

Governance: Disclose the Company’s governance around climate‑related risks 
and opportunities

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

67

appropriate employees. We have introduced 
carbon reduction in the whole value chain as 
part of the long-term incentive plan (LTIP) 
for managers eligible for that plan. 

Compliance status

a) Fully consistent

a) Describe the Board’s oversight of 
climate-related risks and opportunities

b) Describe management’s role in identifying, 
assessing and managing climate-related risks 
and opportunities

Social Responsibility Committee, pages 116-117

Audit and Risk Committee, pages 108-111

b) Fully consistent

Risk and materiality, pages 56‑65;

Managing climate change risk, pages 66, 68-70

Strategy: Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate‑related risks 
and opportunities on the Company’s business, strategy and financial planning 
where material

a) Describe the climate-related risks 
and opportunities that the organisation 
has identified over the short, medium 
and long term

Material issues, pages 56‑57; Principal risks, pages 62‑65

2021 CDP Climate response, pages 14-21

a) Fully consistent

b) Describe the impact of climate-related risk 
and opportunity on the Company’s business, 
strategy and financial planning

Principal risks, pages 62-65

Earn our licence to operate, pages 44-51

2021 CDP Climate response, pages 21-37, 40-44

c) Describe the resilience of the 
organisation’s strategy considering different 
climate‑related scenarios, including a 
2‑degree or lower scenario

Managing climate change risk, pages 66, 68-70

2021 CDP Climate response, pages 38-44

Managing water risk across our territory, page 71

b) Work in progress – qualitative impact has 
been completed for the whole value chain; 
however, more work will be done on 
understanding the quantitative impact on 
business strategy and financial planning. 
We expect this work to be completed by 
end 2022.

c) Work in progress – work has been done 
with two scenarios related to physical and 
transitional risks associated with the impact 
on water availability and costs. More work will 
be done on the impact of other elements of 
climate change. We expect this work to be 
completed by end 2022.

Risk management: Disclose how the Company identifies, assesses and manages 
climate‑related risks and opportunities

a) Describe the Company’s process for 
identifying and assessing climate-related risks 
and opportunities

b) Describe the Company’s process 
for managing climate‑related risks 
and opportunities

c) Describe how these processes 
are integrated into the overall risk 
management programme

Risk and materiality, pages 56-65

Principal risks, pages 62-65

b) Fully consistent

a) Fully consistent

Key performance indicators, pages 47, 50, 54-55

2021 CDP Climate response, pages 13-21

Managing climate change risk, pages 66-71

Risk and materiality, pages 56-65

c) Fully consistent

Metrics and targets: Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage climate‑
related risks and opportunities

a) Disclose the metrics used by the 
organisation to assess climate-related risks 
and opportunities in line with its strategy 
and risk management process

NetZeroby40 target across the whole value chain, page 46 
Charts on page 47 with all Scopes

b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if 
appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions, and the related risks

Mission 2025 commitments reated to the following pillars: 
climate and renewable energy, water reduction and 
stewardship and Word Without Waste on pages 54-55

c) Describe the targets used by the 
organisation to manage climate-related risks 
and opportunities and performance 
against targets

2021 GRI Content Index, Environmental table, pages 38-40

a) Work in progress. We have well-defined 
metrics on the impact of climate change on 
water and transition risk of carbon price, but 
other elements are largely qualitative at this 
stage. We expect this work to be completed 
by end 2022.

b) Fully consistent

c) Fully consistent. Our Mission 2025 
commitments, approved science-based 
targets and NetZeroby40 commitment 
provide clear targets.

68

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

Physical risks

Physical risks are those caused by higher 
concentrations of greenhouse gases in the 
atmosphere, which in turn lead to higher 
average temperatures, more acidic oceans, 
changing weather patterns and rising 
sea levels.

Extreme weather and changing weather 
and precipitation patterns can impact our 
business in the following ways:

3. Reduced ability 
to produce as result 
of water scarcity
Access to water is fundamental 
to our business and to the 
communities we operate in. 

We have assessed the impact 
that climate change may have 
on the cost and availability of 
water both for our needs and 
the needs of the local 
communities that we operate 
within as part of our assessment 
of Principal risk ‘Water availability 
and usage’, 

A number of our plants are 
located in areas that are or will 
be facing water challenges. 
These plants are referred to as 
‘water priority’ plants.

During the year, we conducted 
an extensive quantitative 
assessment of the impact of 
two different climate scenarios 
on the availability and cost of 
water by 2030 and 2040. 
This assessment is outlined 
on page 71.

As noted in this assessment, 
we do expect climate change to 
have an impact on our business 
over the longer term. 

4. Impact on the 
cost and availability 
of ingredients
We continue to assess the 
impact of climate change on 
the availability, quality and price 
of key ingredients as part of our 
assessment of Principal risk 
‘Suppliers and sustainable 
sourcing’. 

This impact is due primarily to 
predicted changes to weather 
and precipitation patterns. 
While we are currently seeing 
changes in weather patterns 
that have been attributed to 
climate change, and expect 
those changes to continue, 
we have not identified a direct 
impact on our business at this 
stage. We therefore consider 
this a longer term risk. 

During the year, we continued 
to assess the ability of our 
suppliers and alternative 
suppliers to continue to supply 
key ingredients at the quality, 
quantity and cost that we expect 
under different conditions.

Moving forward, we will 
undertake further work to 
assess how our suppliers may be 
impacted by changes in weather 
and precipitation patterns under 
different climate scenarios.

2. Disruption to 
distribution caused by 
extreme weather
Extreme weather may impact 
key transport and logistics 
routes and reduce access to 
our fleets. This may impact our 
ability to distribute our products 
to markets as well as the safety 
of our employees and 
contractors.

We assess the risk of business 
interruption from a range of 
causes as part of our strategic 
and operational risk reviews. 
We currently mitigate the 
financial costs through our 
insurance programme as well 
as use of third‑party logistics 
providers. We have also 
established a robust business 
continuity programme that 
includes management of 
extreme weather to protect our 
people and to minimise losses. 

While we have seen an increase 
in the number of extreme 
events such as storms and 
bushfires that have been 
attributed to climate change, 
we have not identified a direct 
impact on our distribution 
systems at this stage but we do 
expect this risk to increase over 
the longer term.

In 2022, we will include projected 
data using at least two different 
climate scenarios to enhance 
our understanding of the 
potential impact on our 
distribution system.

1. Disruption to 
manufacturing from 
extreme weather
Extreme weather events 
including floods and storms can 
disrupt and/or damage our 
manufacturing facilities leading 
to an inability to supply products 
to our customers and significant 
costs associated with repairs. 
It can also lead to injuries to 
our people. 

We assess the risk of business 
interruption from a range of 
causes as part of our strategic 
and operational risk reviews. 
We currently mitigate the 
financial costs of extreme 
weather events through our 
property damage insurance 
programme. This includes 
annual surveys of our facilities 
by external risk engineers. 
We have also established a 
robust business continuity 
programme to prevent and 
minimise losses. During the year, 
we carried out additional 
assessments of plants and 
warehouses at risk due to 
extreme weather. While there 
has been an increase in the 
number of extreme weather 
events that have been attributed 
to climate change, we have not 
identified a direct impact on our 
manufacturing at this stage and 
consider this a longer term risk.

We recognise that much of the 
data we currently use in our 
assessments is based on 
historical information. In 2022, 
we will include projected data 
using at least two different 
climate scenarios to enhance 
our understanding of the 
potential impact on our 
manufacturing.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

69

Transition risks

The physical effects of climate change 
will be limited if action is taken to force a 
transition to a low-carbon economy. This will 
require regulatory, market and technological 
changes. The speed and severity of these 
changes will have an impact on our business. 
A faster and more aggressive approach by 
governments, for example, will have a more 
significant financial impact than a more 
gradual approach.

The transition to a low-carbon economy 
also presents a number of opportunities 
for our business. Our investments in new 
technologies not only help us meet the 
expectations of key stakeholders to do our 
part to reduce carbon emissions, but they 
also present opportunities for significant 
cost savings.

5. Increased costs across 
our value chain from 
GHG regulations
Our business emits greenhouse 
gases (GHGs) across our value 
chain. Actions to introduce 
carbon pricing could 
increase costs of packaging, 
manufacturing, distribution and 
cold drink equipment over the 
medium term.

During the year, we assessed 
the impact of changing GHG 
regulations as part of our 
assessment of Principal risk 
‘Managing our carbon footprint’. 
We assessed the operational 
costs of carbon taxes on direct 
emissions and capital 
expenditures needed to reduce 
our carbon emissions based 
on a 1.5ºC warming scenario. 
In December 2020, we received 
an approval of our carbon 
reduction targets by the Science 
Based Targets initiative and we 
are committed to reducing our 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% 
by 2030 vs 2017 and our Scope 
3 emissions by 21% for the 
same period.

In 2022, we will extend our 
quantitative analysis of the 
impact of climate change to 
include the financial impact of 
managing our carbon footprint. 

6. Increased cost 
of packaging 

Our business uses various types 
of packaging materials and 
delivery methods with different 
carbon footprints. Regulations 
designed to decrease the use 
of packaging materials that 
contribute to GHG emissions 
could increase our costs. 
We are already starting to see 
governments considering 
additional taxes on single use 
plastics. This risk is therefore 
considered a short to medium 
term risk. 

We include an assessment of 
the risk of increased cost of 
packaging resulting from climate 
change as part of our 
assessment of Principal risk 
‘Plastics and packaging waste’.

During the year, we continued to 
introduce more innovative ways 
to reduce packaging. As part 
of our World Without Waste 
initiative, we are making 
concerted efforts to increase 
the amount of recyclable 
packaging across our 
operations, use more recycled 
PET and refillable packaging 
and help collect the packaging 
materials we place on the 
market.

7. Increased costs 
and disruptions due 
to water regulations
As noted in Physical risk #3, 
water is fundamental to our 
business. We continually assess 
the impact of changes to the 
cost of water or placement 
of restrictions on the availability 
of water as part of the 
assessment of Principal risk 
‘Water availability and usage’. 
These changes may impact our 
ability to produce or increase the 
cost of production over the 
medium to longer term. 

We are reducing our water 
usage across our business and, 
as part of our Mission 2025 
sustainability commitments, 
have committed to a 20% 
reduction in water usage in our 
water priority plants. We are also 
closely monitoring the potential 
for additional taxes, levies or 
restrictions in the availability 
of water.

In 2021, we conducted an 
extensive quantitative 
assessment of the impact of 
two different climate scenarios 
on the availability and cost of 
water across our business by 
2030 and 2040. Shorter-term 
transitional costs were 
considered as part of that 
assessment. For further 
information on our water risk 
assessment, see page 71.

8. Damage to the 
reputation of the 
beverage sector
We are reliant on the brand 
value and positive reputation 
of Coca‑Cola. Consumer 
perceptions of the beverage 
sector as a contributor to 
climate change may impact the 
reputation of our business and 
brands and ultimately demand 
for our products. 

In addition, being seen as part 
of the problem leads to the 
targeting of the beverage sector 
for new and/or increasing 
climate-related taxes. We 
constantly monitor the 
likelihood and impact of these 
changes as part of our 
assessment of Principal risk 
‘Product-related taxes and 
regulatory changes’. As some 
of our countries have introduced 
or are actively considering 
introducing additional taxes, 
we consider this to be a 
short‑term risk.

Our Mission 2025 sustainability 
commitments and strong 
cultural commitment to being 
a contributor to the solutions to 
climate change are designed to 
take advantage of opportunities 
associated with those changes, 
protect our business and 
protect our reputation as a 
responsible Company.

70

COCA-COLA HBC

Managing risk and materiality continued

The impact of climate change risk
The Coca-Cola Company and its global bottling partners, including 
Coca‑Cola HBC, have identified eight material risks relating to the 
physical and transitional impact of climate change on our business 
and these are depicted in the following diagram.

For more details on these eight risks, please see previous pages 68 
and 69, where the colour codes of the risks reflect the diagram below.

Cause

Risk

Agriculture and 
ingredients

Packaging

Manufacturing Distribution

Cold drink 
equipment

Customers and 
communities

Estimated share of carbon emissions

25%
Business impacts: Physical risks of climate change

31%

11%

6%

27%

Changes to 
weather and  
precipitation 
patterns

Limits availability 
of ingredients 
and raw 
materials

Extreme 
weather  
events

Disrupts 
production

Disrupts/limits 
distribution

Water 
scarcity

Disrupts/limits 
production

Business impacts: Risks of transition to a low‑carbon economy

GHG 
regulation

Increases cost 
of packaging 
materials

Increases cost of manufacturing, 
distribution and cold drink 
equipment

Reputational risk

Changes to 
consumer 
perceptions

Water 
regulation

Disrupts/limits 
production

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

71

Pessimistic climate scenario
The pessimistic scenario used in our analysis 
represents a world with uneven economic 
development, including higher population 
growth but lower GDP growth. Globally, 
carbon emissions continue to rise and 
average temperature rises between 2.6 
and 4.8 degrees (RCP8.5). 

As with the optimistic scenario, our facilities 
in Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Russia, 
Italy and Nigeria would be located in water‑
risk areas under the pessimistic scenario.

By 2030, average baseline water stress is 
expected to increase by 27%. We estimate 
our annual water costs to meet our 
production needs as well as replenish the 
local watersheds in our water priority areas 
will increase by 45% over and above our 
baseline costs. Additional one-off CapEx 
costs in the lead-up to 2030 of €30million 
will be required. 

By 2040, average baseline water stress is 
expected to increase by 46%. We estimate 
our annual water costs to meet our 
production needs as well as replenish the 
local watersheds in our water priority areas 
will increase by 41% over and above our 
baseline costs and additional one-off CapEx 
costs in the lead-up to 2040 of €78million 
will be required.

Note: The ‘pessimistic’ scenario has less 
impact on our business than the ‘optimistic’ 
scenario in a number of areas. This is because 
under the pessimistic scenario used in the 
Aqueduct modelling, there is less urban 
growth. As the majority of our plants are 
located in or near large urban areas, there 
is less stress on the local watersheds. 

Mitigating water risk
Efforts to address the risks identified in this 
analysis could include watershed protection 
and restoration, rainwater harvesting, and 
infrastructure improvements to provide 
communities with greater access to water 
for drinking and sanitation. We will continue 
to implement water usage reduction 
plans and obtain certification for our 
plants under the Alliance for Water 
Stewardship programme. 

Managing water risk 
across our territory
In 2021, we conducted a 
detailed assessment of the 
impact of climate change on 
the availability and cost of water 
across all of our markets under 
different climate scenarios. 

We recognise that we have a responsibility 
over and above meeting our production 
needs. Access to clean water is a 
fundamental human right and we are 
committed to ensuring water security for 
local communities as well as our business 
in areas of water stress. 

Climate change is expected to increase 
the level of water stress in a number of our 
countries, making water scarcer and more 
valuable in those countries. This means that 
our costs will increase, both to meet the 
needs of our business but also to ensure 
we can replenish the watersheds in those 
countries to support local communities.

In our 2021 water risk assessment, we 
focussed on our production facilities to 
determine which plants are more likely to be 
affected by climate change, the extent to 
which they may be affected and the financial 
impact of ensuring sustainable supply for 
both our production and the local community. 
In future years, we will gradually broaden the 
scope of our assessment to also consider 
water risks associated with our supply chain. 

To conduct the 2021 assessment, we 
estimated annual production volumes up 
to 2030 and 2040 for each plant, based on 
long-range planning estimates. We then 
determined the water utilisation rates for 
each plant for normal and peak production 
as well as the capacity of our water sources 
without considering the impact of climate 
change. This allowed us to create a 
baseline model. 

We then used data available from the World 
Resources Institute’s (WRI) Aqueduct Water 
Risk Atlas to identify the impact of climate 
change on the watersheds supporting 
each plant using both an optimistic and a 
pessimistic scenario for climate change 
impact. In this assessment, the impact of 
climate change is the difference between 
water utilisation rates in our baseline and 
the WRI scenarios.

The additional increase in water utilization 
rates, converted into water volume, was 
multiplied by the ‘true cost of water’1 to 
provide an estimate of the financial impact 
of both increased production demand and 
climate change. For plants in water-stressed 
areas – our water priority plants – the cost of 
replenishing the watershed based on water 
withdrawal was added. 

We estimated the additional operating 
expense required for each plant to meet 
additional water needs, as well as one-off 
CapEx requirements where appropriate to 
support our risk mitigation programme. 

In general terms, our assessment indicated 
that climate change is not likely to increase 
the number of plants assessed as water 
priority plants in our existing territory, 
although it is expected to increase the level 
of water stress in those areas. Climate 
change is unlikely to impact the useful 
economic life of any of our plants; however 
we will need to invest in additional water 
infrastructure to meet our needs as well as 
maintain our commitments to replenish the 
local watershed in water priority areas. 

Optimistic climate scenario
The optimistic scenario we used for 
assessment purposes represents a world 
with stable economic growth and global and 
national institutions making slow but steady 
progress towards achieving development 
goals. Globally, carbon emissions start 
declining by 2040 and temperature increases 
are limited to between 1.1 and 2.6 degrees 
(RCP4.5). 

Under this scenario, our operations in 
Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Russia, 
Italy and Nigeria would be located in 
water-risk areas. 

By 2030, average baseline water stress is 
expected to increase by 30%. To meet our 
production needs as well as replenish the 
local watersheds in our water priority areas, 
we estimate our annual water costs will 
increase by 40% over and above our baseline 
costs, and additional one-off CapEx costs 
in the lead‑up to 2030 of €42million will 
be required. 

By 2040 under this scenario, average 
baseline water stress is expected to increase 
by 47%. To address these risks, we estimate 
our annual water costs will increase by 
42% over and above our baseline cost 
and additional one‑off CapEx costs in the 
lead-up to 2040 of €79million will be required.

1.  The ‘true cost of water’ is a Coca-Cola system 

multiplier that is used to calculate both the internal 
costs of water but also a number of external factors 
such as potential for increased taxes and levies.

For more information on our efforts to 
address water challenges, see page 50.

72

COCA-COLA HBC

Viability 
statement

Business model and prospects 
Our business model and strategy, outlined 
on pages 6-9 of this report, documents the 
key factors that underpin the evaluation of 
our prospects. These factors include our: 

•  attractive geographic diversity; 
•  strong sales and execution capabilities; 
•  ability to innovate; 
•  market leadership; 
•  global brands; and 
•  diverse beverage portfolio.

As for many companies, the COVID-19 
pandemic continued to present a challenging 
environment for the Group. Despite 
significant changes to how consumers 
purchase and consume our products and 
the impact on our customers, our strong 
cash position and ability to innovate has 
shown the Group’s business to be robust. 
In 2021 we experienced a gradual recovery 
from the COVID-19 pandemic as restrictions 
on key channels lifted. There continues to be 
uncertainty associated with the risk of new 
variants and the ability of governments to 
manage the economic recovery. 

In the latter stages of 2021, tensions 
increased between the governments of 
Russia and Ukraine, which led to military 
conflict in early 2022. Economic sanctions 
were imposed on Russia by the US, UK and 
EU as well as many other countries, and 
counter sanctions by the Russian 
government in retaliation. On the 8th March 
2022, The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) 
announced that it is suspending its business 
in Russia. At the time of publication the 
Group is working closely with TCCC to 
implement this decision.

In addition, economic sanctions imposed 
on Russia have had a significant impact 
on foreign exchange rates for the Rouble 
and the price of a number of commodities 
such as oil – which affects PET prices, and 
aluminum. Countersanctions imposed by 
Russia may have an impact on our Russian 
operations as well as other countries in our 
territory. Although there remains a lot 
of uncertainty around how and when this 
conflict may be resolved, we have considered 
as best we can, the potential impact 
in our financial projections in a number 
of the scenarios.

The Board considers that there will be 
changes to our markets over the longer 
term but continues to believe that our 
diverse geographic footprint, including 
exposure to emerging markets that have 
low per capita consumption and therefore 
greater opportunity for growth, and a 
proven strategy in combination with our 
leading market position, offer significant 
opportunities for future growth. 

Our Board has historically applied and 
continues to apply a prudent approach to 
the Group’s decisions relating to major 
projects and investments. From 2017 to 
2021, we generated free cash flow of €467 
million per year on average.

Key assumptions of the business 
plan and related viability period
The Group maintains a well-established 
strategic business planning process 
which has formed the basis of the Board’s 
quantitative assessment of the Group’s 
viability, with the plan reflecting our current 
strategy over a rolling five-year period.

The financial projections in the plan are 
based on assumptions for the following: 

•  key macroeconomic data that could 
impact our consumers’ disposable 
income and consequently our sales 
volume and revenues; 

•  various scenarios relating to the ability 
of governments in some key markets 
to manage economic recovery from the 
impact of COVID‑19 pandemic; 
•  key raw material costs, including 

the impact of climate change on the 
availability and cost of water under two 
different climate scenarios (see also 
page 71 for more information on our 
quantitative assessment of the impact 
of climate change on water availability and 
cost. In addition to 2030 and 2040, we also 
included interim calculations to 2026 for 
the purpose of our viability assessment); 
and the impact of the Russia/Ukraine 
conflict on commodity costs;

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

73

Scenario 6: The impact of higher 
operational costs of water, as a result of 
the effects of climate change under two 
different climate scenarios, as well as the 
capital expenditure required to meet our 
water needs as well as the needs of local 
communities in water stressed areas. 
Principal risk: Water availability and usage. 

The above scenarios were tested both in 
isolation and in combination. The stress 
testing showed that due to the stable cash 
generation of our business, the Group would 
be able to withstand the impact of these 
scenarios occurring over the period of the 
financial forecasts. This could be conducted 
by making adjustments, if required, to our 
operating plans within the normal course 
of business, including but not limited to 
adjustments to our operations and temporary 
reductions in discretionary spending.

Following a thorough and robust 
assessment of the Group’s risks that 
could threaten our business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity, the 
Board has concluded that the Group is 
well positioned to effectively manage its 
financial, operational and strategic risks. 

Viability Statement 
Based on our assessment of the Group’s 
prospects, business model and viability as 
outlined above, the Directors can confirm 
that they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue operating 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 
five-year period ending 31 December 2026.

• 

loss of sales volume and revenues as 
a result of TCCC’s suspension of its 
operations for a period of time in Russia;

•  foreign currency rates; including the 

impact of extended economic sanctions 
against Russia and the impact on foreign 
exchange rates as a result of the Russia/ 
Ukraine conflict;

•  spending for production overhead and 

operating expenses; 

•  working capital levels; and 
•  capital expenditure.

The Board has assessed that a viability 
period of five years remains the most 
appropriate. This is due to its alignment 
with the Group’s strategic business planning 
cycle, consistency with the evaluated 
potential impacts of our principal risks as 
disclosed on pages 62-65 and our 
impairment review process, where goodwill 
and indefinite-lived intangible assets are 
tested based on our five-year forecasts. 

Assessment of viability 
Qualitatively, we analysed the output of our 
robust enterprise risk management and 
internal business planning and liquidity 
management processes, to ensure that the 
risks to the Group’s viability are understood 
and are being effectively managed. 

The acquisition and integration of Coca-
Cola Bottling Company of Egypt (‘CCBCE’) 
will occur during the period covered by the 
viability statement. Considering the due 
diligence and operational review process 
performed as well as the acquisition business 
case, no risks to the Group’s viability over 
the five-year period of this assessment have 
been identified as a result of the acquisition. 

The Board has concluded that the Group’s 
well-established processes across 
multiple streams continues to provide a 
comprehensive framework that effectively 
supports the operational and strategic 
objectives of the Group. It also provides a 
robust basis for assessment and confirmation 
of the Group’s ability to continue operations 
and meet its obligations as they fall due over 
the period of assessment. 

Supporting the qualitative assessment was 
a quantitative analysis performed as part of 
strategic business planning. This assessment 
included, but was not limited to, the Group’s 
ability to generate cash.

As part of our assessment, we considered 
the continuing impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic to the business and found this 
to be limited, considering the strong 
performance throughout the development 
of the pandemic across our territories and 
the re-opening of global economies 
along with the progress of vaccination 
programmes. However, we also considered 
the potential effect of further economic 
disruption due to market specifics and the 
impact from emergence of COVID-19 
variants, along with the Group’s proposed 
responses. We also considered to the extent 
possible, the potential impact of TCCC’s 
decision to suspend its operations in Russia 
for a period of time, as well as sanctions and 
counter sanctions as a result of the Russia/
Ukraine conflict.

We have continued to stress test the plan 
against several severe but plausible 
downside scenarios linked to certain 
principal risks as follows: 

Scenario 1: The impact of changes to 
foreign exchange rates was considered, 
particularly the depreciation of foreign 
currencies including the Russian Rouble, 
also considering effects from the Russia/
Ukraine conflict, and Nigerian Naira. Principal 
risks: foreign exchange fluctuations, 
commodity costs and geopolitical and 
security environment. 

Scenario 2: Lower estimates for sales 
volumes for various reasons including the 
ability of a range of stakeholders, including 
governments, in several of our key markets 
to manage economic recovery from 
COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential 
impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict. 
Principal risk: Geopolitical and 
security environment. 

Scenario 3: Lower estimates for sales 
revenue for various reasons including the 
longer term, changes brought on by 
COVID-19 pandemic on consumer demand 
and preferred channels. Principal risk: 
Changing retail environment. 

Scenario 4: Continued stakeholder focus 
on issues relating to sugar and packaging 
resulting in the potential for discriminatory 
taxation. Principal risks: Plastics and 
packaging waste and Product-related taxes 
and regulatory changes.

Scenario 5: The impact of higher raw 
material costs, was also considered. Principal 
risks: Foreign exchange fluctuations and 
Commodity costs.

74

COCA-COLA HBC

Financial review

Strong 
execution 
drives growth 
momentum 

“The business delivered 
a very strong recovery 
in 2021, with all key 
metrics above 
pre-pandemic levels.”

Strong recovery and momentum 
The business delivered a very strong 
recovery in 2021, with all key metrics above 
pre-pandemic levels. This is the result 
of consistent focus on our strategic 
priorities and disciplined execution in 
a volatile environment.

Performance highlights included:

•  FX-neutral revenue growth of 20.6% 

like-for-like1. Reported revenues +16.9%

•  Volume growth of 14.0% like-for-like, 

or 13.0% on a reported basis, propelled by 
the Emerging and Established segments
•  Revenue growth management initiatives, 
led by pricing drove FX-neutral revenue 
per case up to 5.8% 

•  Comparable EBIT grew by 23.6% with 

margins +60bps to 11.6%. Reported EBIT 
grew by 21.0% 

•  Operating costs as a percent of revenue 
improved by 2.2pp, driven by operating 
leverage, cost saves higher than plan; 
30 bps benefit from the Cyprus 
property sale

•  This improvement in EBIT and EBIT 

margins was achieved while increasing 
marketing expenditure by 63%, almost 
back to pre-pandemic levels

•  Consistent investment behind our 

strategic priorities is building growth 
momentum. We expanded the roll out 
of Costa Coffee and launched Caffè 
Vergnano in Q4. We announced our 
geographical expansion into Egypt with 
the acquisition of Coca‑Cola Bottling 
Company of Egypt, which closed in 
January 2022. And we announced our 
commitment to net zero emissions 
by 2040

•  Strong earnings growth, record high free 
cash flow and increased dividend pay-out 
target range to 40-50%

•  The balance sheet remains robust 

and flexible.

1.  Performance, unless stated otherwise, is negatively 

impacted by the change in classification of our Russian 
Juice business, Multon, from a joint operation to a joint 
venture, following its re-organisation in May 2020. 
Performance is also positively impacted by the 
acquisition of Bambi in June 2019, when compared 
to 2019. Unless stated otherwise, performance 
compared to 2019 is presented on a like-for-like basis.
2.  For details on APMs refer to ‘Alternative Performance 

Measures’ and ‘Definitions and reconciliations 
of APMs’ sections.

3.  Refer to the condensed consolidated income statement.
4.  Net Profit and comparable net profit refer to net profit 

and comparable net profit respectively after tax 
attributable to owners of the parent.

Income statement
Category growth and ongoing market share 
gains drove full year volume up 14.0% on a 
like-for-like basis, while reported volume was 
up 13.0%, still impacted by the reorganisation 
in the structure of our Russian Juice 
business (Multon).

FX-neutral revenue per case expanded 
by 5.8%, or 3.9% excluding pricing taken 
to pass on the Polish sugar tax. The strength 
of our brand portfolio was evident, with price 
taken in 95% of our markets, while market 
share expanded.

Category mix improved as we drove the 
Sparkling and Energy categories. Package 
mix was also accretive thanks to single-serve 
incidence in the at-home channel, and 
the reopening of out‑of‑home. The rapid 
Emerging segment volume growth resulted 
in negative country mix at consolidated 
Group level.

2021 FX-neutral revenue increased by 20.6% 
on a like-for-like basis.

Prioritisation of the growth opportunities 
across our 24/7 portfolio continues to drive 
performance and has created a stronger 
and more resilient mix of categories. 
We accelerated market share gains in 
non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages 
(NARTD) adding 90bps in value share in 
2021, while also improving or maintaining 
our Sparkling share position in the 
majority of markets. 

Reported revenues increased by 16.9%, 
which also reflects the negative impact 
of the change in accounting treatment 
of our Russian juice business (Multon) and 
the weakening of the Russian Rouble versus 
the Euro.

Comparable gross profit grew by 11.7% 
while gross profit margins declined by 170 
basis points to 36.2%. We saw headwinds 
from input cost inflation across all our 
key commodities of sugar, aluminium 
and PET resin in the second half of the 
year in particular.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

75

Key financial information 

Volume (million unit cases)
Net sales revenue (€ million)
Net sales revenue per unit case (€)
Currency-neutral net sales revenue2 (€ million) 
Currency-neutral net sales revenue per unit case2 (€)
Operating profit (EBIT)3 (€ million)
Comparable EBIT2 (€ million)
EBIT margin (%)
Comparable EBIT margin2 (%)
Net profit (€ million)
Comparable net profit2,4 (€ million)
Comparable basic earnings per share2,4 (€)

Percentage changes are calculated on precise numbers.

2021
2,412.7
7,168.4
2.97
7,168.4
2.97
799.3
831.0
11.2
11.6
547.2
578.1
1.584

2020 
2,135.6
6,131.8
2.87
5.994.9
2.81
660.7
672.3
10.8
11.0
414.9
431.4
1.185

% 
change
13.0
16.9
3.5
19.6
5.8
21.0
23.6
40bps
60bps
31.9
34.0
33.7

2021 
€ million

2020 
€ million

5,357.4
3,156.9
8,514.3

2,516.4
2,880.8
5,397.2

3,114.5
2.6
3,117.1
8,514.3

5,046.0
2,527.1
7,573.1

2,026.2
2,913.6
4,939.8

2,630.7
2.6
2,633.3
7,573.1

Comparable taxes amounted to €188.2 
million, representing a comparable tax rate 
of 24.5%, 420bps lower than the rate in 
the prior year as we lapped one‑off tax 
charges in 2020.

Net financing costs decreased to €67.6 
million, €2.5 million lower compared with 
the prior year.This led to a 34% increase 
of comparable net profit to €578.1 million. 

Balance sheet

Assets
Total non-current assets
Total current assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Total current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Equity
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total equity and liabilities

Figures are rounded.

FX- neutral raw material cost per case 
increased by 8.0%, while comparable COGS 
per case increased by 6.3% in the year. 
Comparable operating costs increased by 
only 7.5% or €125.4 million as we retained 
careful cost discipline throughout the year. 
We invested behind growth opportunities 
incresing marketing spend by 63% in the 
year. Balancing investment in revenue 
generating activities with cost savings 
elsewhere, resulted in a 2.2 percentage 
point improvement in comparable operating 
costs as a percent of revenue, which 
reached 25.1%.

Comparable EBIT increased by 23.6% 
to €831.0 million,taking comparable EBIT 
margins up 60 basis points year on year, to 
11.6%. This includes a 30-basis point benefit 
from the sale of a property in Cyprus in 
December. This divestment is part of our 
normal course of business of efficiently 
managing our fixed asset base. Nevertheless, 
we do not expect a disposal of this 
magnitude to repeat.

76

COCA-COLA HBC

Financial review continued

FX-neutral revenue growth 
year on year

19.6%

Comparable EBIT

€831m

Comparable EBIT margin 
growth year on year

+60bps

Balance sheet
The balance sheet strengthened further in 
2021, increasing the headroom to support 
investment in the business as well as the 
potential for future inorganic expansion.

Total non-current assets increased by 
€311.4 million, mainly driven by additions 
of property, plant and equipment, currency 
translation and the acquisition of a minority 
equity shareholding in Caffè Vergnano.

Net current assets rose by €139.6 million in 
2021 mainly as a result of higher investments 
in financial assets. Trade receivables and 
inventory also increased, only partially offset 
by lower cash and cash equivalents and higher 
trade payables. Total non-current liabilities 
decreased by €32.8 million in 2021, largely 
due to the reclassification of the current 
portion of loans payable to joint ventures 
from non-current to current liabilities.

Cash flow
Due to an improvement in operating profit 
and working capital, net cash from operating 
activities increased by 18.8% during the year.

Capital expenditure, net of receipts from 
the disposal of assets and including principal 
repayments of lease obligations, increased 
by 16.4% year-on-year. Investment focused 
on four key areas: Building additional 
production capacity in priority markets and 
categories; expanding the coverage of our 
coolers in the market, which are a key driver 
of improved single‑serve mix; accelerating 
investments in our digital agenda; and 
continued support of our sustainability 
commitments. 

Capital expenditure represented 7.5% of 
net sales revenue, at the upper end of our 
6.5%-7.5% target.

We generated €601.3 million of free cash flow 
in 2021, up 21.0% from the €497.0 million 
generated in 2020. This result reflects higher 
operating profitability, working capital 
improvements partially offset by higher 
capital expenditures.

Cash flow 

Borrowings
Our medium- to long-term aim is to maintain 
a ratio of net debt to comparable adjusted 
EBITDA in the range of 1.5 – 2.0 times. 
In 2021, we ended the year with a ratio of 
1.1 times. In January we completed the 
acquisition of Coca‑Cola Bottling Company 
of Egypt, taking our leverage to 1.6 times.

Our primary funding strategy in the debt 
capital markets involves raising financing 
through our wholly owned Dutch financing 
subsidiary, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V.

We use our €5 billion Euro Medium Term 
Note (EMTN) and our €1 billion Euro 
Commercial Paper (ECP) programmes 
as the main basis for financing.

We finished 2021 with an outstanding 
balance of €235 million on our Commercial 
Paper Programme. We did not issue any new 
notes under our Euro Medium Term Note 
programme. Our next bond maturity is not 
due until November 2024.

At the end of 2021, the Group had €2.6 
billion and €0.8 billion available under the 
EMTN and ECP programmes respectively 
and also €0.8 billion of an undrawn 
revolving credit facility (RCF). None of the 
aforementioned credit facilities carry any 
financial covenants which would restrict the 
Group’s access to capital.

Dividend
In view of the Group’s progressive dividend 
policy, the strength of its balance sheet 
and healthy liquidity position, the Board of 
Directors has proposed a dividend of €0.71 
per share. This is a 10.9% increase from 
the €0.64 per share for 2020. The dividend 
payment will be subject to shareholders’ 
approval at our Annual General Meeting. 
Furthermore, we have increased the 
target payout ratio to 40 to 50% from 
35 to 45% previously.

Cash flow from operating activities
Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment1
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
Principal repayments of lease obligations 
Free cash flow

2021 
€ million
1,142
(514)
36
(63)
601

2020 
€ million 
962
(419)
13
(59)
497

1.  Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment for 2021 include €7.1 million (2020: €nil) relating to 

repayment of borrowings undertaken to finance the purchase of production equipment by the Group’s subsidiary 
in Nigeria, classified as ‘Repayments of borrowings’ in the condensed consolidated cash flow statement.

Figures are rounded.

Following a devaluation early in 2021, 
the Nigerian Naira continued to weaken 
gradually. The market is still affected by 
lingering shortages of foreign currency in the 
local foreign exchange market. The Group 
continues to make use of risk management 
instruments offered in Nigeria, which 
compensate a part of the financial impact 
of the weakening Naira, albeit not assisting 
with the limited liquidity in hard currency.

Our general policy is to retain a minimum 
amount of liquidity reserves in the form 
of cash and cash equivalents on our balance 
sheet. During 2021, we invested our excess 
cash primarily in short-term time deposits 
and money-market funds.

Looking ahead
With the release of our full year 2021 
results announcement on 22nd February, 
Coca‑Cola HBC set guidance for the year 
in a wide range that considered geopolitical 
risks, as well as headwinds from commodities 
and currencies. However, in the days that 
followed this, the conflict in Ukraine developed 
further and faster than anticipated.

As of the publication of our integrated 
annual report, we believe that it is still too 
early to quantify the impact that the evolving 
geopolitical crisis and many governments’ 
developing reactions to it will have on our 
business or on our full year 2022 results. 
Given that we generated c. 20% of 2021 
volumes and EBIT from Russia and Ukraine, 
combined with the uncertainty of the 
duration and economic impact, we no longer 
believe that it is prudent to provide guidance 
for our group’s current financial year. 

Ben Almanzar
Chief Financial Officer

Economic value
HIgher profits combined with lower average 
net borrowings in 2021 resulted in a significant 
increase in return on invested capital (ROIC) 
from 11.1% in 2020 to 14.8% in 2021. 
Adjusted for the property sale in Cyprus, 
ROIC was 14.4%. 

At the same time, our weighted average 
cost of capital (WACC) increased from 7.8% 
in 2020 to 7.9% in 2021. We continued to 
grow the positive economic value generated 
by our operations.

Financial risk management
The gradual relaxation of COVID-19 – 
related mobility restrictions contributed 
to boost economic growth in many of the 
geographies where we operate. While this 
positively affected several currencies relevant 
to the Group, this strong recovery in demand, 
coupled with supply chain disruptions led to 
the rapid rise of commodity prices including 
oil, aluminium and sugar throught 2021. 

Effective financial risk management proved 
successful in mitigating a material part of 
input cost increases for 2021. At the same 
time by adding new risk managed commodity 
prices and countries, we enlarged our 
application of financial risk management 
and secured good entry points for future 
commodity exposures as well.

In terms of foreign exchange risk, the Group 
is exposed to exchange rate fluctuation of 
the Euro versus the US Dollar and the local 
currency of each country of our operations. 
Our risk management strategy involves 
hedging transactional exposures arising from 
currency fluctuations, with available financial 
instruments on a 12‑month rolling basis. 
As a matter of Group policy, translational 
exposures are not hedged.

Higher commdity prices,along with the 
strong Russian macroeconomic position 
and prompt tightening of monetary policy, 
supported the strong performance of the 
Russian Rouble until the fourth quarter 
of 2021. At that point, rising geopolitical 
tensions had a negative impact on the 
Rouble, which was mitigated by our active 
financial risk management strategy to a large 
extent in the year.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

77

Total tax by category in 2021 (%)

Corporate income tax
Withholding tax
Payroll taxes
VAT (cost)
Environmental taxes
Other taxes

49.3%
4.2%
37.9%
4.0%
0.2%
4.4%

Taxes we contribute to our 
communities
When considering tax, Coca-Cola 
HBC gives due consideration to the 
importance of earning community trust. 
More specifically, we commit to continue 
paying taxes in the countries where value 
is created and ensure that we are fully 
compliant with the spirit as well as the 
letter of tax laws and regulations across 
all jurisdictions we operate in. In addition, 
we commit to being open and transparent 
with tax authorities about the Group’s tax 
affairs and to disclose relevant information 
to enable tax authorities to carry out 
their reviews.

We support the communities in the 
countries where we operate directly, 
by creating economic wealth, and also 
indirectly, by paying taxes. These taxes 
include corporate income tax calculated 
on each country’s taxable profit, 
employer taxes and social security 
contributions, net VAT cost and other 
taxes that are reflected as operating 
expenses. Excise taxes and taxes borne 
by employees are not included.

2021 Borrowing structure (€ m)
€2,937m

Bonds issued
Commercial paper
Leases
Other

2,386m
235m
160m
156m

78

COCA-COLA HBC

Financial review continued

Segment highlights

Established markets
Established segment FX-neutral revenues grew by 13.9%, 
propelled by both volume and price/mix in 2021. The segment’s 
revenues closed only 2.1% below 2019 levels.

Italy, Greece and Ireland all grew volumes by double digits 
thanks to a very good performance from the out‑of‑home 
channel enabled by strong execution. There is room for further 
improvements as we look ahead, considering that volumes in 
the out‑of‑home channel still remain below 2019 in every market 
in the segment. Meanwhile, the at-home channel finished with 
volumes 5% above 2019.

EBIT grew by 44% while margins expanded 250 basis points, 
of which 90 basis points was due to the property sale in Cyprus. 
The rest is mainly due to positive operational leverage 
on revenue growth.

Developing markets
The Developing segment’s currency-neutral revenue increased 
by 18.0% with price/mix expanding 17.0%. FX-neutral revenues 
are now 5.7% above 2019 levels.

Performance was impacted by the Polish sugar tax. Without it, 
the segment’s price/mix growth was 5.8%, and volume 
growth was up 4.4%.

It should be noted that Poland’s volume decline was in line with 
our expectations given the magnitude of the price increases 
to offset discriminatory taxation. We are particularly pleased with 
performance of single-serve formats, low- and no-sugar variants 
as well as our market share gains. We expect Poland’s volumes 
to return to growth in 2022. 

EBIT grew by 4.3% with EBIT margin weighed down by the sugar tax.

Emerging markets
We saw sustained, strong momentum in the Emerging segment 
with like-for-like revenue up 27.1%. FX-neutral revenues are now 
24% above 2019 levels propelled by Russia, Nigeria and Ukraine 
as well as recovery in the rest of the segment.

Nigerian volumes grew by nearly 30%. Strong performance 
in Sparkling and Energy is driving very healthy category mix. 
Combining this with the pricing taken throughout the year, 
allowed high‑teens price/mix in Nigeria in 2021.

In Russia volume growth was 25% like for like. The category is 
benefiting from the healthy consumer demand. Our teams have 
harnessed these conditions, with strong activations in the 
premium part of the market. 

EBIT grew by 17.3% and Emerging remains our highest 
margin segment. 

Volume vs. 2020

9.9%

FX-neutral net 
sales revenue per 
case vs. 2020

3.7%

Volume vs. 2020

0.8%

FX-neutral net 
sales revenue per 
case vs. 2020

17.0%

Volume vs. 2020

18.6%

FX-neutral net 
sales revenue per 
case vs. 2020

5.3%

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

79

Volume (million unit cases)
Net sales revenue (€ million)
Operating profit (EBIT) (€ million)
Comparable EBIT (€ million)
Total taxes1 (€ million)
Population2 (million)
GDP per capita (US$)
Bottling plants (number)
Employees (number)
Water footprint (billion litres)
Carbon emissions (tonnes)
Safety rate (lost time accidents 
>1 day per 100 employees)

2021
590
2,479
286
301
131
94
44,414
15
6,251
3.751
65,577

2020 % change
9.9
537
14.0
2,175
40.5
203
43.9
209
17.4
111
–
94
12.4
39,552
–
15
(2.4)
6,407
0.2
3.744
(2.8)
67,450

0.44

0.55

(20.0)

Volume breakdown by country (%)

Italy
Greece
Austria
Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland
Switzerland
Cyprus

43%
18%
13%

13%
11%
2%

1.  Total taxes include corporate income tax, withholding tax and deferred tax, as well as social security costs and other taxes that are reflected as operating expenses; as per IFRS accounts.
2.  Population source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2021. 

Volume (million unit cases)
Net sales revenue (€ million)
Operating profit (EBIT) (€ million)
Comparable EBIT (€ million)
Total taxes1 (€ million)
Population2 (million)
GDP per capita (US$)
Bottling plants (number)
Employees (number)
Water footprint (billion litres)
Carbon emissions (tonnes)
Safety rate (lost time accidents 
>1 day per 100 employees)

2021
416
1,366
105
107
46
76
19,622
9
4,261
3.214
45,633

2020 % change
0.8
412
16.6
1,171
7.9
97
4.3
102
(27.6)
63
–
76
12.0
17,494
–
9
(7.0)
4,581
1.7
3.159
1.6
44,927

0.47

0.33

42.4

Volume breakdown by country (%)

Poland
Hungary
Czech Republic
Baltics
Croatia
Slovakia
Slovenia

43%
22%
12%
8%
7%
6%
2%

1.  Total taxes include corporate income tax, withholding tax and deferred tax, as well as social security costs and other taxes that are reflected as operating expenses; as per IFRS accounts.
2.  Population source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2021.

Volume (million unit cases)
Net sales revenue (€ million)
Operating profit (EBIT) (€ million)
Comparable EBIT (€ million)
Total taxes1 (€ million)
Population2 (million)
GDP per capita (US$)
Bottling plants (number)
Employees (number)
Water footprint (billion litres)
Carbon emissions (tonnes)
Safety rate (lost time accidents 
>1 day per 100 employees)

2021
1,407
3,324
409
424
189
453
6,334
32
16,700
10.721
314,582

2020 % change
18.6
19.3
13.5
17.3
12.2
1.1
11.0
–
(0.2)
23.9
(1.6)

1,187
2,786
360
361
169
448
5,705
32
16,734
8.654
319,544

0.14

0.11

27.3

Volume breakdown by country (%)

Nigeria
Russian Federation
Romania
Serbia and Montenegro
Ukraine
Bulgaria
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Armenia
Moldova

28%
27%
14%
10%
10%
4%
3%
2%
1%
1%

1.  Total taxes include corporate income tax, withholding tax and deferred tax, as well as social security costs and other taxes that are reflected as operating expenses; as per IFRS accounts.
2.  Population source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2021. Population includes N. Macedonia.

Figures are rounded. Percentage changes are calculated on precise numbers.

80

COCA-COLA HBC

Non‑financial reporting directive

Delivering 24/7 takes 
an integrated approach

This spread constitutes our 
non-financial information 
statement. The below provides 
page references mapping 
out how our report complies 
with relevant regulation on 
non-financial information.

This information 
is supplementary.

Our purpose

Policies and values

Effective oversight

Serving as our north star ambition 
to guide everything we do.

Underpinning our business and setting 
the direction for how we achieve 
our goals.

Our Board and senior management 
ensure we stay on course to achieve 
our vision.

The Executive Leadership Team 
pages 104-106

How our Board considers 
stakeholders in decision making 
pages 100-101 

Social Responsibility Committee 
pages 116-117

Our purpose pages 16-17

We are devoted to growing 
every customer and delighting 
every consumer 24/7 by 
nurturing passionate and 
empowered teams of people 
while enriching our communities 
and caring for the environment.

Values pages 16-17
•  Winning with customers
•  Nurturing our people
•  Excellence
Integrity
• 
•  Learning
•  Performing as one

Policies (see our website)
Environmental matters
•  Environmental policy
•  Climate Change policy
•  Packaging waste management policy
•  Sustainable Agricultural Guiding Principles
•  Water Stewardship policy
•  Biodiversity statement
Employees
•  Code of Business Conduct
•  Diversity and Inclusion policy
•  Occupational Health and Safety policy
•  Quality and Food Safety policy
Human rights
•  Human Rights policy
•  Supplier Guiding Principles
•  Slavery and Human Trafficking statement
Social matters
•  Health and Wellness policy
•  HIV/AIDS policy
•  Code of Business Conduct
•  Supplier Guiding Principles
•  GMO position statement
•  Community Contributions policy
•  Premium spirits Responsible 

Marketing policy

•  Public policy engagement
•  Quality and Food Safety policy
Anti‑bribery and Corruption
•  Code of Business Conduct
•  Anti-bribery policy and compliance 

handbook

•  Supplier Guiding Principles
•  Community contributions policy
Principal risk
•  Risk policy

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

81

EU taxonomy
The Taxonomy Regulation is a key 
component of the European Commission’s 
action plan to redirect capital flows towards 
a more sustainable economy. The EU 
Taxonomy, a classification system for 
sustainable activities in support of the 
EU’s Green Deal, has been introduced 
this year, covering as of now two of the 
six environmental objectives in the 
supplementing Delegated Acts: climate 
change mitigation and climate change 
adaptation. Under the EU Taxonomy, 

non-financial companies are to disclose 
which percentage of their turnover, CapEx, 
and OpEx meets its criteria.

As a company domiciled in Switzerland, 
CCHBC is not in scope of the EU Non- 
Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), 
thus we are not subject to reporting on 
the EU Taxonomy. However, we have 
been voluntarily complying with other 
requirements of the NFRD since 2018. 
An internal cross-functional team has been 
working to evaluate the Group’s activities 
with regards to the EU taxonomy.

For 2021, we have examined the 
taxonomy-eligible economic activities 
listed in the Delegated Acts and concluded 
that the primary economic activity of 
CCHBC – manufacturing of beverages 
and food products – is not included in 
the EU Taxonomy annexes and that no 
other taxonomy-eligible activities have 
been identified.

In 2022, we will remain alert to the 
evolving EU legislation around corporate 
sustainability disclosure requirements, 
and we will continue our work to maintain 
top-quality ESG reporting.

Positive influence

Executing our vision

Defining our success

Being conscious of stakeholders, risks, 
market changes and material issues, 
while responding through our business 
model in a positive way.

To fulfil our Growth Story 2025 we will 
execute on each of our five growth pillars, 
considering all stakeholder at every step 
of the journey.

Operating in a sustainable way to ensure 
our remuneration and sustainability 
commitments are interlinked.

Business model pages 8-9

Growth pillars pages 16-17

Remuneration report 
pages 118-140

1

2

3

4

5

Leverage our 
unique 24/7 portfolio

Win in the 
marketplace

Fuel growth through 
competitiveness 
and investment

Cultivate the potential 
of our people

Earn our licence 
to operate

Stakeholder engagement 
pages 10‑13

Market trends pages 14-15
•  Regulatory environment
•  Sustainability

Principal risks pages 62-65

Material issues page 56

GRI Content Index 
https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/
content/dam/cch/us/documents/
oar/Coca‑Cola‑HBC‑2021‑GRI‑
Content-Index.pdf.downloadasset.pdf

The CEO’s individual performance is 
measured in key strategic areas and taken 
into account for MIP. These strategic areas 
include the Company’s performance in 
ESG benchmarks. The Company received 
the highest scores in 8 of the 10 most 
recognized ESG benchmarks, DJSI, CDP, 
MSCI, ecoact, FTSE4GOOD, MSCI and 
Vigeo Eiris. The PSP contains metrics 
linked to a reduction in CO2 emissions. 
The CO2 emissions target in the PSP 
implicitly captures reduction in plastics, 
which was a key driver of its selection 
as a metric.
See pages 123, 134-135

CEO pay ratio
See page 137

Mission 2025 sustainability 
commitments pages 54-55
•  Emissions reduction
•  Water reduction and stewardship
•  World Without Waste
Ingredient sourcing
• 
•  Nutrition
•  Our people and communities

82

COCA-COLA HBC

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

83

Corporate 
Governance

Contents

Corporate Governance

Chairman’s introduction to corporate governance
Board of Directors
Corporate Governance Report

84
88
92
118 Directors’ Remuneration Report
141 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
142 2021 SASB Index

84

COCA-COLA HBC

Chairman’s introduction to corporate governance

Governing adaptation 
and change

Letter from the  
Chairman of the Board

Dear Shareholder
Our Corporate Governance Report for 2021 details 
our robust governance arrangements throughout the 
Group and the key activities and decisions undertaken 
by the Board during the year. Against the backdrop of 
continued disruption in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the Board has remained focused on our Growth Story 
2025 to support the long-term sustainable success 
of our business while also overseeing the Company’s 
expansion into Egypt and our commitment to achieving 
net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2040.

Managing and mitigating the effects 
of the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 saw further disruption from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic 
and, again, agility and adaptation were required across the Group to 
face a wealth of challenges. The Board’s key priority in this regard 
remained the safety of our people, customers, partners and 
communities. A number of measures continue to be in place to 
support the physical and mental wellbeing and health of our people 
as they work to maintain product supply and continue to serve our 
customers. We are developing programmes to ensure safe and 
productive workplaces for our people as we transition into a 
post-COVID working environment. 

We have also positioned the Company well to take advantage of 
new, emerging opportunities in the post-pandemic recovery period. 
In particular, we continue to invest in digital commerce channels 
where we are seeing revenue growth, boosted by shifting consumer 
habits amplified by the COVID‑19 pandemic, and the Board intends 
to continue to invest capital and management attention in this area. 

Coca‑Cola Bottling Company of Egypt 
In August 2021, we announced the acquisition of the Coca-Cola 
Bottling Company of Egypt S.A.E., a leading producer of non‑alcoholic 
ready‑to‑drink beverages in Egypt.The Board is excited by the 
considerable opportunities arising from access to the second largest 
non-alcoholic ready-to-drink market in Africa by volume and the 
expansion of our emerging markets footprint.

The Board was actively engaged in the acquisition process which 
is discussed in the Applied Governance section of this report 
on page 96.

Net zero emissions
Building on our long history of ambitious sustainability targets, in 
2021 the Board endorsed NetZeroby40, the Company’s commitment 
of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our entire 
value chain by 2040. 

Via an existing, approved science-based target, by 2030 the Company 
aims to reduce its value chain emissions in Scopes 1,2 and 3 by 25%. 
With our NetZeroby40 target, we have set our sights on a further 50% 
reduction in the following decade. To address the 90% of emissions 
in Scope 3 resulting from third party actions, we will broaden our 
existing partnership approach with suppliers. The detailed actions 
and initiatives required to achieve this ambition are reviewed by the 
Board’s Social Responsibility Committee. 

Celebrating our 70th year
70 years after our business was founded in Nigeria, in 1951, the 
Board is focused on ensuring the Company’s enduring success for 
the next 70 years. The Board’s priorities reflect our understanding 
of what is needed to ensure resilience while pursuing growth and 
expansion. Our ownership structure, featuring stable long-term 
shareholders, and our long-lasting core values help us make decisions 
and investments with long-term success in mind which represent 
the same well-rooted values.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

85

Board evaluation 
In line with our commitment to adhere to best corporate governance 
practices, an externally facilitated Board effectiveness evaluation 
was conducted in the second half of 2021. We will do this once 
again in 2022 to build upon the learnings of the 2021 evaluation. 
Key outcomes from the Board effectiveness evaluation conducted 
in 2021 included on page 102. Further details are disclosed in the 
Nomination Committee report on page 114. 

Board composition and diversity
The composition and size of the Board continues to be kept under 
review. We believe that our Board is well‑balanced and diverse, 
with the right mix of international skills, experience, background, 
independence and knowledge in order to discharge its duties and 
responsibilities effectively. 

We continue to attach great importance to all aspects of diversity 
in our nomination processes at Board and senior management 
levels, while appointing candidates with the credentials that are 
necessary for the continuing growth of our operations within our 
highly specialised industry. We believe that having a diverse Board 
fosters both innovation and resilience and are proud of our track 
record of female representation. As of the date of this report, female 
Directors comprise more than 30% of our Board.

Bruno Pietracci and Henrique Braun were elected to the Board at the 
2021 Annual General Meeting as new non-Executive Directors and 
José Octavio Reyes and Alfredo Rivera both retired from the Board 
with effect from the close of that meeting. The skills and expertise 
each member brings to our Board can be found on pages 88 to 90.

Anastassis G. David
Chairman of the Board

Importance of good governance
As a Board, we aimed to ensure the highest standards of corporate 
governance at the same time that we committed to doing the right 
thing in 2021, putting safety first as COVID-19 restrictions continued 
to impact our people, customers and communities. Our aim is 
to always ensure the highest standards of corporate governance, 
accountability and risk management. Our internal policies and 
procedures, which have been consistently effective since the Group 
was formed, are properly documented and communicated against the 
framework applicable to companies with a premium listing in the UK.

The Board and its committees conducted an annual review of the 
effectiveness of our risk management system and internal controls, 
further details of which are set out in the Audit and Risk Committee 
report on page 112. The Board confirms that it has concluded that 
our risk management and internal control systems are effective.

We are subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018. It sets 
out the principles of good practice in relation to: Board leadership 
and company purpose; division of responsibilities; composition, 
success and evaluation; audit, risk and internal controls; and 
remuneration. Further information on how we have applied the 
principles and complied with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 for the year ended 31 December 2021 can 
be found in this report on page 86.

Board meetings normally take place in Zug, Switzerland, but also 
in selected markets across our territories. As was the case in 2020, 
certain of these meetings continued to be held online in 2021 due to 
travel restrictions and safety concerns but the Board also met live in 
the second half of the year when COVID-19 related travel restrictions 
were lifted. The Board and its committees were therefore able to 
meet as often as planned. 

Culture and values
The long-term success of our business remains connected to the 
success of our customers and partners, and our ability to delight 
consumers with the beverages and brands that they love. We were 
able to accomplish this due to our well-embedded, values-based 
culture. The Board plays a critical role in shaping the culture of the 
Company by promoting growth-focused and values-based conduct 
and ensuring increased focus on continued learning and the smart 
risk taking necessary for the Company’s adaptation.

We monitor our progress in integrating our values through various 
indicators, including our employee engagement index, diversity 
indicators, and health and safety indicators, and our Directors lead 
by example as ambassadors of our values, cascading good behaviour 
throughout the organisation. 

As pandemic-related disruptions continued across our territory, 
we maintained a stepped‑up level of engagement with our people 
to ensure we understood their needs and challenges. Two all‑
employee pulse surveys and one Culture and Engagement survey 
were conducted in 2021. While Charlotte Boyle is our designated 
non-Executive Director responsible for engaging with our people to 
provide feedback to the Board, feedback from our people through 
these surveys was brought to the full Board’s attention in 2021 
to facilitate understanding the concerns raised and ensure 
rapid response.

86

COCA-COLA HBC

The UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018

As a Swiss corporation listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) 
with a secondary listing on the Athens Exchange, we aim to ensure 
that our corporate governance systems remain in line with 
international best practices. Our corporate governance standards 
and procedures are continuously reviewed in light of current 
developments and rulemaking processes in the UK, Switzerland 
and also the EU. Further details are available on our website. 

In respect of the year ended 31 December 2021, the Company 
was subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (a copy 
is available at www.frc.org.uk).

Our Board confirms that the Company applied the principles and 
complied with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
throughout the financial year ended December 2021, except for 
the following provisions: (1) The Chairman was not independent on 
appointment (provision 9) and has been a Board member for more 
than nine years (provision 19), and a full explanation for this departure 
is provided on pages 87 and 93. On appointment the Board 
unanimously supported Anastassis David’s appointment as Chairman.

The Board regularly reviews Anastassis David’s position and 
considers that he continues to effectively lead the Board, that his 
deep knowledge of the Coca-Cola System position is invaluable 
and as such it remains appropriate for him to continue in his role as 
Chairman. (2) Provision 38 requires alignment of Executive Director 
pension contributions with the wider workforce. Our difficulties in 
compliance with this provision due to existing contractual obligations 
were outlined in the Annual Report published in 2021 and are 
explained on page 123 of the Directors’ Remuneration Report. 
On the appointment of any new Executive Director, we intend that 
their pension contributions will be aligned with the pension scheme 
for the wider workforce. 

Pursuant to our obligations under the Listing Rules, we apply the 
principles and comply with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code or explain any instances of non-compliance in 
our Annual Report. The Company has applied the principles as far 
as possible and in accordance with and as permitted by Swiss law. 
Further information on appointment of Directors and compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code can be found as follows:

Section 1: Board leadership and company purpose

See page

Section 3: Composition, succession and evaluation

See page

A.  Effective and entrepreneurial board to promote 

the long‑term sustainable success of the company, 
generating value for shareholders and contributing 
to wider society

B.  Purpose, values and strategy with alignment to culture
C.  Resources for the company to meet its objectives 

and measure performance. Controls framework for 
management and assessment of risks

D.  Effective engagement with shareholders and stakeholders
E.  Consistency of workforce policies and practices 
to support long‑term sustainable success

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Chairman’s letter

Strategic report

Board engagement with key stakeholders

Shareholder engagement

Audit and Risk Committee report

Conflicts of interest

Section 2: Division of responsibilities

F.  Leadership of board by chair 
G.  Board composition and responsibilities
H.  Role of non-Executive Directors
I.  Company secretary, policies, processes, information, 

time and resources

Board composition

Key roles and responsibilities

• 

• 

•  General qualifications required of all Directors

• 

• 

Information and training

Board appointments and succession planning

2-3

2-79

91-100

100

108-113

103

See page

92-94

94-95

91

102

102 

J.  Board appointments and succession plans for board 
and senior management and promotion of diversity

K.  Skills, experience and knowledge of board and length 

of service of board as a whole

L.  Annual evaluation of board and directors and 

demonstration of whether each director continues 
to contribute effectively

• 

Board composition

•  Diversity, tenure and experience

92-94

91

• 

Board, committee and Director performance evaluation

102

•  Nomination Committee report

Section 4: Audit, risk and internal controls

114-115

See page

M. 

Independence and effectiveness of internal and external 
audit functions and integrity of financial and narrative 
statements

N.  Fair, balanced and understandable assessment 
of the company’s position and prospects

O.  Risk management and internal control framework 

and principal risks company is willing to take to achieve 
its long‑term objectives

• 

• 

• 

Audit and Risk Committee report 

Strategic Report

Fair, balanced and understandable Annual Report

•  Going concern basis of accounting

• 

Viability statement

Section 5: Remuneration

108-113

2-79

110, 113, 
141

111,141

72

See page

P.  Remuneration policies and practices to support strategy 

and promote long-term sustainable success with executive 
remuneration aligned to company purpose and values

Q.  Procedure for executive, director and senior 

management remuneration

R.  Authorisation of remuneration outcomes

• 

Remuneration Committee report 

118-140

Certain differences between the Company’s 
corporate governance practices and the UK 
Corporate Governance Code
The Swiss Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed 
Companies further limits the authority of the Remuneration 
Committee and the Board to determine compensation. The effective 
limitations include requiring that the Annual General Meeting approve 
the maximum total compensation of each member of the Board and 
the Executive Leadership Team, requiring that certain compensation 
elements be authorised in the Articles of Association and prohibiting 
certain forms of compensation, such as severance payments and 
financial or monetary incentives for the acquisition or disposal 
of firms. We are in compliance with the requirements of the Swiss 
Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed Companies 
and have amended our Articles of Association to that effect.

Anastassis G. David was originally appointed as non-Executive 
Director in 2006 at the request of Kar‑Tess Holding and was not, 
at the time of his appointment as Chairman, in 2016, independent 
as defined by the UK Corporate Governance Code. In view of 
Anastassis David’s strong identification with the Company and its 
shareholder interests, combined with his deep knowledge and 
experience of the Coca‑Cola System, the Board deemed it to be 
in the best interests of the Group and its shareholders for him to be 
appointed as Chairman, to continue to promote an effective and 
appropriately balanced leadership of the Group. In accordance with 
the established policy of appointing all Directors for one year at 
a time, the Board intends to continue to keep all positions under 
regular review and subject to annual election by shareholders at 
the Annual General Meeting. The Board is cognisant of the length 
of tenure of the Chairman and when he was first appointed to the 
Board. However, the Board continues to believe that the proven 
leadership of our Chairman in combination with his deep knowledge 
of the Coca-Cola System position him as unique to steer the Group 
at the current time.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

87

Application of governance codes

Other corporate governance codes
There is no mandatory corporate governance code under Swiss 
law applicable to the Company. The main source of law for Swiss 
governance rules is the company law contained in article 620 ff. 
of the Swiss Code of Obligations, as well as the Ordinance against 
Excessive Compensation in Listed Companies.

In addition, the UK’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the ‘City 
Code’) does not apply to the Company by operation of law, as the 
Company is not incorporated under English law. The Articles of 
Association include specific provisions designed to prevent any 
person acquiring shares carrying 30% or more of the voting rights 
(taken together with any interest in shares held or acquired by the 
acquirer or persons acting in concert with the acquirer) except if 
(subject to certain exceptions) such acquisition would not have been 
prohibited by the City Code or if such acquisition is made through 
an offer conducted in accordance with the City Code. For further 
details, please refer to the Company’s Articles of Association, which 
are available on our website.

Amending the Articles of Association
The Articles of Association may only be amended by a resolution 
of the shareholders passed by a majority of at least two‑thirds of the 
voting rights represented and an absolute majority of the nominal 
value of the shares represented.

Share capital structure
The Company has ordinary shares in issue with a nominal value 
of CHF 6.7 each. Rights attaching to each share are identical and 
each share carries one vote. The Company’s Articles of Association 
also allow, subject to shareholder approval, for the conversion 
of registered shares into bearer shares and bearer shares into 
registered shares. Details of the movement in ordinary share capital 
during the year can be found on page 204. There are no persons 
holding shares that carry special rights with regard to the control 
of the Company.

Powers of Directors to issue and buy back shares
Subject to the provisions of the relevant laws and the Articles 
of Association, the Board acting collectively has the ultimate 
responsibility for running the Company and the supervision and 
control of its executive management. The Directors may take 
decisions on all matters which are not expressly reserved to the 
shareholders or by the Articles of Association. Pursuant to the 
provisions of the Articles of Association, the Directors require 
shareholder authority to issue and repurchase shares. At the Annual 
General Meeting on 22 June 2021, the shareholders authorised 
the Directors to repurchase ordinary shares of CHF 6.70 each in 
the capital of the Company up to a maximum aggregate number 
of 10,000,000 representing less than 10% of the Company’s issued 
share capital as of 12 May 2021. The authority will expire at the 
conclusion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting on 21 June 2022 
or at midnight on 30 June 2022, whichever is earlier. Total shares 
held in treasury are 5,894,583 of which 2,464,448 shares are held 
by Coca‑Cola HBC AG and 3,430,135 shares are held by its subsidiary, 
Coca‑Cola HBC Services MEPE.

88

COCA-COLA HBC

Board of Directors

3

1

4

2

5

1. Anastassis G. David
Non-Executive Chairman

Appointed: January 2016. He joined the Board 
of Coca‑Cola HBC as a non‑Executive Director 
in 2006 and was appointed Vice Chairman in 2014.

Skills, experience and contribution: Anastassis 
brings to his role more than 20 years’ experience 
as an investor and non-executive director in the 
beverage industry. Anastassis is also a former 
Chairman of Navios Corporation. He holds a BA 
in History from Tufts University.

External appointments: Anastassis is active 
in the international community. He serves as 
Vice Chairman of Aegean Airlines S.A., Vice 
Chairman of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and 
Chairman of the Board of Sea Trade Holdings Inc, 
a shipowning company of dry cargo vessels. He is 
also a member of the Board of Trustees of College 
Year in Athens.

Nationality: British

2. Zoran Bogdanovic
Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director

Appointed: June 2018.
Skills, experience and contribution: Zoran 
was previously the Company’s Region Director 
responsible for operations in 12 countries and has 
been a member of the Executive Leadership Team 
since 2013. He joined the Company in 1996 and 
has held a number of senior leadership positions, 
including as General Manager of the Company’s 
operations in Croatia, Switzerland and Greece. 
Zoran has a track record of delivering results across 
our territories and demonstrating the values that 
are the foundation of our Company culture.

External appointments: None
Nationality: Croatian

3. Charlotte J. Boyle 
Independent non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2017.
Skills, experience and contribution: After 14 
years with The Zygos Partnership, an international 
executive search and board advisory firm, 
including nine years as a partner, she retired from 
her position in July 2017. Prior to that, Charlotte 
worked at Goldman Sachs International and at 
Egon Zehnder International, an international 
executive search and management assessment 
firm. Charlotte obtained an MBA from the London 
Business School and an MA from Oxford University 
and was a Bahrain British Foundation Scholar.

External appointments: Charlotte serves 
as Chair of UK for UNHCR, an independent non‑ 
executive director and chair of the Environment, 
Sustainability and Community Committee of 
Capco plc, a non-executive director of Thatchers 
Cider Company Ltd, a non-executive adviser to 
the Group Executive Board of Knight Frank LLP and 
as a Trustee and chair of the finance committee 
of Alfanar, the venture philanthropy organisation.

Nationality: British

4. Henrique Braun
Non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2021.
Skills, experience and contribution: Henrique 
has vast experience in corporate functions as well 
as regional and business unit operations in The 
Coca‑Cola Company. He joined The Coca‑Cola 
Company in 1996 in Atlanta and progressed 
through increasing responsibilities in North 
America, Europe and Latin America. His career 
responsibilities have included supply chain, new 
business development, marketing, innovation, 
general management and bottling operations. 
From 2016 to 2020, Henrique served as the 
President of the Brazil business unit and from 2013 
to 2016, he was the President for Greater China 
and Korea. His other roles in The Coca‑Cola 
Company in the past include Vice President of 
Innovation and Operations in Brazil and Director 
for Still Beverages (non‑carbonated beverages) in 
Europe. He first joined the Coca‑Cola Company as 
a trainee in Global Engineering in the US. Henrique 
holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural 

engineering from the University Federal of Rio 
de Janeiro, a master’s in industrial engineering 
from Michigan State University and an MBA from 
Georgia State University. 

External appointments: Henrique currently 
serves as President of Latin America Operating 
Unit for The Coca-Cola Company, a role he has 
held since 2020.

Nationality: American and Brazilian

5. Olusola (Sola) David-Borha 
Independent non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2015.
Skills, experience and contribution: Sola has 
more than 30 years’ experience in financial 
services and held several senior roles within the 
Stanbic Group, including the position of Chief 
Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank from May 2011 to 
November 2012. She also served as Deputy Chief 
Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank and Head 
of Investment Banking Coverage Africa (excluding 
South Africa). Stanbic IBTC Holdings is listed 
on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and is a member 
of Standard Bank Group. Between January 2017 
and March 2021, Sola has been the Chief Executive 
of the Africa Regions (excluding South Africa) 
for Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank 
by assets with operations in 20 countries across 
the continent.

Sola holds a first degree in Economics and 
obtained an MBA degree from Manchester 
Business School. Her executive education 
experience includes the Advanced Management 
Programme of the Harvard Business School 
and the Global CEO Programme of CEIBS, 
Wharton and IESE.

External appointments: Sola serves as 
non-executive director on the boards of Stanbic 
IBTC Holdings Plc and Stanbic Uganda Holdings 
Limited, listed entities that are members of the 
Standard Bank Group. Finally, Sola was appointed 
Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, a non‑listed 
subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc in 
October 2021.

Nationality: Nigerian

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

89

8

6

9

7

10

6. Anna Diamantopoulou 
Independent non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2020.
Skills, experience and contribution: Anna, 
as a former European Commissioner, brings to 
the Group a unique expertise on matters of 
employment and equal opportunity together with 
deep knowledge of the European CSR agenda. 
Anna was an elected Member of the Greek 
Parliament for over a decade, during which time 
she served as Deputy Minister for Industries, 
Minister of Education, Lifelong Learning and 
Religious Affairs and Minister of Development, 
Competitiveness and Shipping of the Hellenic 
Republic. From 1999 to 2004, Anna served as 
a member of the European Commission in charge 
of Employment, Social Affairs and Equal 
Opportunities.

External appointments: Founder and President 
of DIKTIO-Network for Reform in Greece and 
Europe, a leading Athens-based independent, 
non-partisan policy institute. A Council Member 
of the European Council on Foreign Relations, 
an Advisory Board Member of Delphi Economic 
Forum and a member of the Honorary Board 
of the Bussola Institute, a foundation aiming to 
strengthen cooperation between the EU and the 
GCC. Finally, Anna is the Chair of the European 
Commission’s High Level Group on the future of 
social protection and the welfare state in the EU.

Nationality: Greek

7. William W. (Bill) Douglas III 
Independent non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2016.
Skills, experience and contribution: Bill is a 
former Vice President of Coca-Cola Enterprises, 
a position in which he served from July 2004 until 
his retirement in June 2016. From 2000 until 2004, 
Bill served as Chief Financial Officer of Coca‑Cola 
HBC. Bill has held various positions within the 
Coca-Cola System since 1985, including positions 
with responsibility for the IT function. Before 
joining the Coca‑Cola System, Bill was associated 
with Ernst & Whinney, an international accounting 
firm. He received his undergraduate degree 
from the J.M. Tull School of Accounting at the 
University of Georgia.

External appointments: Bill is the Lead Director 
and Chairman of the Audit Committee of SiteOne 
Landscape Supply, Inc. He is also a member 
of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit 
Committee for The North Highland company. 
He also serves on the Board and is a past Chair 
of the University of Georgia Trustees.

Nationality: American

8. Reto Francioni 
Senior Independent non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2016.
Skills, experience and contribution: Reto has 
been Professor of Applied Capital Markets Theory 
at the University of Basel since 2006 and is the 
author of several highly respected books on capital 
market issues. From 2005 until 2015, Reto was 
Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Börse AG and 
from 2002 until 2005, he served as Chairman of 
the Supervisory Board and President of the SWX 
Group, which owns the Swiss Stock Exchange and 
has holdings in other exchanges. Between 2000 
and 2002, Reto was Co-Chief Executive Officer 
and Spokesman for the Board of Directors of 
Consors AG. Between 1993 and 2000, he held 
various management positions at Deutsche Börse 
AG, including that of Deputy Chief Executive 
Officer. He earned his Doctorate of Law at the 
University of Zurich.

External appointments: Reto serves as Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board of UBS Europe SE and 
also as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
of Swiss International Airlines. Reto is also a Vice 
Chairman at the Board of Directors of Medtech 
Innovation Partners AG, Basel.

Nationality: Swiss

9. Anastasios I. Leventis 
Non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2014.
Skills, experience and contribution: Anastasios 
began his career as a banking analyst at Credit 
Suisse and then American Express Bank. He has 
previously served on the boards of the Cyprus 
Development Bank and Papoutsanis SA. He holds 
a BA in Classics from the University of Exeter and 
an MBA from New York University’s Leonard Stern 
School of Business.

External appointments: Anastasios is a board 
member of A.G. Leventis (Nigeria) Ltd. He is also 
a director of Alpheus Administration, a private 
company that administers assets for private clients 
and charitable foundations. In addition, he serves 
as a trustee of the A.G. Leventis Foundation, 
a member of the Board of Overseers of the 
Gennadius Library in Athens and a member of the 
Campaign board of the University of Exeter. He is 
a co‑founder of the Cyclades Preservation Fund.

Nationality: British

10. Christo Leventis
Non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2014.
Skills, experience and contribution: Christo 
worked as an Investment Analyst with Credit Suisse 
Asset Management from 1994 to 1999. In 2001, 
he joined J.P. Morgan Securities as an Equity 
Research Analyst focusing on European beverage 
companies. From 2003 until March 2014, Christo 
was a member of the Board of Directors of 
Frigoglass S.A.I.C., a leading global manufacturer 
of commercial refrigeration products for the 
beverage industry. Christo holds a BA in Classics 
from University College London and an MBA from 
the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago.

External appointments: Christo is the Chairman 
of Alpheus Capital, a single-family private equity 
investment office.

Nationality: British

90

COCA-COLA HBC

Board of Directors continued

11

12

13

11. Alexandra Papalexopoulou 
Independent non-Executive Director

12. Bruno Pietracci 
Non-Executive Director

13. Ryan Rudolph
Non-Executive Director

Appointed: June 2015.
Skills, experience and contribution: Alexandra 
worked previously for the OECD and the 
consultancy firm Booz, Allen & Hamilton, in Paris. 
From 2003 until February 2015, she served as a 
member of the board of directors of Frigoglass 
S.A.I.C. From 2010 to 2015, she served as a 
member of the board of directors of National Bank 
of Greece and from 2007 to 2009, she served as 
a member of the board of directors of Emporiki 
Bank. Alexandra holds a BA in Economics and 
Mathematics from Swarthmore College in the US 
and an MBA from INSEAD in France.

External appointments: Alexandra is the Strategic 
Planning Director at Titan Cement Company S.A., 
where she has been employed since 1992 and 
has served as Executive Director since 1995. 
Alexandra is treasurer and a member of the 
board of directors of the Paul and Alexandra 
Canellopoulos Foundation, a member of the board 
of directors of the INSEAD business school and a 
member of the board of trustees of the American 
College of Greece.

Nationality: Greek

Appointed: June 2021.
Skills, experience and contribution: Bruno has 
a more than 20‑year track record of transforming 
businesses, people and communities and brings 
experience and knowledge of the Coca-Cola 
system, having held a number of roles at The 
Coca-Cola Company since 2008. From 2018 
to 2020, he was President of The Coca‑Cola 
Company’s Southern and East Africa Business 
Unit and from 2016 to 2018, he served as the 
Vice-President of Operations in Europe, Middle 
East and Africa. Prior to that, he was the General 
Manager for Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador 
(from 2014 to 2016) and General Manager of FU 
Center in Brazil (from 2012 to 2014). From 2010 
to 2012, he was the General Manager of FU South 
in Brazil. Bruno joined The Coca‑Cola Company 
in 2008 as Vice‑President of Strategy, Insights 
and Innovation in Brazil. Prior to that he worked 
at McKinsey & Company in Brazil and Portugal 
from 1997 to 2008, working in marketing and 
sales with consumer‑packaged goods and 
telecommunications clients. He has served on the 
board of Coca‑Cola Beverages Africa since 2017 
and has also served on the boards of Toni Corp 
in Ecuador (2016) and Matte Leão in Brazil (2009). 
In 2016, he was the Chairman of Corporación 
Juego y Niñez in Colombia. Bruno holds a 
bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from 
the Universidade Estadual de Campinas in Brazil 
and an MBA from INSEAD in France.

External appointments: Bruno currently serves 
as President of the Africa Operating Unit for 
The Cola‑Cola Company, a role which he has 
held since 2020.

Nationality: Brazilian and Italian

Appointed: June 2016.
Skills, experience and contribution: From 2006 
until 2019, Ryan was an attorney and partner at 
the law firm Oesch & Rudolph. From 1993 until 
2006, he worked as an attorney at the business 
law firm Lenz & Staehelin in Zurich. Prior to that, 
he worked as a public relations consultant at the 
public relations agency Huber & Partner in Zurich, 
as marketing assistant and subsequently as 
manager at Winterthur Life Insurance as well as 
part-time with D&S, the Institute for Marketing 
and Communications Research in Zurich. Ryan 
obtained an LLM from the University of Zurich 
and is admitted to the Zurich bar. Ryan also 
studied at the Faculté des Lettres of the University 
of Geneva, as well as the Ecole Polytechnique 
in Lausanne.

External appointments: Ryan is an attorney 
and partner at the Zurich‑based law firm RCS 
Trust & Legal AG. In addition, he serves as a 
member of the Foundation Board of the A.G. 
Leventis Foundation and as a member of the 
board of various privately‑held companies and 
charitable foundations.

Nationality: Swiss

Board committees

Audit and Risk Committee page 108

Nomination Committee page 114

Social Responsibility Committee page 116

Remuneration Committee page 118

Committee Chair

Diversity, tenure and experience of the Board

Board gender diversity

Board tenure

Board age profile

Board nationality profile

Board experience

0-1 years

1-2 years

3-4 years

4-5 years

5-6 years

6-7 years 

7-8 years

14-15 years

2

1

1

1

3

2

2

1

40 to 49 years old

50 to 59 years old

60 to 69 years old

3

5

5

American

American/Brazilian

Brazilian/Italian

70 years old or more  0

British

Croatian

Greek

Nigerian

Swiss 

1

1

1

4

1

2

1

2

Finance, investments 
and accounting

International exposure

FMCG knowledge/ 
experience

Risk oversight 
and management

Sustainability and 
community engagement

Corporate governance

12

13

6

12

8

7

Men
Women

9
4

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

91

General qualifications required 
of all Directors
Coca‑Cola HBC’s Board Nomination Policy requires that each 
Director is recognised as a person of the highest integrity and 
standing, both personally and professionally. Each Director must be 
ready to devote the time necessary to fulfil his or her responsibilities 
to the Company according to the terms and conditions of his or her 

letter of appointment. Each Director should have demonstrable 
experience, skills and knowledge which enhance Board effectiveness 
and will complement those of the other members of the Board to 
ensure an overall balance of experience, skills and knowledge on the 
Board. In addition, each Director must demonstrate familiarity with 
and respect for good corporate governance practices, sustainability 
and responsible approaches to social issues.

Business characteristics

Qualifications, skills and experience

Directors

Our business is extensive and involves complex financial 
transactions in the various jurisdictions where we operate

Experience in finance, investments 
and accounting

Our business is truly international with operations 
in 29 countries, at different stages of development, 
on three continents

Our business involves the preparation, packaging, 
sale and distribution of the world’s leading non‑alcoholic 
beverage brands

Our Board’s responsibilities include the understanding and 
oversight of the key risks we are facing, establishing our risk 
appetite and ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures 
are in place to effectively manage and mitigate risks

Broad international exposure, and emerging 
and developing markets experience

Extensive knowledge of our business and the 
fast-moving consumer goods industry, as well 
as experience with manufacturing, route-to-
market and customer relationships

Risk oversight and management expertise

Building community trust through the responsible and 
sustainable management of our business is an indispensable 
part of our culture

Expertise in sustainable sourcing and 
packaging, CO2 emissions and experience 
in wider stakeholder engagement

Our business involves compliance with many different 
regulatory and corporate governance requirements across 
a number of countries, as well as relationships with national 
governments and local authorities

Environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) are 
prominent in our business, in particular workforce matters, 
environmental and climate change issues and supply 
chain sustainability

Expertise in corporate governance and/or 
government relations

Expertise in ESG matters and sustainable 
and responsible business practices

12

13

6

12

8

7

Environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) 
skills and experience
As evidenced by our commitment to achieve net zero emissions 
by 2040, which was announced in October 2021, the Company’s 
approach to managing our environmental impact is ambitious. 
In support of this ambition, which builds on our long history 
of sustainability management, the Board approved a robust plan 
in 2021 in order to achieve its targets by 2040.

As part of this effort, the Social Responsibility Committee proposed 
and the Board approved science‑based targets for the Company to 
reduce its value chain emissions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. Anna 
Diamantopoulou’s familiarity with the social protection and welfare 
state at the EU Commission High‑Level Group, in addition with the 
expertise of a number of our Board members, that sit at the Boards 
of other multi-nationals that face similar challenges and have similar 
concerns on the ESG agenda, helped us identifying the commitments 
that we want to make in the area and set the relevant targets,

92

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report

Director
Anastassis G. David4
Zoran Bogdanovic
Charlotte J. Boyle
Henrique Braun1
Anna Diamantopoulou
Olusola (Sola) David-Borha
William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Reto Francioni
Anastasios I. Leventis
Christo Leventis
Alexandra Papalexopoulou
Bruno Pietracci1
José Octavio Reyes2
Alfredo Rivera3
Ryan Rudolph

Appointed
January 2016
June 2018
June 2017
June 2021
June 2020
June 2015
June 2016
June 2016
June 2014
June 2014
June 2015
June 2021
June 2014
June 2019
June 2016

Board
Attended/
Total meetings
7/7
7/7
7/7
4/4
7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7
4/4
3/3
3/3
7/7

Audit and Risk
Attended/
Total meetings

Remuneration
Attended/
Total meetings

Nomination
Attended/
Total meetings

Social Responsibility
Attended/
Total meetings

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

8/8
8/8

8/8

4/4

4/4

3/3
1/1

1.  Henrique Braun and Bruno Pietracci were appointed to the Board at the Annual General Meeting on 22 June 2021.
2.  José Octavio Reyes retired from the Board and from the Social Responsibility Committee at the Annual General Meeting on 22 June 2021.
3.  Alfredo Rivera retired from the Board at the Annual General Meeting on 22 June 2021.
4.  Anastassis David was appointed as Chairman in 2016 having been appointed to the Board in 2006.

Board composition

Membership of the Board
On 31 December 2021, our Board comprised 13 Directors: the 
Chairman, one Senior Independent Director, 10 non-Executive 
Directors and one Executive Director. The biographies of each 
member of the Board are set out on pages 88 to 90.

The non-Executive Directors, of whom six (representing half of the 
members of the Board, excluding the Chairman) are determined 
by the Board to be independent, are experienced individuals from a 
range of backgrounds, countries and industries. The composition 
of the Board complies with the UK Corporate Governance Code’s 
recommendation that at least half of the Board, excluding the 
Chairman, comprise independent Directors. At the Annual General 
Meeting held on 22 June 2021, Henrique Braun and Bruno Pietracci 
were appointed as non‑Executive Directors. José Octavio Reyes and 
Alfredo Rivera retired as non‑Executive Directors, and José Octavio 
Reyes retired as a member of the Social Responsibility Committee 
on the same date. There were no other changes to the Board during 
2021. The changes to committee membership are set out in each 
committee report.

Outside appointments
The Articles of Association of the Company (article 36) set limits 
on the maximum number of external appointments that members 
of our Board and executive management may hold. In addition, if a 
Board member wishes to take up an external appointment, he or she 
must obtain prior Board approval. The Board will assess all requests 
on a case-by-case basis, including whether the appointment in 
question could negatively impact the Company or the performance 
of the Director’s duties to the Group.

The nature of the appointment and the expected time commitment 
are also assessed to ensure that the effectiveness of the Board 
would not be compromised.

Details of the external appointments of our non-Executive Directors 
are contained in their respective biographies set out on pages 88 to 90.

Our Chairman serves as Vice-Chairman of Aegean Airlines S.A., 
Vice-Chairman of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and Chairman 
of the Board of Sea Trade Holdings Inc., a shipowning company 
of dry cargo vessels. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees 
of College Year in Athens. In this context, the Board considers 
that fewer than four of the positions held by the Chairman are 
considered to be significant.

A number of our other Directors also have other external roles but 
having considered the scope of the external appointments of all 
Directors, including the Chairman, our Board is satisfied that they do 
not compromise the effectiveness of the Board as each Director has 
sufficient time to devote to his or her role on the Board as the Board 
requires. According to the terms of appointment the Directors are 
expected to devote such time as necessary for the performance of 
their duties. This will include attendance annually at approximately 10 
Board meetings, Annual General Meetings and other ad hoc meetings. 
As can be seen in the table of attendance of Board and Board 
Committee meetings on page 92, the Directors were able to devote 
the time required of them to their role on the Board. The Board has 
determined that each member of the Board commits sufficient time 
and energy to the role and continues to make a valuable contribution 
to the Board and its committees.

Independence
Our Board has concluded that Charlotte J. Boyle, Olusola (Sola) 
David‑Borha, Anna Diamantopoulou, William W. (Bill) Douglas III, 
Reto Francioni and Alexandra Papalexopoulou are deemed 
to be independent in accordance with the criteria set out in the 
UK Corporate Governance Code, with such individuals being 
independent in both character and judgement.

The other non-Executive Directors, Anastassis G. David (Chairman), 
Henrique Braun, Anastasios I. Leventis, Christo Leventis, Bruno 
Pietracci and Ryan Rudolph, were appointed at the request of 
shareholders of the Company: Kar‑Tess Holding and The Coca‑Cola 
Company. They are therefore not considered, by the Board, to be 
independent as defined by the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Anastassis G. David was appointed as Chairman on 27 January 2016. 
The Board firmly believes that Anastassis David embodies the 
Company’s core values, heritage and culture and that these 
attributes, together with his strong identification with the Company 
and its shareholders’ interests, and his deep knowledge and 
experience of the Coca-Cola System, ensure an effective and 
appropriately balanced leadership of the Board and the Company. 
Anastassis David was first appointed as a member of the Board 
in 2006 before being appointed Chairman in 2016. Prior to his 
appointment as Chairman, major shareholders were consulted, and 
an external search consultancy engaged to find suitable candidates. 
The consensus and recommendation was that Anastassis David 
was the appropriate candidate to become Chairman and that he 
continues to be effective in his leadership of the Board. Anastassis 
David has the continuing support of the Board and major 
shareholders to remain as Chairman.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

93

Shareholders’ nominees
As described under the heading ‘Major shareholders’ on page 245, 
since the main listing of the Company on the Official List of the 
London Stock Exchange in 2013, Kar‑Tess Holding, The Coca‑Cola 
Company and their respective affiliates have no special rights in 
relation to the appointment or re-election of nominee Directors, 
and those Directors of the Company who were originally nominated 
at the request of The Coca‑Cola Company or Kar‑Tess Holding will 
be required to stand for re-election on an annual basis in the same 
way as the other Directors. The Nomination Committee is responsible 
for identifying and recommending persons for subsequent nomination 
by the Board for election as Directors by the shareholders on an 
annual basis.

As our Board currently comprises 13 Directors, neither Kar‑Tess 
Holding nor The Coca‑Cola Company is in a position to control 
(positively or negatively) decisions of the Board that are subject 
to simple majority approval. However, decisions of the Board that 
are subject to the special quorum provisions and supermajority 
requirements contained in the Articles of Association, in practice, 
require the support of Directors nominated at the request of at least 
one of either The Coca‑Cola Company or Kar‑Tess Holding in order 
to be approved. In addition, based on their current shareholdings, 
neither Kar‑Tess Holding nor The Coca‑Cola Company is in a 
position to control a decision of the shareholders (positively 
or negatively), except to block a resolution to wind up or dissolve 
the Company or to amend the supermajority voting requirements. 
The latter requires the approval of 80% of shareholders where 
all shareholders are represented and voting. Depending on the 
attendance levels at Annual General Meetings, Kar‑Tess Holding 
or The Coca‑Cola Company may also be in a position to control 
other matters requiring supermajority shareholder approval.

Anastassis G. David, Anastasios I. Leventis, Christo Leventis and 
Ryan Rudolph were all originally appointed at the request of Kar-Tess 
Holding. Henrique Braun and Bruno Pietracci have been appointed at 
the request of The Coca-Cola Company.

Separation of roles
There is a clear separation of the roles of the Chairman and the Chief 
Executive Officer. The Chairman is responsible for the operation 
of the Board and for ensuring that all Directors are properly informed 
and consulted on all relevant matters. The Chairman, in the context 
of the Board meetings and as a matter of practice, also meets 
separately with the non-Executive Directors without the presence 
of the Chief Executive Officer and promotes the culture of openness 
and debate within the Board sessions as well as outside the 
formal sessions.

The Chairman is also actively involved in the work of the Nomination 
Committee concerning succession planning and the selection of key 
people. The Chief Executive Officer, Zoran Bogdanovic, is responsible 
for the day-to-day management and performance of the Company 
and for the implementation of the strategy approved by the Board.

94

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report continued

Key roles and responsibilities

Board of Directors
Our Board has ultimate responsibility for our long‑term success and for 
delivering sustainable shareholder value as well as contributing to wider 
society. The Board is responsible for setting the Company’s purpose, 
values and strategy and ensures the alignment with its culture; this includes 
ensuring that workforce policies and practices are consistent with the 
Company’s values and support its long-term sustainable vision. Further 
details are set out on pages 95 to 97. This is achieved by approving the 
corporate strategy, monitoring performance toward strategic objectives, 
overseeing implementation of the strategy by the Executive Leadership 
Team and approving matters reserved by the Articles of Association 
for decision by the Board. Specific tasks are delegated by the Board to 
its committees for audit and risk, nomination, remuneration and 
social responsibility.

The governance process of the Board is set out in our Articles of 
Association and the Organisational Regulations. These regulations define 
the role and responsibilities of the Board and its committees. These 
documents, together with the responsibilities of the Chairman, Chief 
Executive Officer and Senior Independent Director, and can be found at 
https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/en/about‑us/corporate‑governance. 
In addition, the Swiss Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed 
Companies imposes certain obligations on the Board, including a 
requirement to prepare and make available a remuneration report pursuant 
to Swiss law.

Chairman
• 

leads the Board, sets 
the agenda and 
promotes a culture of 
openness and debate;
is responsible for overall 
effectiveness in leading 
the Company and 
setting the culture;
•  ensures the highest 

• 

• 

standards of corporate 
governance;
is the main point of 
contact between the 
Board and 
management; and
•  ensures effective 

communication with 
shareholders and 
stakeholders.

Chief Executive 
Officer
• 

leads the business, 
implements strategy 
and chairs the 
Executive Leadership 
Team; and

•  communicates with the 
Board, shareholders, 
employees, 
government 
authorities, other 
stakeholders and 
the public.

Senior Independent 
Director
•  acts as a sounding 

• 

• 

board for the Chairman 
and appraises his 
performance;
leads the independent 
non-Executive 
Directors on matters 
that benefit from an 
independent review; 
and
is available to 
shareholders if they 
have concerns which 
have not been resolved 
through the normal 
channels of 
communication.

Non‑Executive 
Directors
•  contribute to 

developing Group 
strategy;

•  scrutinise and 
constructively 
challenge the 
performance of 
management in the 
execution of the 
Group’s strategy; and
•  oversee succession 

planning, including the 
appointment of 
Executive Directors.

Company Secretary
•  ensures that correct 

Board procedures are 
followed and ensures 
the Board has full and 
timely access to all 
relevant information;
•  facilitates induction and 
training programmes, 
and assists with the 
Board’s professional 
development 
requirements; and
•  advises the Board on 
governance matters.

Board committees
Our Board has delegated specific tasks to its committees as set out in the 
Organisational Regulations and reports from these committees are set out 
in this Corporate Governance Report. Biographies of the Chairs of the 

Board committees and the other members of the Board, the Audit and Risk 
Committee, the Nomination Committee, the Remuneration Committee 
and the Social Responsibility Committee are set out on pages 108 to 140.

Audit and Risk Committee
Responsibilities
•  Oversight of the accounting 

Remuneration Committee
Responsibilities
•  Establishment of the 

policies, financial reporting and 
disclosure controls; the Group’s 
approach to internal controls 
and risk management; and the 
quality, adequacy and scope 
of internal and external 
audit functions. 

remuneration strategy for the 
Group; determines and agrees 
with the Board the 
remuneration of Group 
Executives and approves 
remuneration for the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive Officer. 

•  Oversight of the Company’s 

•  Makes recommendations to 

compliance with legal, 
regulatory and financial 
reporting requirements, and the 
work programme of the internal 
audit function. 

•  External auditor reports directly 

to the Committee.

the Board regarding 
remuneration matters to be 
approved at the Annual 
General Meeting.
Implementation or modification 
of any employee benefit plan 
resulting in an increased annual 
cost of €5 million or more.

• 

Nomination Committee
Responsibilities
• 

Identification and nomination of 
new Board members, including 
recommending Directors 
to be members of each Board 
committee.

•  Ensuring adequate Board 

training; supporting the Board 
and each committee in 
conducting a self-assessment.
•  Oversight of the establishment 

of a talent development 
framework for the Group. 

•  Oversees effective succession 
planning for the Chief Executive 
Officer, in consultation with the 
Chairman, and for the Executive 
Leadership Team, in 
consultation with the Chief 
Executive Officer.

Social Responsibility 
Committee
Responsibilities
•  Supports the Board in its 

responsibilities to safeguard 
the Group’s reputation for 
responsible and sustainable 
operations.

•  Oversight of the Group’s 

engagement with stakeholders 
to assess their expectations, 
and the possible consequences 
of these expectations for 
the Group. 

•  Establishes principles governing 

social and environmental 
management and oversees 
development of performance 
management to achieve social 
and environmental goals.

Executive Leadership Team
The Executive Leadership Team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, meets 
12 times each year and provides the Group with executive leadership. 
The Committee has responsibility for: the development of long‑term 
strategies and the implementation of strategies approved by the Board; 

providing adequate head‑office support for each of the Group’s countries; 
working closely with the country General Managers, as set out in our 
operating framework; and the setting of annual targets and approval 
of annual business plans which form the basis of the Group’s 
performance management.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

95

Applied governance

Summary of key Board activities for 2021 and priorities for 2022

Topic

2021 activity

2022 priority

Strategy

Performance

•  Review the progress towards becoming the leading 
24/7 beverage partner and leveraging our unique 
24/7 portfolio

•  On-going review of the integration plans in Egypt 
and monitoring the launches of Caffè Vergnano in 
our markets

•  Close monitoring of plans to address packaging 

•  Continued close alignment with The Coca-Cola 

challenges and reduce one-way plastic packaging
•  Review of the strategic acquisitions in Egypt and the 
coffee business expansion through the minority 
stake investment in Caffè Vergnano

Company

•  Monitoring progress towards our Growth Story 

2025

•  Monitoring progress towards our NetZeroby40 

•  Endorsing the Group’s NetZeroby40 targets

commitments

•  Deep dive reviews of regions and key functions
•  Regular reviews of the business performance 
by reporting segments and monitoring of the 
performance of the coffee and snack businesses
•  Acceleration of commercial execution capabilities 
across the organisation based on insights from 
the Group’s big data and advanced analytics work 
•  Following the Group’s Innovation for Growth plans

•  Periodic performance reviews with focus 
on the Group’s key business indicators 

•  Review of the performance of the Company’s 

innovation initiatives and focusing on the 
e-commerce performance

•  Focusing on the performance of the Revenue 

Growth Management, Route-to-Market and big 
data and advanced analytics programme in order 
to build the necessary insight capabilities

Risk management 
and internal 
control

•  Continued review of principal and emerging risks 

•  Enhancing the cyber security programme in order 

and mitigation programmes 

•  Reviewing the liquidity, financing status and commodity 

exposure of the Group

to meet the needs for the accelerated digitalisation 
of the business 

•  Monitoring the progress of the new sales academy 

•  Reviewing information technology plans, including 

for the Group’s business developers

Operational

cyber security 

•  Ongoing review of key principal risks, including risks 

relating to the COVID-19 pandemic

•  Reviewing the execution initiatives in modern trade, 

e-commerce and growth results

• 

Implementation of cost optimisation programmes 
and CapEx investments

•  Review of projects involving the in-house production 
of PET from recycled PET flakes and production 
of CO2 collected from the air

Culture and values •  Discussing the employee engagement surveys 

and people plans

•  Overviewing the plans to adapt the Group’s 
organisational design to make it stronger for 
the future.

•  Working with the designated non-Executive Director 
on issues that are identified through the employee 
engagement process

•  Review of the digital strategy and its key priorities 

around consumer and customer centricity, 
employee experience and operational productivity

•  Review of material capital expenditure projects
•  Consolidation and integration of new acquisitions
•  Ongoing review of the Group’s cost optimisation 

and investment programmes

•  Monitoring talent and people capability plans
•  Ongoing review of Performance for Growth, the 
Group’s new performance management process
•  Reflecting on the implementation of the Group’s 

organisational design

Succession 
planning and 
diversity

•  Reviewing succession planning for Board and 

senior management

•  Reviewing the Company’s talent development plans

•  Ongoing succession planning work and preparing 
succession planning and bench strength initiatives 
for senior management and Board vacancies

•  Discussing Board effectiveness and 

succession pipeline

96

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Applied governance

Board oversight of 
territory expansion to Egypt 

Given The Coca‑Cola Company’s holding in both CCBCE and 
the Group, the particular arrangements between The Coca‑Cola 
Company and the Group were considered to be a smaller related 
party transaction for the purposes of the UK Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Listing Rules. As required by the Listing Rules, the Board 
was required to seek the advice of its sponsor that the proposed 
terms of the transaction were fair and reasonable as far as the 
shareholders of the Group are concerned. The Board sought 
and carefully considered the fair and reasonable opinion received 
from its sponsor in connection with the acquisition before 
endorsing the same.

Key issues considered by the Board
The Board received regular updates and reports from both 
management and its legal advisers, accountants and financial 
advisers during the due diligence process in relation to the acquisition. 
The Board was keen to ensure that management had established 
a robust due diligence process that was designed to identify and 
assess potential risks and issues that could affect the valuation 
or underlying assumption of the acquisition, and considered 
potential mitigation actions and vice versa to those risks and issues. 
The Board questioned and challenged management on these issues. 

Regulatory conditions 
The acquisition was subject to certain regulatory and other conditions. 
Throughout the acquisition process, the Board has received updates 
from management on the status of the regulatory approvals required 
and the satisfaction of the various transaction conditions. 

Stakeholders and stakeholder engagement 
CCBCE is expected to continue doing business with its current 
suppliers, in line with the Group’s supplier guiding principles. 
The Group also has established potential opportunities for local 
Egypt suppliers to service the wider Group. By leveraging the Group’s 
knowledge and capabilities, as well as their experience in emerging 
markets, CCBCE can unlock further growth, reach category leadership 
positions and create value for all employees, customers and partners 
of the Coca-Cola System in Egypt.

In August 2021, we announced the acquisition of approximately 
94.7% of Coca‑Cola Bottling Company of Egypt S.A.E. (CCBCE), 
a leading producer of non‑alcoholic ready‑to‑drink beverages in 
Egypt. The transaction completed in January 2022. The remaining 
shares in CCBCE are held by some minority holders and we intend to 
acquire these shares in due course. This is a strategically significant 
transaction for the Group which expands our emerging markets 
footprint and increases our exposure to high-growth geographies. 

Strategically significant
The Board considered the acquisition of CCBCE to be a good 
strategic fit for the Group as it supports the vision of being the 
leading 24/7 beverage partner and the Growth Story 2025 strategy. 
In particular, the Board took into account that the transaction would 
give the Group access to the second largest non-alcoholic ready-
to-drink market in Africa by volume and would expand the Group’s 
exposure to high-growth, emerging markets. It was also felt that 
there was significant opportunity to leverage the Group’s proven 
route-to-market capabilities and 70 years of experience operating 
in emerging markets to increase penetration of The Coca‑Cola 
Company’s brand portfolio in the country. Overtime the Group is 
also confident that it will mange to create further value by moving 
CCBCE’s margins towards the Group average.

Timeline and key board activities
The Board first considered the acquisition in 2019. Following these 
initial discussions it authorised management to analyse and consider 
this opportunity further with particular emphasis on negotiating 
the transaction with CCBCE’s majority shareholder and The 
Coca-Cola Company.

Following discussions with CCBCE and its major shareholders, 
and having undertaken a due diligence process, a headline proposal 
was put to the Board for approval in March 2021 for consideration. 
The Board approved that proposal and authorised management 
to negotiate the details of the transaction and final structure with 
the major shareholders of CCBCE. 

The transaction was signed in August 2021 and was completed 
in January 2022.

Robust governance: managing conflicts of interest
One of the Group’s major shareholders, The Coca-Cola Company, 
had a significant stake in CCBCE which was acquired as part of 
the acquisition. As such, enhanced governance and oversight 
arrangements were put in place in relation to the acquisition and 
the Group’s conflicts of interest policies were followed. The Group’s 
approach to conflicts of interest is discussed in the conflicts 
of interests section of this report on page 103. In particular, the 
members of the Board nominated by The Coca‑Cola Company 
did not take part in the decision‑making process in relation to 
the acquisition and recused themselves from the relevant Board 
meetings that discussed the progress of the acquisition and 
approved the transaction terms.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

97

Future‑focused

governance

“ Several Board members, 
including myself, are connected 
to our Company’s founders. 
This gives our Board a unique 
long-term perspective and 
sense of ownership.”

Anastassis G. David,
Chairman of the Board

Our 70th year: 
The Board’s role in ensuring 
success over the next 70 years
As we reflect on our journey from our origins 
in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1951, we believe that 
it is the Board’s role to safeguard the 
Company’s future for the next 70 years 
and further. Coca-Cola HBC has a legacy 
of transparency and agility, and an 
ownership structure that has long-term 
accountability at its heart, allowing us to 
make investments for the long term.

The Board’s priorities reflect its 
understanding of what is needed to 
ensure resilience while pursuing growth 
and expansion.

Our portfolio of well-loved, highly visible 
brands comes with obligations and 
responsibilities to earn and maintain 
the trust of our stakeholders, including 
the communities where we operate. 
To maximise the Company’s impact 
and tackle complex problems, the Board 
is focused on increasing partnerships and 
collaboration. Our Company only succeeds 
when our customers, partners and 
communities are successful.

Purposeful organisations perform better 
and have advantages attracting the 
increasingly scarce talent and skills needed 
as more aspects of our industry are digitised.

Culture will continue to play a crucial role 
in our ability to seize opportunities, ensure 
customer centricity and maintain the 
agility needed to adapt swiftly. The Board 
understands that culture comes from the 
top, and must be actively demonstrated 
and cascaded to be fully embedded.

As guardians of enduring success in all its 
many forms, the Board seeks to ensure 
it has the right skills at Board level to 
ensure the right questions are asked and 
our long-term strategy remains relevant. 
We also view diversity, equality and inclusion 
as pre-requisites to achieve a fairer society 
and the broad range of perspectives 
needed to drive meaningful innovation.

98

COCA-COLA HBC

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Applied governance

Oversight of the 
Company’s culture

How the Board measures and assesses culture

The Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing our culture. 
The Chairman ensures that the Board is operating appropriately 
and sets the Board’s culture which in turn forms the culture of the 
Company. The Chief Executive Officer supported by members of 
the Executive Leadership Team is responsible for ensuring culture 
is embedded throughout the business and its operations and in all 
our dealings with our stakeholders.

The Board measures the culture of the Group using internal and 
external metrics which also enable it to identify further actions to 
ensure culture remains appropriate. The Board also monitors the 
Group’s performance against its peer group within the same sector. 
The Board considers the following:

•  Health and safety – an area of paramount importance to our 

people, customers, partners, and consumers of our products, 
especially given the continuing impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic. We continue to adapt business operations to ensure 
that our people, customers and partners can perform their roles 
safely and effectively. We closely monitored the developing 
situation and challenges to ensure we provided the appropriate 
requirements and support.

•  Employee retention – our employees are our greatest asset 

and it is important that we do everything we can to retain them. 
We conduct an annual employee engagement survey of the 
workforce, although during 2021 a total of three all-employee 
surveys were conducted to provide feedback to senior 
management to identify whether further actions were required. 
The feedback was reviewed by the Executive Leadership Team 
with the findings reported to the Board.

•  Customer retention – assessments of customer satisfaction and 
ongoing conversations with regulators and non-governmental 
organisations. As we increased the number of all-employee 
surveys during the pandemic to ensure that we had adequate 
insight into employee needs, we also introduced a new customer 
feedback approach from Customer Gauge across all our markets 
to receive customer feedback on an ongoing basis. This software-
as-a-service tool gives us deeper, more frequent insight than our 
annual customer survey, leading to more actionable insights which 
can be addressed quickly. Many of our customers were severely 
impacted by lockdowns and restrictions on their ability to operate. 
We continue to work with our customers, consumers, suppliers, 
local community representatives and other business partners 
across the value chain every day. Their input, cooperation and 
trust factors into Board decision‑making and the success of the 
business. Examples of governance in action are on pages 95 to 96.

Culture in action

Doing the right thing
Throughout the global pandemic, our 
culture of adaptability has been the driving 
factor in our success. Ensuring the safety 
of our people, as well as customers, 
partners and communities, continued 
to be a top priority in 2021. The COVID-19 
pandemic demonstrated the value of our 
customer partnerships, while underlining 
the need to continue to further develop 
our critical capabilities. Our teams have 
emerged from two years of a global 
pandemic even stronger. 

Throughout, our actions have been guided 
by our values. Below are some examples 
of culture in action during 2021:

Resilience, adaptability and agility
•  We protected the health and wellbeing 

of our people as the COVID-19 pandemic 
continued, while further investing to 
support the new ways of working.

•  We stood by our out-of-home 

•  We increasingly worked to digitise 

our route to market in the 
e-commerce channel, strengthening 
our partnerships with e-retailers 
and food delivery platforms 

Sustainability
•  We accelerated our #YouthEmpowered 
programme using both in-person and 
online modules. The programme reached 
more than 210,000 people in 2021

•  To improve our supply of rPET we have 

introduced innovative technology 
on-site at our Krakow plant in Poland, 
and will introduce this into more markets 
in 2022-23

customers as restrictions disrupted 
their operations and helped them reopen 
as restrictions ease. We introduced our 
HoReCa (hotel, restaurant and café) 
for tomorrow framework to support 
channel acceleration, focusing on being 
a full-service partner to our customers.
•  We introduced the new Sales Academy 
across all our markets, to drive our 
salesforce’s capability to deliver improved 
customer service, performance and 
execution. This has been developed as a 
transformative digital learning approach 
to help build our teams’ capabilities 
on the job.

•  In 2021 we made step changes to 
empower our salespeople to drive 
customer-centric behaviours and ‘close 
the loop’ to resolve issues immediately. 

•  We increased the coverage of our 

business-to-business Customer Portal 
platform, which has transformed into 
an engagement-driven digital platform 
for businesses. We quadrupled digital 
transactions in 2021.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

99

The Board closely monitors and reviews the results of the Company’s 
Employee Engagement, Values and Ambassadorship surveys. 

In addition, the Board reviews talent development initiatives designed 
to support long-term success. For further details please see below 
and the Growth Pillar 4 section of the report on pages 39 to 44.

Charlotte Boyle, our designated non‑Executive Director for 
workforce engagement, attended a number of virtual meetings with 
our European Works Council (EWC). Despite not being able to meet 
physically in 2021 until the end of October, meetings continued 
with the EWC virtually before that time, including virtual meetings 
in March and June 2021. Senior leadership present key information 
on business and other changes at these meetings and hear feedback 
directly from employee representatives. All meetings are attended 
by selected members of the senior leadership team, depending on 
subjects covered, including our CEO at our meeting in end October.

Applied governance

Workforce 
engagement

Engagement with key stakeholder groups strengthens our 
relationships and is an ongoing part of the operational management 
of the Group. This includes employee surveys, assessing customer 
satisfaction and ongoing conversations with regulators and 
non-governmental organisations. The continuing challenges of 
the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic resulted in a change to the form 
of engagement with some of our stakeholder groups. The Board 
receives regular updates from senior management on insights and 
feedback from stakeholders, which allows the Board to understand 
and consider the perspectives of key stakeholders in decision-making. 
This is a standing agenda item for Board meetings.

Our workforce is core to our strategy and is one of our most 
important stakeholder groups. The Company’s success largely 
depends on the passion of our people and our ability to attract, 
retain and develop the best talent. The Board therefore understands 
the importance of engaging with its workforce. The safety of our 
workforce continued to be a focus throughout 2021, ensuring 
appropriate measures were in place so that they could continue 
in their roles and that we were supporting a healthy working 
environment. Our workforce continued extraordinary efforts to 
support and aid our customers and consumers during uncertain 
times caused by the pandemic.

Workforce 
engagement 
mechanism
Charlotte Boyle, our designated non-
Executive Director for workforce 
engagement, attended the meetings 
during the year with our European Works 
Council. During the course of these 
meetings Charlotte heard from elected 
employee representatives from our 
businesses in EU countries. These 
meetings allow employee representatives 
to understand business updates from 
senior leaders – including the CEO – about 
significant matters affecting our people, 
and to ask questions and give feedback. 
Charlotte was able to listen to employee 
representatives about topics raised by 
employees and their experience of the 
Company’s approach to the workforce, 
particularly during the last couple of years, 
and was able to bring these insights to the 
Board’s discussions.

During 2021, the insights gained from 
these engagement activities continued to 
be of great importance, contributing to the 
Board’s decisions in relation to ensuring 
the appropriate support and resources for 
our people, not only for their own safety 
but to aid them in their roles in helping our 
customers and consumers.

Charlotte also frequently interacted with 
our Group Employee Relations Director, 
who is also responsible to monitor 
diversity, equity and inclusion, to better 
understand the steps that the Company 
is taking to become more diverse and 
inclusive (see page 41 for activities in this 
area). To embed these attributes within 
the Company’s culture, multiple initiatives 
have been launched to increase awareness 
and understanding and improve policies 
and practices to create a more equitable 
and inclusive workplace for all. The Board 
takes the lead by recognising good 
practices and driving accountability.

Charlotte reported back to the Board on 
her observations and matters raised by 
employees, ensuring Board deliberations 
and decision making are fully informed.

100

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report continued

Engaging with 
our stakeholders

Listening to our stakeholders, and making 
a meaningful response, is crucial for 
continued success

Description How the Board is kept informed

Read more

Our people

10, 39-43

To understand what our people needed 
to work in continually changing 
circumstances, the Company conducted 
in total three all-employee surveys 
in 2021. There is a designated 
non-Executive Director for engagement 
with our people but given the continued 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the practice of presenting survey results 
to the full Board continued. The CEO 
also held engagement sessions with 
employees during the year, including 
several calls with Q&A sessions.

Our communities Plant visits, community meetings, 
partnerships on common issues, 
sponsorship activities, lectures at 
universities, training opportunities and 
support to young people currently not 
in education, training or employment.

10, 46

Our consumers Consumer hotlines, local websites, 

plant tours, research, surveys, insights, 
focus groups.

12, 24-29

Our customers Regular visits, dedicated account teams, 

joint business planning, joint value-
creation initiatives, customer care 
centres, customer satisfaction surveys.

Our suppliers

Engagement with our suppliers, 
consultants and counterparts in 
related industries.

NGOs

Dialogue, policy work, partnerships 
on common issues, membership of 
business and industry associations.

Our shareholders Annual General Meetings, investor 

roadshows and results briefings, 
webcasts, ongoing dialogue with analysts 
and investors.

Governments

The Coca‑Cola 
Company

Trade Associations, recycling and 
recovery initiatives, EU Platform for 
Action on Diet, Physical Activity and 
Health, foreign investment advisory 
councils, chambers of commerce.

Day-to-day interaction as business 
partners, joint projects, joint business 
planning, functional groups on 
strategic issues, ‘top‑to‑top’ senior 
management meetings.

10, 32-37

10, 32-37

13, 44-51

12, 100

12, 44-51

8, 13

Considering stakeholders in principal 
decisions

Putting our people and customers first
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continued to create many issues 
for the Group and in particular for its people and its customers.

Since the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic the Board’s top priority 
has been the safety and wellbeing of our people, customers, 
partners and communities. The Board has remained focussed on 
keeping our colleagues safe and healthy, ensuring that processes 
and procedures are adapted as appropriate and that the right 
equipment is in place. This was, and remains, key to our ability to 
continue to serve our customers and to operate the business for all 
of the Group’s stakeholders.

Implementing certain new protocols resulted in a reduction in the 
number of employees working on the ground with customers which 
in turn had an effect on business development opportunities and 
opportunities to strengthen the Group’s relationships with its 
customers. However, the Board and management looked at other 
ways for salespeople to engage and communicate effectively with 
customers. Through this engagement with our customers, it was 
apparent that having products in the right location was logistically 
problematic. Therefore, in some markets, our teams helped our 
customers with their supply chain issues. In order to reduce the 
pressure on some supermarket customers’ supply chains we delivered 
direct to stores rather than to the customers’ central warehouses.

In many of our markets, some customers remained closed for 
significant periods in 2021. Once lockdown measures were eased, 
the priority was for our teams to connect with these customers 
to offer support and assistance to enable reopening of their 
businesses. Our business developers engaged with customers to 
understand their key priorities and requirements as they prepared 
to reopen after a period of perhaps three to four months’ closure. 
We offered and, in many cases, provided extended credit; helped 
with product placement and marketing; and staggered ordering to 
ensure no over‑supply and to ease cash flow. By understanding our 
customers’ needs and taking a collaborative approach, we could plan 
and adjust accordingly. Together, we adapted our strategy to aid 
customers’ business recovery and viability rather than focusing 
solely on our own financial targets.

Stakeholder considerations in the context 
of acquisitions
Stakeholder interests and matters were carefully considered by the 
Board in the context of the proposed acquisition of the Coca‑Cola 
Bottling Company of Egypt S.A.E. (CCBCE), a leading producer 
of non‑alcoholic ready‑to‑drink beverages in Egypt. Investors and 
shareholders were particularly considered as part of this strategically 
important decision, especially the long-term benefits to the Group 
from increasing its exposure to high-growth geographies and the 
opportunities to create value through progressively moving the 
margins on CCBCE’s products towards the Group’s average margin. 
The Group expects that CCBCE will continue doing business with its 
current suppliers, in line with the Group’s Supplier Guiding Principles. 
The Group also sees potential opportunities for local Egypt suppliers 
to service the wider CCHBC Group and vice versa. Finally the Group 
expects certain procurement efficiencies at CCBCE level by 
leveraging CCHBC’s scale and optimisation of the production process 
and logistics in line with the Group’s experience in other markets.

Similarly, stakeholder interests were also considered by the Board 
in the context of the acquisition of a minority shareholding in Caffè 
Vergnano, a premium Italian coffee company, which was announced 
in June 2021. The acquisition allowed the Group to further build its 
presence in the coffee category, one the Board views as important 
to achieve the Company’s 24/7 vision and address an even wider 
range of consumer tastes and segments. The opportunities and 
benefits for the Group’s customers was a key consideration. 
The Board considered that the Caffè Vergnano transaction would 
increase the Group’s relevance with its customers within the most 
attractive segments of the coffee category, while providing Caffè 
Vergnano with significant expansion potential through the Group’s 
leading route-to-market network and commercial capabilities.

Future stakeholder engagement 
The Board regularly reviews the stakeholder engagement activities 
undertaken both by it and the Group as whole and is satisfied that 
the activities outlined above and on pages 10 to 13 remain effective 
for the mutual benefit of the Company and its stakeholders.

Shareholder engagement
The Chairman, the Senior Independent Director and the Chair of 
the Audit and Risk Committee will be available at the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company to answer questions from shareholders. 
The Board encourages shareholders to attend as it provides an 
opportunity to engage with the Board. However, the 2021 Annual 
General Meeting was not held in the usual format as no shareholders 
were permitted to attend due to pandemic-related restrictions in 
place under Swiss law. The Chief Executive Officer chaired the 
meeting with a number of other Directors, including the Chairman, 
as well as members of the Executive Leadership Team and the 
statutory auditors participating remotely.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

101

At the 2021 Annual General Meeting, more than 20% of votes were 
cast against two resolutions being the advisory votes on the UK 
Remuneration Report (resolution 7) and on the Swiss Remuneration 
Report (resolution 9). In accordance with Provision 4 of the 2018 
UK Corporate Governance Code, in December 2021 we published 
an update on the key actions that have been taken by the Board 
of Directors and Remuneration Committee in response to this. 
In addition to the comprehensive shareholder consultation 
subsequently undertaken, the Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee has further engaged with shareholders to understand 
their feedback regarding the votes. From this engagement, it is 
understood that the significant factor regarding the votes was the 
Committee’s decision to adjust the performance metrics relating 
to PSP vesting in respect of performance up to 31 December 2020. 
More information on the actions taken in response to this vote is 
included in the Remuneration Report on page 118.

Pursuant to Swiss law and the Articles of Association, shareholders 
annually elect an independent proxy and we have adopted an 
electronic proxy voting system for our Annual General Meetings.

The Company has a dedicated investor relations function which 
reports to the Chief Financial Officer. Through the investor relations 
team, the Company and Board maintain a dialogue with institutional 
investors and financial analysts on operational financial performance 
and strategic direction items. We engaged with the investment 
community and our shareholders throughout the year, as outlined 
in the diagram below. The feedback from shareholders has been 
regularly considered by the Board and, where necessary, appropriate 
action to further engage with shareholders was taken.

Key investor relations activities in 2021 

February
•  Management Roadshow Europe & UK

March
•  UBS Global Consumer and Retail Virtual Conference
•  Credit Suisse 2021 Consumer Retail Conference

May
•  EU & US Management virtual roadshow 
• 
• 

IR virtual roadshow 
Investec virtual seminar: Beverages on the rebound – CCH’s 
IR Director to participate in a panel discussion

June
•  Goldman Sachs Global Consumer ESG Conference 
•  Exane BNP Paribas European CEO Conference
•  Annual General Meeting in Zug
•  Deutsche Bank Access Global Consumer conference
•  Exane BNP Paribas 22nd European CEO Conference
•  Goldman Sachs Global Consumer ESG Conference
•  Evercore ISI Consumer & Retail Summit 
•  UBS Sustainable Finance Virtual Conference 2021: 

The Trajectory of Transition 

September
•  Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference

November
•  EU & US Management Virtual Roadshow

December
•  Citi’s Global Consumer Conference 

102

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report continued

Board, committee and Director 
performance evaluation
At least annually, on the basis of an assessment conducted by 
the Nomination Committee, the Board reviews its own performance 
as well as the performance of each of the Board committees. 
This review seeks to determine whether the Board and its committees 
function effectively and efficiently. During the year, the Chairman 
meets with the Directors to receive feedback on the functioning 
of the Board and its committees, the boardroom dynamics, and 
the Group’s strategy.

Particular focus is given to areas where a Director believes the 
performance of the Board and its committees could be improved. 
A report is prepared for the Board on its effectiveness and that 
of its committees.

For the past six years, the evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness 
has been facilitated by Lintstock, and details of the 2021 Lintstock 
report are set out on page 103. Lintstock has no other connection 
to the Company or individual directors. A summary of the Board 
evaluation findings for 2020, the actions taken in response to 
improve Board effectiveness in 2021, the Board evaluation findings 
for 2021, and the resulting priorities for 2022 is as follows:
2020 Board evaluation findings
•  Oversight of talent
•  Understanding 
of technological 
developments

expansion of the Group to Egypt 
•  Risk management response to the 

2021 actions
•  Endorsing the geographic 

pandemic

•  Access to the global talent pool, 
and implementing a programme 
of formal / informal exposure to 
potential successors

2022 priorities
•  Reviewing the acquisitions
•  Oversight of people and talent
•  Strategic discussions

•  Considering implications 

of COVID-19

2021 Board evaluation findings
•  Strengthening the 

technology expertise 
on the Board 

•  Undertaking site visits and 

meeting in person

•  Understanding of broader 

stakeholder views

The independent Directors meet separately at every regular Board 
meeting to discuss a variety of issues, including the effectiveness 
of the Board. An evaluation of each Director, other than the Chairman, 
is conducted by the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director. 
The Senior Independent Director leads the evaluation of the 
Chairman in conjunction with the non-Executive Directors, taking 
into account the views of the Chief Executive Officer, and, as a matter 
of practice, meets with the other independent non-Executive 
Directors when each Board meeting is held to discuss issues together, 
without the Chief Executive Officer or other non-Executive Directors 
present. The Chairman also holds meetings with the non-Executive 
Directors without the Chief Executive Officer present. 

Information and training
The practices and procedures adopted by our Board ensure that 
the Directors are supplied on a timely basis with comprehensive 
information on the business development and financial position 
of the Company, the form and content of which is expected to 
enable the Directors to discharge their duties and carry out their 
responsibilities. All Directors have access to our General Counsel, 
as well as independent professional advice at the expense of the 
Company. All Directors have full access to the Chief Executive 
Officer and senior management, as well as the external auditor 
and internal audit team.

The Board has in place an induction programme for new Directors. 
Generally, it involves meeting with the Chairman, members of the 
Executive Leadership Team and other senior executives, as well 
as receiving orientation training in relation to the Group and its 
corporate governance practices. The induction programme also 
includes meetings with representatives of our sales force, 
customers and major shareholders, and visits to our production 
plants. Bruno Pietracci and Henrique Braun participated in the 
induction programme during 2021 as part of their onboarding 
process, although much of this was conducted virtually. 

All Directors are given the opportunity to attend training to ensure 
that they are kept up to date on relevant legal, accounting and 
corporate governance developments. The Directors individually 
attend seminars, forums, conferences and working groups on 
relevant topics. The Nomination Committee reviews our Director 
training activities regularly. Finally, as part of the continuing 
development of the Directors, the Company Secretary ensures 
that our Board is kept up to date with key corporate governance 
developments. The Board appoints the Company Secretary, 
who acts as secretary to the Board.

Board appointments and succession planning
Our Board has in place plans to ensure the progressive renewal 
of the Board and appropriate succession planning for senior 
management. These cover the short, medium and long-term and 
these are regularly reviewed. Appointments and succession plans 
are based on merit and objective criteria to ensure the Company 
is promoting diversity (including gender), social and ethnic 
backgrounds, cognitive and personal strengths.

Pursuant to our Articles of Association, the Board consists of 
a minimum of seven and a maximum of 15 members, and the 
Directors are elected annually for a term of one year by the 
Company’s shareholders, which is also in accordance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. In case of resignation or death of any 
member of the Board, the Board may elect a permanent guest, 
whom the Board will propose for election by the shareholders at the 
next Annual General Meeting. In accordance with the Organisational 
Regulations, the Board proposes for election at the shareholders’ 
meeting new Directors who have been recommended by the 
Nomination Committee after consultation with the Chairman.

In making such recommendations, the Nomination Committee 
and the Board must consider objective criteria including the overall 
balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the 
Board member, as well as diversity considerations including gender 
but also social and ethnic backgrounds. Consideration is also given 
to the overall length of service of the Board as a whole when 
refreshing its membership. See the Nomination Committee report 
on page 114 for further information on the role and work of the 
Nomination Committee, including the Board Diversity Policy. 
Through this process, the Board is satisfied that the Board and its 
committees have the appropriate balance of experience and skills, 
diversity, independence and knowledge of the Company to enable 
them to discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively, 
including sufficient time commitment.

Conflicts of interest
In accordance with the Organisational Regulations, Directors are 
required to arrange their personal and business affairs so as to avoid 
a conflict of interest with the Group.

Each Director must disclose to the Chairman the nature and extent 
of any conflict of interest arising generally or in relation to any 
matter to be discussed at a Board meeting, as soon as the Director 
becomes aware of its existence. In the event that the Chairman 
becomes aware of a Director’s conflict of interest, the Chairman is 
required to contact that Director promptly and discuss with him or 
her the nature and extent of such a conflict of interest. Subject to 
exceptional circumstances in which the best interests of the 
Company dictate otherwise, the Director affected by a conflict of 
interest is not permitted to participate in discussions and decision-
making involving the interest at stake.

As The Coca-Cola Company was a major shareholder of the 
Coca‑Cola Bottling Company of Egypt S.A.E. (CCBCE), members 
of the Board appointed by The Coca‑Cola Company did not take part 
in the decision‑making process in relation to the Group’s acquisition 
of CCBCE. For a detailed description of the enhanced governance 
procedures in place for the transaction see page 86.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

103

Lintstock report

In 2021, we once again engaged the advisory firm Lintstock 
to facilitate an evaluation of the performance of the Board. 
Lintstock specialises in Board performance reviews and has 
no other connection with Coca-Cola HBC.

The first stage of the review involved Lintstock engaging with the 
Company Secretary to set the context for the evaluation, and to 
tailor survey content to the specific circumstances of Coca-Cola 
HBC. The surveys were designed to follow up on and further 
explore key themes identified in last year’s evaluation, so that 
year-on-year progress can be tracked.

The 2021 surveys addressed core aspects of the Board’s 
performance, and had a particular focus on the following areas:

•  The Board’s oversight of progress with regard to the 

Company’s growth pillars, and the priorities for successfully 
delivering Growth Story 2025

•  The Board’s understanding of, and engagement with, 

key stakeholder groups, including shareholders, customers, 
regulators, and suppliers

•  The effectiveness with which the Board monitors employee 

sentiment and the culture throughout the business

•  The dynamics on the Board, and the extent to which the 

Board provides effective support and constructive challenge 
to management 

•  The effectiveness of the Board’s virtual meetings, and the 

focus in meetings on key strategic areas such as sustainability 
and technology

•  The Board’s oversight of risk management, including the 
Company’s response to the challenges associated with 
the pandemic

•  The Board’s exposure to potential successors for key 

positions from within the business, and the effectiveness 
of the Company’s talent management processes

•  The Board’s composition in the context of the Company’s 

strategic ambitions, including the skills represented and the 
diversity among members

The performance of the committees of the Board was also 
evaluated, as was the performance of the Chairman. 
The anonymity of all responses was guaranteed throughout 
the process to promote open and honest feedback. 

Lintstock subsequently analysed the results and delivered 
reports on the performance of the Board, the committees 
and the Chairman, which were considered at a subsequent 
Board meeting.

The results of the review were positive overall, and the 
Board was felt to have performed effectively and maintained 
a strong working dynamic despite the challenging circumstances 
presented by the pandemic. While the Board’s virtual meetings 
were seen to have been successful, resuming in‑person 
meetings was identified as a top priority for the coming year. 
Other priority areas for 2022 were identified as continuing the 
Board’s focus on: strategic matters, particularly growth; the 
integration of recent acquisitions; people issues, including 
succession planning and talent; strengthening technology 
expertise on the Board; and risk management, including any 
lessons that can be learned from the pandemic.

104

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report continued

The Executive 
Leadership 
Team 

1

4

2

5

3

6

1. The Executive Leadership Team 
is chaired by Zoran Bogdanovic, 
Chief Executive Officer, and his 
biography is set out on page 88.
Other members of the Executive 
Leadership Team:

2. Naya Kalogeraki
(52) Chief Operating Officer 
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
July 2016 (5 years), appointed Chief 
Operating Officer September 2020

Previous Group roles: Chief Customer 
and Commercial Officer from 2016 to 2020. 
From 1998, when Naya joined the Company, 
she built her career assuming roles of 
increased scale and scope, including 
Marketing Director, Trade Marketing Director, 
Sales Director and Country Commercial 
Director, Greece. She has been heavily 
involved in Group strategic projects and task 
forces addressing mission-critical business 
imperatives. In September 2013, Naya was 
appointed to the role of General Manager, 
Greece and Cyprus.

Previous relevant experience: Naya joined 
the Company in 1998 from 
The Coca-Cola Company where she held 
a number of marketing positions up to 
Marketing Manager.

Nationality: Greek

3. Ben Almanzar
(47) Chief Financial Officer
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
April 2021 (less than 1 year) 

5. Sanda Parezanovic
(57) Chief People and Culture Officer
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
June 2015 (6 years)

Previous Group roles: Sanda’s previous 
roles in the Group include: Public Affairs 
& Communications Manager, Serbia and 
Montenegro from 2003 to 2006; Country 
Human Resources and Public Affairs 
& Communications Manager, Serbia and 
Montenegro from 2006 to 2010; and Region 
Human Resources Director, Bosnia 
& Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 
Greece, Northern Ireland, the Republic 
of Ireland, North Macedonia, Moldova, 
Montenegro, Nigeria, Romania, Serbia 
and Slovenia from 2010 to 2015.

Previous relevant experience: Sanda 
started in 1989 as Market Researcher and 
later Strategic Planner working for various 
local research and marketing agencies in 
SFR Yugoslavia. She joined Saatchi & Saatchi 
Balkans in 1994, holding various senior 
management positions in several Balkan 
countries, including Managing Director 
of two start‑up agencies, first in North 
Macedonia and later in Serbia. In 1999 she 
relocated to London, where she worked for 
Saatchi & Saatchi and Marketing Drive on 
a number of pan‑European and business 
development projects before she joined our 
Group in 2003.

Nationality: Serbian

Previous Group roles: None 

Previous relevant experience: Ben has a 
proven track record and broad experience 
gained from senior financial positions in 
the global fast‑moving consumer goods 
industry. This includes 10 years with Mars 
Incorporated, where he was Regional CFO, 
Europe & Southern Africa and most recently 
Vice President for Financial Planning, 
Analytics and Financial Strategy. Prior to 
joining Mars, Ben spent 10 years with Nestlé 
in a variety of finance roles in Europe, 
including CFO of Nestlé Czech‑Slovak, 
and CFO for Nestlé Waters in the UK.

Nationality: Dominican Republic and British

4. Ivo Bjelis
(54) Chief Supply Chain Officer
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
January 2022 (less than 1 year)

Previous Group roles: Ivo joined the Group 
in 1996 as Plant Manager in Croatia, while in 
2002 he took over the position of Country 
Supply Chain Manager. Since 2006 Ivo built 
his career assuming roles of increased scale 
and scope across the board, including 
Strategic Initiative Leader for Customer 
Centric Supply Chain, Group Supply Chain 
Processes and Capabilities Director, 
Regional Supply Chain Director, Group 
Supply Chain Services Director and Group 
Supply Chain Operations Director, leading 
the development and the transformation 
of the Supply Chain strategy over the years.

Nationality: Croatian

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

105

10

From left to right
Row one
Zoran Bogdanovic, Naya Kalogeraki, 
Ben Almanzar, Marcel Martin, 
Minas Agelidis, Nikos Kalaitzidakis, 
Barbara Tönz

Row two
Ivo Bjelis, Sandra Parezanovic, 
Jan Gustavsson, Vitaliy Novikov, 
Mourad Ajarti, Spyros Mello

9. Nikos Kalaitzidakis
(52) Region Director: Armenia, Bosnia & 
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 
Greece, Moldova, Montenegro, Republic 
of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, 
Slovenia, Ukraine
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
May 2018 (3 years)

Previous Group roles: Nikos joined the 
Group in 2006 as Regional Manager for 
Northwest Russia and then moved to General 
Manager roles in Croatia (2008), Bulgaria 
(2010), Hungary (2013) and Poland (2014).

Previous relevant experience: Prior to 
joining the Group, Nikos spent five years in 
technology and telecommunications and 
seven years with Phillip Morris International 
in various roles and geographies across 
Europe and Central Asia.

Nationality: Greek

7

11

8

12

9

13

8. Minas Agelidis
(52) Region Director: Austria, Belarus, 
Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Island 
of Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, 
Slovakia, Switzerland
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
April 2019 (2 years)

Previous Group roles: Minas joined the 
Group in 1999, holding positions with 
increasing responsibility in the commercial 
function in Greece (National Account 
Manager, Athens Region Sales Manager, 
National Wholesale Manager, Country Sales 
Director). Since 2008, Minas has held general 
management assignments in a number of 
our markets, including those of Country 
General Manager Cyprus, Country General 
Manager Bulgaria and Country General 
Manager Hungary.

Previous relevant experience: Prior to 
joining the Group, Minas spent seven years 
at Unilever Greece in managerial positions in 
sales and marketing including those of Brand 
Manager, Trade Marketing Manager and 
National Account Manager.

Nationality: Greek

6. Jan Gustavsson
(56) General Counsel, Company Secretary 
and Chief Corporate Development Officer 
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
August 2001 (20 years)

Previous Group roles: Jan served as 
Deputy General Counsel for Coca-Cola 
Beverages plc from 1999 to 2001.

Previous relevant experience: Jan started 
his career in 1993 with the law firm White 
& Case in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1995, he 
joined The Coca-Cola Company as Assistant 
Division Counsel in the Nordic and Northern 
Eurasia Division. From 1997 to 1999, Jan 
was Senior Associate in White & Case’s New 
York office, practising securities law and M&A.

Nationality: Swedish

7. Marcel Martin
(62) Chief Corporate Affairs and 
Sustainability Officer
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
Chief Supply Chain Officer January 2015, 
appointed Chief Corporate Affairs & 
Sustainability Officer January 2022 (less 
than 1 year)

Previous Group roles: Marcel joined the 
Group in 1993, holding positions with 
increasing responsibility in the supply chain 
and commercial functions. Since 1995, he 
has held general management assignments 
in several of our markets, including as 
General Manager for Eastern Romania, 
Regional Manager Russia, Country General 
Manager Ukraine and General Manager 
Nigeria. He became General Manager of 
our Irish operations in 2010, Supply Chain 
Director in 2015 and is now our Chief 
Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer.

Nationality: Romanian

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10. Barbara Tönz 
(50) Chief Customer and Commercial 
Officer
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
May 2021 (less than 1 year)

Previous Group roles: Barbara joined 
the Group in 1998, building her career first 
in Switzerland as Trade Marketing Director, 
Sales Director and Commercial Director, 
and then in Austria from 2012 as Commercial 
Director and Interim General Manager. 

Previous relevant experience: In 2016 
Barbara enriched her experience within 
the Cola‑Cola System as Country Director 
Sweden for The Coca-Cola Company, with 
responsibility expanded to Norway and 
Iceland in 2019 before she assumed the role 
of Commercial Execution Director Europe. 
Prior to joining the Group in 1998, she held 
positions in brand and customer 
development at Unilever.

Nationality: Swiss

11. Vitaliy Novikov
(42) Digital Commerce Business 
Development Director
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
September 2020 (1 year)

Previous Group roles: Vitaliy joined the 
Group in 2011 as General Manager of the 
Baltics business unit. Since then, he has held 
General Manager roles in Poland and Italy.

Previous relevant experience: Prior to 
joining the Group, Vitaliy spent four years at 
Johnson & Johnson as Managing Director of 
the Ukrainian operation and prior to this he 
spent seven years at Henkel in managerial 
positions of growing responsibility in Austria 
and Ukraine.

Nationality: Ukrainian

12. Mourad Ajarti
(45) Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
October 2019 (2 years)

Previous Group roles: None.

Previous relevant experience: Mourad 
holds an MSc in Computer Systems 
Networking & Tele-communications from 
L’École Mohammadia d’Ingénieurs. He has 
20 years’ experience with two fast-moving 
consumer goods industry leaders, Procter 
& Gamble and L’Oréal. Mourad started 
with Procter & Gamble leading SAP 
implementation in Morocco, Saudi Arabia 
and Europe, and later was CIO for different 
lines of business. From 2014 to 2019, Mourad 
was CIO for the Asia and Pacific region for 
L’Oréal, leading consumer and customer 
journey transformation and enabling the use 
of big data and advanced analytics.

Nationality: British and Moroccan 

13. Spyros Mello
(47) Strategy and Transformation 
Director
Senior management tenure: Appointed 
November 2021 (less than 1 year)

Previous Group roles: Spyros served 
as Deputy General Counsel and Chief 
Compliance Officer from 2010 to 2021. 
He was Deputy General Counsel from 2007 
to 2009 and Senior Corporate Counsel from 
2005 to 2007.

Previous relevant experience: Spyros 
was an associate with the law firm of Sullivan 
& Cromwell LLP practising securities law 
and M&A first in New York from 1999 to 
2001 and then in London from 2001 to 2004.

Nationality: Greek

Executive Leadership Team 
gender diversity

Men
Women

10
3

Executive Leadership Team tenure

0-1 years

1-2 years

2-3 years

3-4 years

5-6 years

6-7 years

8-9 years

20-21 years

4

1

2

1

1

2

1

1

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

107

Key responsibilities of the Executive Leadership Team

The key responsibilities and elements of the Executive 
Leadership Team role are:
•  the day-to-day executive management of the Group and its 
businesses, including all matters not reserved for the Board 
or other bodies;

•  the development of Group strategies and implementation 

of the strategies approved by the Board;

•  providing adequate head-office support for each of the 

Group’s countries;

•  setting of annual targets and approval of annual business plans 

which form the basis of the Group’s performance 
management, including a comprehensive programme of 
strategies and targets agreed between the Country General 
Managers and the Regional Directors;

•  working closely with the Country General Managers, as set 
out in the Group’s operating framework, in order to capture 
benefits of scale, ensuring appropriate governance and 
compliance, and managing performance of the Group; and
leading the Group’s talent and capability development 
programmes.

• 

Key activities and decisions in 2021

Long‑term direction setting
•  Evaluating and evolving our 24/7 

portfolio strategy together with our 
brand partners.

•  Redesigning the Company’s 

organisational and reporting structure 
to better support organisational big 
bets (Project Dolphin). 

•  Working on the launch and sequential 

roll-out of Costa Coffee in the 
Group’s markets.

•  Reviewing and updating our revenue 
growth management strategies and 
implementing these in our local 
commercialisation plans. 

•  Rebooting our route-to-market 
approach in selected markets.

•  Assessing our sustainability priorities 
and initiatives on the way to deliver 
2025 commitments.

•  Setting long-term capability building 

priorities and programmes.

•  Approving and reviewing deployment 

of major automation and 
digitalisation initiatives.

2021

Business planning
•  Aligning key priorities and investment 

Business case reviews and approvals
•  Assessing strategic revenue-

strategy with TCCC.

•  Reviewing progress of the aligned 

priorities, investments and spending. 

•  Reviewing and approving annual 
business plans for 2022 for all 
operations and central functions.
•  Approving Group and country talent, 

capabilities development and 
succession plans.

Risk, safety and business resilience
•  Evaluating the Group’s business 

resilience strategies.

•  Evaluating the Group’s Risk Register 
of major business risks as well as 
associated risk response plans.

•  Reviewing the Group’s health & safety 

policies and material incidents.
•  Reviewing the corporate audit plan 

for 2022.

generating initiatives and product / 
packaging innovation business cases.

•  Reviewing and approving progress 
of selected key initiatives – Data, 
Insights & Analytics (DIA), Digital 
Commerce, Digital & Technology, 
Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) 
and Culture. 

•  Overseeing the strategic evolution 
of Supply Chain, Human Resources, 
Commercial, Finance and BSS 
departments.

•  Optimisation and expansion of our 

logistics and manufacturing 
infrastructure.

•  Capital expenditure proposals review 

and approval.

Priority projects
•  Costa Coffee
•  Customer Satisfaction 
•  Sustainability initiatives
•  S4HANA
•  Engagement
•  Diversity & Inclusion
•  Cybersecurity
•  Business Resilience 
•  Venturing

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Monitoring liquidity 
and emerging risks

Letter from the Chair of the 
Audit and Risk Committee

Highlights this year
•  Risk management response to the on-going pandemic 

and business resilience.

•  Transition to SAP S4/Hana and monitoring of Cyber 

Security Program

Priorities for 2022
•  monitoring the developments in accounting and regulatory 
matters, including potential changes to IFRS accounting 
standards and respective disclosures;

•  ongoing monitoring of risks as well as impairment testing 

of goodwill and intangible assets;

•  ongoing monitoring of internal financial controls, anti-fraud 
systems and Code of Business Conduct compliance; and

•  ongoing monitoring of the Group’s enterprise risk 

management and quality assurance, and information 
system security processes

•  overview of the Egypt integration process and related 

controls and risk management.

Dear Stakeholder 
The Audit and Risk Committee focused its work 
during 2021 on enhancing and strengthening the 
Group’s existing financial controls, risk management 
and compliance systems, which the Board recognises 
as essential components of effective corporate 
governance. During 2021, the Audit and Risk Committee 
worked closely with the internal audit and finance teams 
in overseeing the implementation of the Group’s 
internal control framework.

COVID‑19 pandemic 
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact many countries 
in which the Group operates, with measures implemented by 
governments to contain the spread of the virus, including closure 
of non‑essential services, travel bans, quarantines and social 
distancing; disrupting business activities and resulting in a significant 
economic slowdown. We received regularly a report from our senior 
management which explained the actions being implemented to 
ensure the Group remained fully operational.

We have monitored and discussed our risk management processes, 
including our risk profile and mitigation but also principal risks and risk 
appetite. The COVID-19 pandemic materially changed our risk 
profile, especially in light of the changing workplace. We reviewed an 
elevated number of reported incidents during 2021, including those 
related to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. We received updates 
about the Group’s impairment assessment processes regarding 
goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles, taking into consideration 
the continuing implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic meant that in 2021 the majority 
of internal audits were delivered remotely.The Committee follows 
the FRC’s Guidance on Risk Management and Internal Control and 
the Board is satisfied that the adequate control systems were in 
place throughout the year and up to the date of this report.

Other areas of focus during 2021 are included in the sections about 
the work and activities of the Audit and Risk Committee and the 
areas of key significance in the preparation of the Financial 
Statements in this report.

The Audit and Risk Committee report describes in more detail the 
work of the Audit and Risk Committee during 2021. In performing its 
work, the Committee balances independent oversight with support 
and guidance to management. I am confident to report that the 
Committee supported by senior management and the external 
auditor consistently carried out its duties to a high standard during 
the reporting year.

William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Committee Chair

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

109

Role and responsibilities
The Audit and Risk Committee monitors the effectiveness of our 
financial reporting, internal control and risk management systems, 
and processes. The role of the Audit and Risk Committee is set out 
in the charter for the committees of the Board of Directors in Annex 
C to the Company’s Organisational Regulations. This is available 
at https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/en/about‑us/corporate‑
governance.The key responsibilities and elements of the Audit and 
Risk Committee’s role are:

•  providing advice to the Board on whether the Annual Report 
including the consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a 
whole, is a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the 
Company’s position and prospects and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and 
performance, including whether there is consistency throughout 
the report including the financial reporting, whether the report will 
form a good basis of information for the shareholders, and that 
important messages are highlighted appropriately throughout 
the report;

•  monitoring the quality, fairness and integrity of the consolidated 
Financial Statements of the Group, and reviewing significant 
financial reporting issues and judgements contained in them;
•  reviewing the Group’s internal financial control and anti-fraud 

systems as well as the Group’s broader enterprise risk management 
and legal and ethical compliance programmes (including 
computerised information system controls and security) with the 
input of the external auditor and the internal audit department;
•  reviewing and evaluating the Group’s major areas of financial risk 
and the steps taken to monitor and control such risk, as well as 
guidelines and policies governing risk assessment; and

•  monitoring and reviewing the external auditor’s independence, 

quality, adequacy and effectiveness, taking into consideration the 
requirements of all applicable laws in Switzerland and the UK, the 
listing requirements of the London Stock Exchange and Athens 
Stock Exchange, and applicable professional standards.

Members
William W. (Bill) Douglas III (Chair)

Olusola (Sola) David-Borha
Alexandra Papalexopoulou

Membership status
Member since 2016
Chair since 2016
Member since 2015
Member since 2020

The Audit and Risk Committee comprises three independent 
non‑Executive Directors: Bill Douglas (Chair), Olusola (Sola) 
David‑Borha and Alexandra Papalexopoulou, who were each 
re-elected for a one-year term by the shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting in June 2021. 

The Board remains satisfied that Bill Douglas, Sola David‑Borha and 
Alexandra Papalexopoulou possess recent and relevant financial and 
sector experience in compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. Bill Douglas was formerly Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer of Coca‑Cola Enterprises, Sola David‑Borha 
has held a number of senior financial positions and Alexandra 
Papalexopoulou has served as a treasurer. The Board is also satisfied 
that the members of the Committee as a whole have competence in 
the sector in which the Company operates in compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and UK listing regime requirements. 

Further details on their experience are set out in their respective 
biographies on pages 88 to 90.

The Group Chief Financial Officer, as well as the General Counsel, 
external auditor, the Head of Corporate Audit, and the Group 
Financial Controller, normally attend all meetings of the Audit and 
Risk Committee. Other officers and employees are invited to attend 
meetings when appropriate. The Head of Corporate Audit, and, 
separately, the external auditor, meet regularly with the Audit and 
Risk Committee without the presence of management to discuss 
the adequacy of internal controls over financial reporting and any 
other matters deemed relevant to the Audit and Risk Committee. 
The Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee attended our AGM 
in June 2021 and regularly interacts with representatives of 
our shareholders.

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Work and activities
The Audit and Risk Committee met eight times, all by video 
conference call, during 2021 and discharged the responsibilities 
defined under Annex C of the Organisational Regulations. The work 
of the Audit and Risk Committee during the accounting year included 
evaluation of and review of the respective matters, as well as 
assessment of management’s mitigating actions and response 
plans, in the areas below:

•  the Integrated Annual Report including the consolidated Financial 
Statements and the full-year results announcement for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 prior to their submission to the Board 
for approval, and compliance with Group policies;

•  the interim consolidated Financial Statements and interim results 
announcement for the six-month period ended 2 July 2021, prior 
to their submission to the Board for approval;

•  the trading updates for the three-month period ended 2 April 

2021 and the nine‑month period ended 1 October 2021;
•  areas of significance in the preparation of the consolidated 

Financial Statements;

•  the internal control environment, principal risks and risk 

management systems (including the nature and extent of the 
principal risks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic), and the 
Group’s statement on the effectiveness of its internal controls 
prior to endorsement by the Board, concluding that management 
has carried out a robust risk assessment process;

•  the Viability Statement scenarios and underlying assumptions and 
recommendations to the Board that the Viability Statement be 
approved, including discussion of management’s conclusions 
with respect to Going Concern and the Viability Statement;
•  the external auditor’s report on the Group’s IFRS earnings 

release for the financial year ended 31 December 2020; including 
assessment of the auditor’s enhanced audit report and key audit 
matters and conclusion that there was nothing that warranted 
the attention of the Board; and review of external auditor’s report 
on the Group’s interim report for the six-month period ended 
2 July 2021;

•  report on tax audits undertaken during 2021 in a number 

of territories;

•  quarterly reports on internal audit matters across the Group’s 

business regions, concluding that no material failings 
were identified;

•  consideration and discussion of the guidance to FRC’s Practice 

Aid on audit quality;

•  direct procurement matters and initiatives for 2021, including 

contingency plans for COVID-19 as well as commodity exposure 
for 2021;

•  regular reports on health and safety, GDPR compliance, transition 
to SAP S4/Hana, cybersecurity, business continuity, security, 
quality assurance, environmental protection, asset protection, 
treasury and financial risks, anti-bribery and fraud control, 
insurance (including placing strategy), enterprise risk management 
processes and internal control framework (including any 
adjustments to the 2021 schedule and updates to the controls 
as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic and the new environment);

•  project for the optimisation of the Internal Control Framework 

Risk Matrix and updates on progress and timing;
•  reports on litigation and regulatory investigations;
•  matters arising under the Group’s Code of Business Conduct 

and the actions taken to address any identified issues;

•  an internal quality assessment of the internal audit function, 

in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Attribute 
Standards 1311;

• 

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trading and revenue and 
regular updates on developments, potential risks and mitigating 
actions, including updates on the Group’s response to the 
COVID‑19 pandemic in the Group’s territories;

•  an assessment of the skills of the internal auditors and the 

sufficiency of the internal audit budget, confirming of the Internal 
Auditor’s quality, experience and expertise for the business. 
The Audit & Risk Committee is satisfied that internal audit has 
the appropriate resources for the business;

•  updates on risk management and business resilience, including 

the Group’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,the activation 
and development of Business Continuity strategies and the 
streamlining of the Group’s risk management processes. Review 
of a description of the top 10 risks per region and the Group’s 
updated Strategic Risk Summary;

•  reports on the Group’s impairment assessment processes 

in connection with goodwill and other indefinite‑lived intangible 
assets for the interim financial report;

•  regular updates from the external auditor on accounting and 

regulatory developments. Also, an update on Swiss regulatory 
developments,
•  tax issues including:

•  an update on increasing substance, coherence and 

transparency requirements and the compliance measures that 
the Group was taking, including an overview of the Group’s tax 
governance and risk management framework, an upgrade of 
its tax capabilities, a Group‑wide approach to tax controversy 
and the continued simplification of the Group’s legal structure;

•  reviewing the OECD new tax framework in the digital era
•  report on the introduction, and potential impact, of digital 

services taxes by several countries in the Group’s territories; 
and

•  reviewing a bench-marking study by PwC ranking the Group 
high compared to industry peers on its efforts to establish 
tax transparency;

•  approval of chart of authority and delegation for 

operational activities;

•  external audit plan and pre-approval of audit fees for 2022
•  consideration of the external auditor’s independence, quality, 

adequacy and effectiveness of its audit of the financial 
statements; and

•  assessed the Company’s external reporting to ensure it is fair, 

balanced and understandable as a result of the Board’s obligation 
under the Corporate Governance Code. The Committee was 
responsible for the review of the 2021 Integrated Annual Report 
including the Consolidated Financial Statements and associated 
reports and information. The Committee received assurances 
from management and details on the processes underlying the 
preparation of published financial information. Following 
evaluation of all available information, including consideration 
of the uncertainties around the COVID‑19 pandemic, the 
Committee concluded and advised the Board that the 2021 
Integrated Annual Report including the Consolidated Financial 
Statements is fair, balanced and understandable.

Finally, the Board receives and reviews a report from the Audit and 
Risk Committee on its activities and discussions at the Board 
meeting following each Audit and Risk Committee meeting.

Areas of key significance in the preparation 
of the Financial Statements 
The Audit and Risk Committee considered a number of areas of key 
significance in the preparation of the Financial Statements in 2021, 
including the following:

•  appropriateness of critical accounting judgements and estimates 
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues 
and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities in the consolidated Financial Statements, including 
income taxes (detailed in Notes 5, 10, 13, 15, 21 and 29 to the 
consolidated Financial Statements), identified by management;
•  review of the trading environment and resilience of the Group’s 

business in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategic actions 
implemented to mitigate risks;

•  review of impairment testing performed by management and 

reviewed by the external auditor under IAS 36 as well as the related 
sensitivity analysis with confirmation that management had 
undertaken a robust impairment testing process, relying on both 
internal information, and other publicly available metrics to 
perform their assessment; review key assumptions for specific 
countries, challenging management drivers of relevant deviations 
and performance to date, as welll as countries WACC rates 
development vs prior year

•  review of the contingencies, legal proceedings, competition law 
and regulatory procedures, including cases involving the national 
competition authorities of Greece and litigation matters in Nigeria 
and Greece, and the impact of these on the consolidated Financial 
Statements and accompanying notes; 

•  review of management’s report that considered the potential 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenues and carrying 
amounts of assets;

•  assessment of management’s judgement on relevant areas for 

additional disclosures, to address IAS 34 requirement for 
explanation of significant events, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic;

•  review of accounting standard IAS 34 that required an explanation 
of significant events implying that additional disclosure should be 
made to reflect the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
and mitigating measures;

•  discussion of the following accounting pronouncements, 

taking effect on 1 January 2021: IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7 and IFRS 
16 (Interest Rate Benchmark Reform‑Phase 2), and IFRS 16 
(Covid‑19 related rent concessions);

•  review of guidance provided from the UK Financial Conduct 

Authority and Financial Reporting Council related to areas of focus 
for the 2021/2022 financial reporting, climate change, and viability 
and going concerns and corporate governance matters;

•  review of interim judgements performed by management and 

in alignment with the external auditor, regarding the impairment 
of indefinite‑lived intangibles in light of the on‑going 
Covid‑19 pandemic;

•  consideration of quality and safety incidents in Nigeria and Bulgaria;
•  assessed management’s work in conducting a robust assessment 
of the risks that impact the Viability and Going Concern Statements, 
including review of scenarios and underlying assumptions;

•  recommended to the Board to approve the Viability Statement; and
•  deemed appropriate that the Group continues to apply the going 
concern basis for the preparation of the financial statements.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

111

External auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Birchstrasse 160, CH 8050 Zurich, 
Switzerland (‘PwC AG’) has been elected by the shareholders as 
the statutory auditor for the Group’s statutory consolidated and 
standalone Financial Statements. The signing partner for the 
statutory Financial Statements on behalf of PwC AG is Sandra 
Boehm Uglow, who has held this role for the first time with regards 
to the year ended 31 December 2021.

The Board, at the recommendation of the Audit and Risk 
Committee, has retained PricewaterhouseCoopers S.A., 268 
Kifissias Avenue – 15232 Halandri, Greece (‘PwC S.A.’), an affiliate 
of PwC AG, to act as the Group’s independent registered public 
accounting firm for the purposes of reporting under the UK rules 
for the year ended 31 December 2021. The signing partner for the 
Financial Statements on behalf of PwC S.A. is Fotis Smyrnis, who has 
held this role for the first time with regards to the year ended 31 
December 2021.

The appointment of PwC has been approved by the shareholders 
until the next Annual General Meeting by way of advisory vote. ‘PwC’ 
refers to PwC AG or PwC S.A., as applicable, in this Annual Report. 

During the accounting period, the members of the Audit and Risk 
Committee met on a regular basis with the newly appointed PwC 
signing partners, both with and without management being present. 
This provided the Audit and Risk Committee with an opportunity 
for open dialogue, to question and be satisfied as to the quality of 
the audit work performed by PwC and challenge PwC’s professional 
skepticism. During the meetings, the newly appointed PwC signing 
partners demonstrated their understanding of the group’s business 
risks and the consequential impact on the financial statement risks, 
especially around areas of key significance in the preparation 
of the Financial Statements including but not limited to the annual 
impairment testing, contingencies and legal proceedings including 
taxes. The Audit and Risk Committee took an active role in 
reviewing the scope of the audit, the independence, objectivity and 
effectiveness of PwC, and the negotiations relating to audit fees. 
The Audit and Risk Committee also met with the management team, 
which led the discussions with PwC, including the Head of Corporate 
Audit, to review the performance of PwC without PwC being present. 
Following this review process, the Audit and Risk Committee has 
recommended to the Board that a proposal to reappoint PwC 
be put to a shareholders’ vote at the next Annual General Meeting.

PwC has acted as the Group’s sole external auditor since 2003. 
The Company ran a competitive tender for the external auditor 
services in 2015 which was overseen by the Audit and Risk 
Committee. Following the evaluation of the proposals, the Audit 
and Risk Committee concluded in 2015 that the best interests of 
the Group and its shareholders would be served by retaining PwC 
as external auditor and made such recommendation to the Board. 
PwC was reappointed by the Board as the Group’s external auditor 
with effect from 11 December 2015. Currently, the Audit and Risk 
Committee anticipates that the audit contract will be put out to 
tender again in 2025. There are no contractual or other obligations 
restricting the Group’s choice of external auditor.

Non‑audit services provided by the external auditor
The Audit and Risk Committee considers the independence, in both 
fact and appearance, of the external auditor as critical and has long 
had an auditor independence policy providing definitions of the 
services that the external auditor may and may not provide. In line 
with the relevant FRC Guidance, the policy requires the Audit and 
Risk Committee’s pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit 
services provided by the external auditor, and only for matters that 
are clearly trivial to the Company. Such services include audit, work 
directly related to audit, and certain tax and other services as further 
explained below. In practice, the Audit and Risk Committee applies 
the policy restrictively, and approval for work other than audit and 
audit-related services is rarely granted.

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Under the policy, pre-approval may be provided for work associated 
with: statutory or other financial audit work under IFRS or according 
to local statutory requirements; attestation services not required by 
statute or regulation; accounting and financial reporting consultation 
and research work necessary to comply with generally accepted 
accounting and auditing standards; internal control reviews and 
assistance with internal control reporting requirements; review of 
information systems security and controls; tax compliance and related 
tax services, excluding any tax services prohibited by regulatory 
or other oversight authorities; expatriates’ and other individual tax 
services; and assistance and consultation on questions raised 
by regulatory agencies.

For each proposed service, the external auditor is required to 
provide detailed back‑up documentation at the time of approval 
to permit the Audit and Risk Committee to make a determination 
whether the provision of such services would impair the external 
auditor’s independence.

PwC has complied with the policy for the financial year ended 
on 31 December 2021. The policy was updated on 1 January 2021 
to refer to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2019, however no 
significant changes were performed.

Audit fees and all other fees
Audit fees
The total fees for audit services paid to PwC and affiliates were 
approximately €4.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2021, 
compared to approximately €4.5 million for the year ended 31 
December 2020. The total fees for 2021 include fees associated 
with the annual audit and review of the Group’s half-year reports, 
prepared in accordance with IFRS and local statutory audits.

Audit‑related fees
Fees for audit-related services paid to PwC and affiliates for the 
year ended 31 December 2021 were €0.7million, compared to 
€0.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Tax‑related fees
No fees were paid to PwC and affiliates for tax services for the year 
ended 31 December 2021 or for the year ended 31 December 2020.

All other fees
No fees were paid to PwC or affiliates for non‑audit services for the year 
ended 31 December 2021 or for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Risk management
During 2021, the Company continued to revise and strengthen 
its approach to risk management as described in detail on pages 
58-71. The primary aim of this framework is to minimise our 
exposure and ensure that the nature and significance of all risks 
we are facing are properly identified, reviewed, managed and, 
where necessary, escalated. Risk assessments are conducted and 
discussed at monthly Senior Leadership Team meetings in all 
our business units. These assessments are reviewed by regional 
management teams and the Chief Risk Officer twice a year. 
In addition, corporate functions conduct broader risk assessments 
across the business with the Chief Risk Officer biannually. 
The Company’s Group Risk and Compliance Committee reviews the 
emerging as well as the identified risks biannually and the emerging 
and material risks as well as mitigating actions is presented by the 
Chief Risk Officer to Executive Leadership Team and the Audit and 
Risk Committee. This process is both top-down and bottom-up and 
is designed to ensure that risks arising from business activities are 
appropriately managed. The Audit and Risk Committee confirms 
that the risk management and internal control systems have been 
in place for the year under review and up to the approval of the 
annual report and accounts. Finally, we have in place third- party 
insurance to cover residual insurable risk exposure such as property 
damage, business interruption and liability protection, including 
Directors’ and officers’ insurance for our Directors and officers, 
as well as for the officers and directors of certain subsidiaries.

Internal control
The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the Company 
has adequate systems of financial reporting control. Systems 
of financial reporting control can provide only reasonable and not 
absolute assurance against material misstatements or loss. 
In certain of the countries in which we operate, our businesses are 
exposed to a heightened risk of loss due to fraud and criminal 
activity. We review our systems of financial control regularly in order 
to minimise such losses.

Internal audit
Our internal audit function reports directly to the Audit and Risk 
Committee, which reviews and approves the internal audit plan for 
each year. The internal audit function consists of approximately 
40 full‑time professional audit staff mainly based in Athens, Sofia, 
Moscow and Lagos, covering a range of disciplines and business 
expertise. One of the responsibilities of the internal audit function 
is to provide risk‑based and objective assurance to the Board as to 
whether the Group’s framework of risk management, including 
internal control framework, is operating effectively. For this purpose, 
the Head of Corporate Audit makes quarterly presentations to the 
Audit and Risk Committee and meets regularly with the Audit and 
Risk Committee without the presence of our management.

In addition, the internal audit function reviews the internal 
financial, operational and compliance control systems across all 
the jurisdictions in which we operate and reports its findings to 
management and the Audit and Risk Committee on a regular basis.

The internal audit function focuses its work on the areas of greatest 
risk to us, as determined by a risk-based approach to audit planning. 
As part of our commitment to maintaining and strengthening best 
practice in corporate governance matters, we also consistently 
seek to enhance our internal control environment and risk 
management capability.

The internal audit function carries out work across the Group, 
providing independent assurance, advice and insight to help the 
organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, 
disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness 
of risk management, control and governance processes. In 
December 2021, the Audit and Risk Committee agreed the FY22 
audit plan to be undertaken by the internal audit team. The audit plan 
coverage is based on risk, strategic priorities and consideration of 
the strength of the control environment. The internal audit function 
prepares audit reports and recommendations following each audit, 
and appropriate measures are then taken to ensure that all 
recommendations are implemented. Significant issues, if any, 
are raised at once. There were no such issues in 2021.

The Board has adopted a chart of authority, defining financial and 
other authorisation limits and setting procedures for approving 
capital and investment expenditure. The Board also approves 
detailed annual budgets. It subsequently reviews quarterly 
performance against targets set forth in these plans and budgets. 
A key focus of the financial management strategy is the protection 
of our earnings stream and management of our cash flow.

We have conducted an annual review of the effectiveness of our risk 
management system and internal control systems in accordance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Part of this review involves 
regular review of our financial, operational and compliance controls, 
following which we report back to the Board on our work and findings 
as described above. This allowed us to provide positive assurance 
to the Board to assist it in making the statements that our risk 
management and internal control systems are effective, as required 
by the UK Corporate Governance Code. Further information is set 
out on pages 54-61.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

113

website: https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/en/about‑us/
corporate-governance/policies. We have established grievance 
mechanisms, including an independently operated whistleblower 
‘Speak Up Hotline’, available in all Coca‑Cola HBC countries in local 
languages to ensure any concerns can be raised. In 2021, we 
investigated 344 allegations (2020: 322) of which 210 (2020: 139) 
were received through the ‘Speak Up Hotline’. All allegations 
involving potential Code of Business Conduct violations were 
investigated in accordance with the Group Code of Business 
Conduct Handling Guidelines. Of those investigated, 105 (2020: 105) 
matters were substantiated as code violations of which 15 (2020: 26) 
involved an employee in a managerial position or involved a loss 
greater than €10,000. For details concerning the handling 
of allegations received in 2021, see our website.

You can find more on allegations investigated and violations 
uncovered in our GRI index: https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/
content/dam/cch/us/documents/oar/Coca‑Cola‑HBC‑2021‑
GRIContent-Index.pdf.downloadasset.pdf. Through the ‘Speak Up 
Hotline’ we receive, retain, investigate and act on employee 
complaints or concerns regarding accounting, internal control or 
ethical matters. This includes any matters regarding the 
circumvention or attempted circumvention of internal controls, 
including matters that would constitute a violation of our Code of 
Business Conduct or matters involving fraudulent behaviour by 
officers or employees of the Group. All such allegations, complaints 
or concerns may be communicated in a variety of ways, in local 
languages and on an anonymous basis, to our Head of Corporate 
Audit. Communications received by the Head of Corporate Audit, or 
directly through the ‘Speak Up Hotline’, are kept confidential and, 
where requested, anonymous. The Head of Corporate Audit liaises 
regularly with the General Counsel and communicates all significant 
allegations to the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

All matters received via the ‘Speak Up Hotline’ or any other 
reporting mechanism are thoroughly investigated. The Audit and 
Risk Committee receives summary reports of escalated incidents 
and instances of whistleblowing together with the status of 
investigations and, where appropriate, management actions to 
remedy issues identified. The Committee reports to the Board 
on such matters, which reviews and considers those reports 
as appropriate.

Disclosure Committee
A Disclosure Committee has been established, and disclosure 
controls and procedures have been adopted to ensure the accuracy 
and completeness of our public disclosures. The Disclosure 
Committee is composed of the Group Chief Financial Officer, the 
General Counsel, the Director of Investor Relations and the Group 
Financial Controller.

Performance reporting
Reports on our annual performance and prospects are presented 
in the Annual Report following recommendation by the Audit and 
Risk Committee. In line with UK practice, we have adopted half-year 
and full‑year reports, and Q1 and Q3 trading updates. Internally, 
our financial results and key performance indicators are reviewed by 
the Executive Leadership Team on a monthly basis. This information 
includes comparisons against business plans, forecasts and 
prior‑year performance. The Board of Directors receives updates on 
performance at each Board meeting, as well as a monthly report on 
our business and financial performance.

The key features of the Group’s internal control systems that ensure 
the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting include: clearly 
defined lines of accountability and delegation of authority; policies 
and procedures that cover financial planning and reporting; 
preparation of monthly management accounts; and review of the 
disclosures within the Annual Report from function heads to ensure 
that the disclosures made appropriately reflect the developments 
within the Group in the year and meet the requirement of being fair, 
balanced and understandable.

The Audit and Risk Committee reviews the results of the internal 
audit reports during each meeting, focusing on the key observations 
of any reports where processes and controls require improvement. 
The Audit and Risk Committee was also provided with updates on 
the remediation status of management actions of internal audit 
findings and on the internal audit quality assurance and improvement 
programme at each meeting.

A particular focus during 2021 was the robustness of the internal 
control systems and processes around risk management, in light of 
the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The Audit and Risk Committee 
was kept informed of any changes or adaptations to ensure full 
functionality as the Company continued to operate under the 
circumstances and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Group Chief Financial Officer and the Regional Finance 
Directors, Country General Managers and Country Chief Financial 
Officers have access to the implementation status of the 
recommendations at all times.

Where internal or external circumstances give rise to an increased 
level of risk, the audit plan is modified accordingly. Nevertheless, no 
significant cases occurred this year. Any changes to the agreed audit 
plan are presented to and agreed by the Audit and Risk Committee. 
Detailed updates on specific areas were provided at the request 
of the Audit and Risk Committee, such as, for example, the progress 
on audit issues relating to a Health and Safety audit and to an 
Information Technology including Cyber Security audit .

Whistleblowing measures
Business ethics and anti‑corruption
We seek to grow our business by serving customers and consumers, 
and conduct all business activities with integrity and respect. 
The Board is responsible for ensuring appropriate procedures 
and processes are in place to enable our workforce to raise any 
issues of concern and is satisfied that the processes in place are 
appropriate.The Board maintains zero‑tolerance regarding 
breaches of our Code of Business Conduct and anti‑bribery policies, 
as well as any attempts to retaliate against our people who report 
potential violations.

We have mandatory training for all our people, including our ELT, so 
that everyone understands our Code of Business Conduct, and we 
hold additional targeted anti-bribery training for employees working 
in areas we assess as high risk. In April 2021, a new consolidated 
e‑learning program on our Code of Business Conduct and Anti‑
Bribery Policy was introduced. The course is available on‑line to all 
employees and includes a knowledge test, acknowledgement and 
re-commitment to compliance with the Code and its related policies. 
As in the past, this training will be a regular requirement for all 
employees. At the end of the training wave over 26.300 employees, 
which was 97,7% of total employees, had completed the course. 
Since then, we continue to train every newly hired employee. In 2021 
our communication plan on compliance included several initiatives 
to continue raising awareness on business ethics among our people, 
like our annual Ethics and Compliance Week that was rolled out 
across our Business Units. We have also an established anti‑bribery 
due diligence process for third parties who have contact with public 
authorities on behalf of our Company. For further information please 
see the Anti‑Bribery Policy and Code of Business Conduct on our 

114

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report continued

Ensuring business 
continuity and growth

Letter from the Chair of the 
Nomination Committee 

Highlights this year
•  The successful onboarding of non-Executive Directors, 

Henrique Braun and Bruno Pietracci.

Priorities for 2022
•  continuous work on succession plans for Board and senior 

management positions;

•  close monitoring of the Group’s talent and development 
frameworks in order to ensure the continued strength 
of the current talent pipeline;

•  externally facilitated Board and committee assessments; and
•  follow up actions on outcome of 2021 evaluation assessment.

Dear Stakeholder
The work of the Nomination Committee has continued 
to focus on the composition of the Board and the 
important task of Board and senior management 
succession planning.

In 2021, the Committee continued to review the balance of skills, 
experience and diversity of the Board and focused on the talent 
development, employee engagement and gender diversity initiatives 
necessary to ensure that the Group has the people and skills to 
deliver on its strategy. To this end the Committee oversaw the 
appointment process for Henrique Braun and Bruno Pietracci as 
non‑Executive Directors in light of the retirement of José Octavio 
Reyes and Alfredo Rivera. The Committee also considers the overall 
length of service of the Board as a whole as part of its succession 
planning and keeps under review the need to refresh Board 
membership. In addition, the Committee oversaw an externally 
facilitated self-assessment process.

A summary of the Group’s Nomination Policy for the recruitment of 
Board members is available online at: https://www.coca‑colahellenic.
com/content/dam/cch/us/documents/about-us/corporate-
governance/summary-of-nomination-policy-for-recruitment-of-
board‑members.pdf.downloadasset.pdf. The Board Diversity Policy 
is described on page 115.

Reto Francioni
Committee Chair

Role and responsibilities
The function of the Nomination Committee is to establish and 
maintain a process for appointing new Board members, to manage, 
in consultation with the Chairman, the succession of the Chief 
Executive Officer and to support the Board in fulfilling its duty 
to conduct a Board self‑assessment. The formal role of the 
Nomination Committee is set out in the charter for the committees 
of the Board of Directors in Annex C of the Company’s 
Organisational Regulations. This is available online at https://www.
coca-colahellenic.com/en/about-us/corporate-governance.

Key elements of the Nomination Committee’s role are:

•  reviewing the size and composition of the Board;
• 
identifying candidates and nominating new members to the Board;
•  planning and managing, in consultation with the Chairman, a Board 

membership succession plan;

•  ensuring, together with the Chairman, the operation of a 

satisfactory induction programme for new members of the Board 
and a satisfactory ongoing training and education programme for 
existing members of the Board and its committees as necessary 
to deliver on our strategy;

•  setting the criteria for, and overseeing, the annual assessment 
of the performance and effectiveness of each member of the 
Board and each Board committee;

•  conducting an annual assessment of the performance and 
effectiveness of the Board, and reporting conclusions and 
recommendations based on the assessment to the Board; and
•  overseeing the employee and management talent development 

and succession plans of the Group.

Members
Reto Francioni (Chair)

Charlotte J. Boyle
Anna Diamantopoulou

Membership status
Member since 2016
Chair since 2016
Member since 2017
Member since 2020

Committee at work

Succession 
planning

Board 
composition

Recruitment

Shortlisting

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

115

The members of the Nomination Committee are Reto Francioni, 
Charlotte Boyle and Anna Diamantopoulou. All members of the 
Nomination Committee are independent non-Executive Directors. 
At the Annual General Meeting in June 2021, Reto Francioni, 
Charlotte Boyle and Anna Diamantopoulou were re‑elected for 
a one‑year term by the shareholders. 

Work and activities
The Nomination Committee met four times during 2021 and 
discharged the responsibilities defined under Annex C of the 
Company’s Organisational Regulations. The Chief Executive Officer 
and the Group Human Resources Director regularly attend meetings 
of the Nomination Committee. In addition, the Chairman is actively 
involved in the work of the Nomination Committee concerning 
succession planning and the selection of key people. In 2021, the 
General Counsel also met with the Nomination Committee on 
several occasions. During 2021, the work of the Nomination 
Committee included consideration of:

•  succession planning and development of plans for the recruitment 
of new Board members and senior management, including two 
non-Executive Directors (given that they were appointed at the 
request of The Coca-Cola Company, an external consultancy 
was not engaged in connection with these appointments, but is 
generally used for non-Executive Director appointments) and 
certain members of the Group’s Executive Leadership Team;
•  composition of the Board, including the appropriate balance 

of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity;
•  review of the talent management framework;
•  the performance evaluation and annual assessments of the 

committees and the Board;

•  follow up actions arising from Board and committee evaluations;
•  review of the Director induction process and training 

programmes; and

•  review of the Group’s Inclusion and Diversity Policy.

Performance evaluation of the Board
The Nomination Committee led the annual assessment of the 
performance of the Board and its committees during the year with 
the support of Lintstock, an external advisory firm. The key areas 
included in the assessment were Board structure and diversity, 
timeliness and quality of information, Board discussions, and 
effective contributions of each Director, the performance of the 
Board, committees, succession planning, risk appetite and risk 
management, and remuneration and performance. The scores were 
high overall, and the results of the evaluation were presented at the 
December 2021 Board meeting. Further details on the internal Board 
evaluation are set out on page 103.

As with all employees, the Group offers training opportunities to the 
Board and senior management in order to improve their skills, and 
encourages all Board members and senior management to gain 
relevant experience and knowledge to fulfil their position’s duties.

Diversity
The Group continues to have a firm commitment to policies 
promoting diversity, equal opportunity and talent development 
at every level throughout the organisation, including at Board 
and management level, and is constantly seeking to attract and 
recruit highly qualified candidates for all positions in its business. 
The Group’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy applies to all people who 
work for us. Further details on the Group’s Diversity and Inclusion 
Policy are set out on page 41 in the Strategic Report.

The Group believes that diversity at the Board level acts as a key 
driver of Board effectiveness, helps to ensure that the Group can 
achieve its overall business goals especially in light of our geographical 
footprint, and is critical in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture 
across the whole Group. The Board has adopted a formal Board 
Diversity Policy, which guides the Nomination Committee and the 
Board in relation to their approach to diversity in respect of succession 
planning and the selection process for the appointment of new 
Board members. The Nomination Committee is responsible for 
implementing this policy and for monitoring progress towards the 
achievement of its objectives. 

The requirements and objectives of the Board Diversity Policy, 
include that the Nomination Committee is required to take into 
account all aspects of diversity, including age, ethnicity, gender, 
educational and professional background and social background 
when considering succession planning and new Board appointments; 
seek a wide pool of candidates, with a broad range of previous 
experience, skills and knowledge; and give preference to executive 
search firms that are accredited under the Enhanced Code of 
Conduct for Executive Search Firms. Board appointments are 
evaluated on merit against objective criteria with due regard for 
diversity to ensure that candidates contribute to the balance of skills, 
experience, knowledge and diversity of the Board. The Board also 
considers the overall length of service of the Board as a whole when 
considering refreshment of the membership.

The Board understands the benefits of diversity of gender, ethnicity, 
knowledge and experience, and this is reflected in the Board 
Diversity Policy. The objectives of the Board Diversity Policy include 
ensuring female representation on the Board and as such both the 
Board and Nomination Committee are mindful of the target set for 
FTSE 100 companies by the Hampton‑Alexander Review (minimum 
of 33% of women on the Board and 33% of women on the executive 
committee and direct reports by the end of 2020). They are also 
mindful of the target set out in the Parker Review to increase ethnic 
diversity (at least ‘one person of colour’ on the Board by 2021). 
The Board currently has 30% female representation and also meets 
the target set by the Parker Review having had a person of colour 
on the Board since 2015. The Board is committed to improving the 
Board gender balance and the Nomination Committee has, and will 
continue to, consider this in the context of its continuous work on 
succession plans for the Board, as well as senior management. 
The Executive Leadership Team has 23% female representation 
while 30% of our senior leaders are women. Figures showing Board 
and senior management gender diversity are shown on pages 90 
and 105. The Board is committed to appointing the best people with 
the right skill set, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or disability, 
and as such does not think it is appropriate to set specific targets 
for Board appointments.

The Board recognises the importance of diversity in its business. 
It is the Board’s responsibility to oversee senior management 
succession planning for a diverse pipeline of managers and talent 
identified from the management talent development programme. 
This links to our strategy to develop our people and ensure we 
attract and retain a diverse talent pool, and is one of the five 
pillars of our growth strategy. Further information on pages 38‑43. 
The Nomination Committee, in conjunction with the Executive 
Leadership Team, will continue to monitor the proportion of women 
at all levels of the Group and ensure that all appointments are made 
with a view to having a high level of diversity within the workplace 
and in leadership positions.

Interview

Balance of skills 
assessment

Appointment

Induction

116

COCA-COLA HBC

Corporate governance report continued

Overseeing the journey 
to net zero

Letter from the Chair of the 
Social Responsibility Committee

Activity highlights 2021
•  close governance of licence to operate pillar as part of our 
Growth Story 2025 including progress of public Mission 
2025 commitments;

•  endorsement and a detailed review of the actions, 
initiatives, and communication plans supporting 
NetZeroby40, the Company’s commitment to reach net 
zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, combined with 
science‑based carbon reduction targets by 2030;
•  review of sustainable packaging agenda, progress, 

and action plan;

•  deep-dive analysis of Company results in various 

environmental, social and governance (ESG) benchmarks 
and ratings;

•  review of the new Sustainability department structure; 
•  adoption of new food loss policy and biodiversity statement;
•  update of the packaging waste policy;
•  ongoing updates on plastic packaging levies and product tax 

developments; and

•  active involvement in annual Stakeholder Forum on ‘Winning 

ESG Partnerships – When One Plus One Exceeds Two’, 
including preparations and measurement/feedback.

Priorities for 2022
•  Progress of public Mission 2025 commitments with a focus 

on NetZeroby40 and packaging initiatives;
•  partnerships for innovation in the area of ESG;
• 

implementation of 2022 roadmap related to 2030 science-
based carbon reduction targets to reduce carbon emissions 
across the value chain;

•  plans for added sugar reduction across beverage categories 
aligned with the UNESDA commitment to sugar reduction;

•  stakeholder outreach activities;
•  reviewing and streamlining of Company disclosure and 

reporting standards based on GRI, IIRC, TCFD and SASB 
frameworks, and the EU Taxonomy; and

•  ongoing activities related to ESG benchmarking activities, 
plastic packaging levies and product tax developments.

Dear Stakeholder
The Social Responsibility Committee continued its 
focus on the overall integration of sustainability in the 
business strategy and the Group’s progress towards 
its Mission 2025 sustainability targets. To support the 
achievement of our very ambitious NetZeroby40 
emissions reduction goal, we oversaw implementation 
of a new structure and new ways of working in the 
Group’s Sustainability department. The key changes 
are: (1) a much extended and upgraded Head of 
Sustainability role in the Group team; (2) creating a 
cross-functional Sustainable Packaging team that will 
focus on developing an end-to-end approach; (3) a 
new governance model and supporting activities; (4) 
prioritisation of sustainability as the core theme 
for communication.

The Committee monitored sustainability-related regulatory 
developments, including the EU Green Deal and other regulations 
promoting a circular economy, single-use plastics and packaging 
waste, deposit return systems and evolving nutrition 
labelling requirements.

During 2021, the Company retained top scores in MSCI ESG ratings, 
CDP Climate and Water, ISS ESG, Video Eiris and FTSE4Good. 
The Committee is particularly proud that the Company was again 
rated as Europe’s most sustainable beverage business in the S&P 
Corporate Sustainability Assessment (DJSI).

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

117

Going forward in 2022, the Committee will ensure that sustainability 
is fully integrated into the business strategy and that the company 
continues to create value for all of its stakeholders. Areas of specific 
attention will include focus on increasing diversity, inclusion and 
equity; sustainable sourcing; the relevance of biodiversity and 
deforestation for the business.

Anastasios I. Leventis
Committee Chair

Role and responsibilities
The Social Responsibility Committee is responsible for the 
development and supervision of procedures and systems to ensure 
the pursuit of the Company’s social and environmental goals, as set 
out in the charter for the committees of the Board of Directors in 
Annex C to the Company’s Organisational Regulations. This is 
available at https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/en/about‑us/
corporate‑governance:

Key areas of responsibility are:

•  establishing the principles governing the Group’s policies on social 

responsibility, and the environment to guide management’s 
decisions and actions;

•  overseeing the development and supervision of procedures and 

systems to ensure the achievement of the Group’s social 
responsibility and environmental goals;

•  establishing and operating a council responsible for developing 

and implementing policies and strategies to achieve the 
Company’s social responsibility and environmental goals (in all 
ESG pillars, such as climate change, water stewardship, packaging 
and waste, sustainable sourcing, health and nutrition, and our 
people and community), and ensuring Group-wide capabilities 
to execute such policies and strategies;

•  ensuring the necessary and appropriate transparency and 

openness in the Group’s business conduct in pursuit of its social 
responsibility and environmental goals;

•  ensuring and overseeing the Group’s interactions with 
stakeholders in relation to its social responsibility and 
environmental policies, goals, and achievements, including the 
level of compliance with internationally accepted standards; and
•  reviewing Group policies on environmental issues, human rights, 

and other topics as they relate to social responsibility.

Members
Anastasios I. Leventis (Chair)

Anna Diamantopoulou
Bruno Pietracci

Membership status
Member since 2016 
Chair since 2016
Member since June 2020
Member since June 2021

Work and activities
The Social Responsibility Committee met four times during 2021. 
Along with Committee members, those meetings were attended 
by other members of the Board, i.e., Charlotte J. Boyle and Ryan 
Rudolph, the CEO, the Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability 
Officer, and additional senior leaders subject to the discussion topics. 
The Chairman of the Board also attended some of the meetings.

During 2021, the Social Responsibility Committee reviewed and 
provided guidance and insights to advance the Group’s sustainability 
approach in the following areas:

•  progress and the action plans made against the 17 publicly 

communicated 2025 sustainability commitments;

•  new Group Sustainability structure and introduction of Sustainable 
Packaging cross-functional team to manage agenda and track 
progress of accelerating a shift towards more sustainable packaging 
(rPET, packageless, refillables, and other) and packaging recovery;
•  detailed plans and initiatives for delivery of science-based carbon 

• 

• 

reduction targets and NetZeroby40 commitment;
innovative opportunities related to CO2 capture from the air 
(CO2 removal) and digital applications for incentivising consumers 
for bottling recycling;
low-sugar and zero-sugar products and reformulations as part 
of the Group’s commitment to reduce calories and added sugar;

•  volunteering activities across our BUs;
•  diversity, equity, and inclusion topics;
•  health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of all 

our employees;

•  support to our communities throughout the COVID‑19 pandemic;
•  #YouthEmpowered digital programmes and curriculum;
•  established partnerships in the area of packaging, blockchain, 

packaging recycling and carbon;

•  materiality process and review of outcomes of the annual 

materiality survey;

•  opportunities for EU funds related to different environmental 
initiatives, mostly for renewable energy, carbon reduction 
and packaging optimisations;

•  stakeholder engagement plan and outcomes of the Annual 

Stakeholder Forum; and

•  use of relevant reporting frameworks including the Global 

Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Sustainability 
Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

118

COCA-COLA HBC

Directors’ remuneration report

Maintaining our performance
focus during a challenging year

Letter from the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

Highlights this year
•  We developed a more comprehensive shareholder 

engagement programme, conducting a consultation 
between the Chair of the Remuneration Committee and 
an extensive number of shareholders for the first time.

•  This followed the AGM and was directly in response 

to feedback received from shareholders as part of our 
consultations last year.

•  The key decisions we made this year in relation to 

incentive outcomes and the implementation of our 
Remuneration Policy were informed by this shareholder 
consultation process.

Dear Shareholder
Our Company and employees continued to rise to 
the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2021, 
navigating reopenings and recovery while continuing 
to adapt to new ways of working. While we maintained 
business continuity, the health and safety of our 
workforce has always been our first priority. 
The Remuneration Committee’s decisions during the 
year were considered in the context of the remuneration 
of all our employees and reflect the importance of 
incentivising and rewarding our most critical employees: 
those on the front lines serving our customers.

Free cash flow (€m)
601.3
(2020: 497)

Comparable EPS (€)
1.584
(2020: 1.185)

Comparable EBIT 
(€m)
831
(2020: 672)

ROIC
14.8%
(2020: 11.1%)

NSR (Net sales revenue)
7,168
(2020: 6,132)

Included in MIP

Included in PSP

As the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, I am pleased to 
present our Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 
31 December 2021. Our primary listing is on the London Stock 
Exchange, and our Company is domiciled in Switzerland. We therefore 
ensure, as described in this report, that we comply with UK regulations, 
except where these conflict with Swiss law. The format of this year’s 
Remuneration Report is consistent with the format of last year’s as 
there were no significant changes in relevant regulations. As always, 
I welcome your feedback and suggestions regarding anything we can 
do to improve the report further.

The Group’s remuneration philosophy and policies are designed to 
attract, motivate and retain the talented people we need to meet 
the Company’s strategic objectives, and to give them due recognition.

To this end, the Remuneration Committee has worked to ensure 
that the remuneration policy of the Group remains fair, transparent, 
and competitive in comparison with our peers, and that remuneration 
helps drive our growth strategy and sustainable performance.

Remuneration in context
We achieved strong performance in 2021. In a volatile market 
environment, where in many of our countries we had customers 
who remained closed for several months, the business has achieved 
an acceleration of revenues and profitability as well as a faster pace 
of market share gains, with all key metrics above pre-pandemic 
levels. We have continued to invest in long-term opportunities 
including the acquisition of Coca‑Cola Bottling Company of Egypt 
and the stake in Caffè Vergnano which expands our coffee strategy; 
and we have announced targets and funds to achieve net zero 
carbon emissions by 2040. Our key financial highlights include:

•  FX-neutral revenue growth +20.6% like-for-like . Reported 

revenues +16.9%;

•  Volume growth of 14.0% like‑for‑like, or 13% on a reported basis;
•  FX-neutral revenue per case up to 5.8% driven by pricing and 

revenue growth management strategies;

•  Comparable EBIT grew by 23.6% with margins +60bps to 11.6%. 

Reported EBIT grew by 21.0%;

•  Operating costs as a percent of revenue improved by 2.2pp, 

driven by operating leverage, cost savings higher than plan; and
•  Strong earnings growth, record high free cash flow and increased 

dividend pay-out target range to 40-50%.

Stakeholder experience

Our shareholders
The Committee acknowledges that, at our 2021 Annual General 
Meeting all resolutions were successfully passed with the requisite 
majority, however, there were significant minority votes against 
Resolutions 7 and 9, the advisory votes to approve the UK 
Remuneration Report and the Swiss Remuneration Report. 
Each were passed with the support of approximately 72% of the 
votes cast.

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119

Following the AGM, we extended our engagement with shareholders 
and their proxy advisers on remuneration issues. We reached out to 
the top 20 shareholders as well as all those who had contacted the 
Board to express their views, particularly with regard to the targets for 
the 2018 Performance Share Plan awards. Whilst the Remuneration 
Committee had sought to ensure that these incentive arrangements 
continued to align with their original intent given the impact of 
COVID‑19, we acknowledge that not all shareholders were supportive 
of such adjustments. Through the engagement process, shareholders 
did express a range of views on other actions the Committee might 
consider to provide retention and incentivisation to the workforce 
reflecting the different operating environment presented 
by COVID‑19.

The Remuneration Committee believes that the decisions it took 
were necessary to retain and incentivise the broader management 
team, in addition to the executive leadership and CEO. These individuals 
were directly responsible for navigating the Company through the 
turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the 
resilience and recovery of the business.

In terms of the shareholder experience, our investors have benefited 
from recent and historical strong financial performance. We have 
returned €4.1 billion to shareholders over the last two decades with 
a progressive dividend policy complemented by extraordinary returns 
through special dividends. In 2021, we paid a dividend of €0.64, a 
3.2% increase despite the decline in EPS. This represented a payout 
ratio of 54%, ahead of our medium term target of 35-45%, and 
was proposed to ensure we rewarded shareholders and maintained 
our commitment to a progressive dividend. While the COVID-19 
pandemic is a continuing source of uncertainty globally, based 
on our business’s resilience and future opportunities, the Board has 
proposed a dividend of €0.71, a 10.9% increase compared with last 
year. We have committed to continue to make progressive dividend 
payments in the future.

Our employees and their remuneration
As a continuation to the improvements made in 2020 to enable our 
workforce to operate effectively, in 2021 we maintained our ongoing 
dialogue with our employees to listen and understand their needs.

I continue to attend the majority of the Works Council meetings 
and plenary during the year which covers approximately half of 
our population . I speak with the employee representatives to 
discuss their thoughts on the Company’s relationship with them. 
The discussions and outcomes are shared in the Remuneration 
Committee meetings as input for taking wider decisions related 
to remuneration for the workforce and executives.

In reviewing our wider workforce remuneration practices, we 
prioritised the treatment of our front‑line employees: we continue 
to focus on protecting them and ensuring that their remuneration is 
treated fairly. Annual increases were awarded to the wider population 
in 2021 as were incentives, and they are planned again for 2022.

We conducted two additional surveys to complement our annual 
engagement survey to ensure we remained abreast of the views 
of our employees at a time of significant change and uncertainty.

We adjusted our Wellbeing framework to take into account the new 
ways of working and needs of our employees.

Furthermore, we ensured that there were no redundancies made 
as a result of the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Full details of 
how we cultivated the potential of our people in 2021 can be found 
on page 41-42.

Applying the remuneration policy for Directors in 2021
In 2021, Zoran Bogdanovic’s salary was increased to €815,000 
representing an increase of 3.2%, effective 1 May 2021. Following 
the freeze in 2020, the Committee believed that as the Company 
emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase for the CEO 
in line with other employees was appropriate. The average increase 
for our other head office employees was 3.1%.

We signalled in last year’s Annual Report that the adjustments 
made to employees and CEO incentive outcomes would continue 
to try to reflect appropriately the changed environment with the aim 
to incentivise and retain our broader workforce. The decisions in 
relation to PSP outcomes followed a similar reasoning to the decisions 
in 2020, albeit our business had stronger performance in 2021 
compared to last year.

As mentioned in last year’s report, the approach under the MIP 
changed in 2021, shifting to a multiplicative rather than additive 
calculation to give more emphasis on business performance over 
personal performance. The business performance KPIs were 
simplified to focus on three key metrics: revenue (40% weighting), 
comparable EBIT (40% weighting) and free cash flow (20% weighting).

The formulaic MIP outcome for the CEO was 100% of the maximum 
opportunity. The Committee applied downward discretion to adjust 
for the benefit of the sale of the Cyprus plant and to reflect the 
small amount of government aid due to COVID‑19 received in a few 
countries outside the UK but for which there are no mechanisms 
available for repayment. The final MIP outcome was 91% of the 
maximum opportunity. The effect of this adjustment was to reduce 
the outcome for the CEO by 12.6% of salary. Details of the targets, 
performance against them and the plan outcomes are set out 
on page 134.

As described in more detail on page 135, the Committee took 
the decision to adjust targets for the 2019 PSP award. The original 
targets for this award were set prior to the onset of the pandemic 
and were no longer appropriate in light of that impact. At the time 
of revising the targets, the plan would have delivered zero vesting. 
The Committee took into consideration the financial, operational 
and strategic performance of the business over the three year period, 
as well as the shareholder experience including the dividend payouts. 
The Committee carefully considered the adjusted targets to 
ensure that they are equally stretched and still represented good 
performance at threshold and exceptional performance 
at maximum levels.

Performance against the revised targets over the period 2019 to 
2021 resulted in a formulaic vesting level of 90% of the maximum 
PSP award granted in 2019, which excludes the benefit from the sale 
of the Cyprus plant. The Committee decided to apply downwards 
discretion to this figure, resulting in a final vesting level of 75% 
of the maximum. Details of the targets and outcomes are explained 
on page 135.

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Directors’ remuneration report continued

Looking ahead
The Remuneration Committee will continue to keep policies 
under review so as to ensure that plans and programmes relating 
to remuneration support the Company’s strategy and objectives 
and are closely linked to shareholders’ interests. The Committee 
is mindful of the evolution in corporate governance requirements 
and will continue to review the application of these as it relates 
to aspects of remuneration.

The Remuneration Committee believes that the amended 
Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the AGM in June 
2021 remains appropriate and carefully balances alignment with 
the Company’s business strategy and our response to evolving 
corporate governance requirements.

As in 2021, for the purposes of the 2022 MIP business performance 
will be measured based on performance against three KPIs: revenue 
(40% weighting), comparable EBIT (40% weighting) and free cash 
flow (20% weighting). 

The Committee intends that 2022 PSP awards will be made subject 
to the same performance metrics as 2021 awards: ROIC (42.5%), 
EPS (42.5%) and reduction of CO2 emissions (15%). However, 
the Committee has determined to temporarily postpone target 
setting in light of the heightened uncertainty as a result of the 
Russia-Ukraine war. The Group has significant operations in both 
countries. We intend to set targets as soon as possible, within six 
months from the standard date of grant and will fully disclose targets 
via RNS at that time.

We will proceed with providing the individual grants for the 2022 PSP 
in March as per usual process. Taking into account the share price 
volatility at the time of grant, the Remuneration Committee will 
retain the right to appropriately apply discretion to the share award 
outcome at the time of vesting, for example to safeguard against 
any inappropriate windfall gains.

In addition, the Committee has welcomed the discussions with 
shareholders and plans to build on our extensive consultation 
during 2021, continuing the productive dialogue with our 
shareholders this year.

The role of the Remuneration Committee
The main responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are to 
establish the remuneration strategy for the Group and to approve 
compensation packages for Directors and senior management. 
Further, the Committee reviews wider workforce remuneration 
policies at Coca‑Cola HBC and the alignment of incentives and 
rewards with strategy and culture, taking these into account when 
setting the remuneration policy. The Remuneration Committee 
operates under the Charter for the Committees of the Board of the 
Company set forth in Annex C to the Organisational Regulations 
of the Company, available on the Group’s website at: https://www.
coca-colahellenic.com/en/ about-us/corporate-governance
Members
Charlotte J. Boyle (Chair)

Membership status
Member since 2017
Chair since June 2020
Appointed June 2016
Appointed June 2020

Reto Francioni
Anna Diamantopoulou

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the 
Remuneration Committee consists of three independent non- 
Executive Directors: Charlotte J. Boyle (Chair), Reto Francioni 
and Anna Diamantopoulou, who were each last elected by the 
shareholders for a one-year term on 22 June 2021. 

The Remuneration Committee met four times in 2021; in March, 
June, September and December. Please refer to the Corporate 
Governance Report on page 92 for details of the Remuneration 
Committee meetings.

Q&A
Chair of the 
Remuneration 
Committee

What was the reason behind the 
significant minority vote against 
the remuneration report last year 
and what has the Committee done 
to address any issues?
The Committee understands from our 
extensive consultation with shareholders 
that the primary reasons for the votes 
against the Annual Report on 
Remuneration (with 72% in favour) was 
the Committee’s decision to adjust the 
performance metrics relating to PSP 
vesting in respect of performance up to 
31 December 2020.

In reaction to the vote, the Committee 
decided for the first time to conduct 
an extensive shareholder consultation, 
reaching out to many shareholders and 
engaging with all shareholders who 
expressed concerns. As the Chair of the 
Committee, I met with 12 shareholders to 
discuss matters related to remuneration. 

We reached out to the top 20 shareholders 
as well as all those who contacted the 
Board to express concerns, particularly 
regarding targets for 2018 Performance 
Share Plan awards. Whilst the Remuneration 
Committee had sought to ensure that 
these incentive arrangements continued 
to align with their original intent given 
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
we acknowledge that shareholders have 
a range of views as to the appropriateness 
of such adjustments.

The Remuneration Committee believes 
that the adjustments made were necessary 
to retain and incentivise the broader 
management team, in addition to the 
executive leadership and CEO. These 
individuals were directly responsible 
for navigating the Company through the 
turbulence caused by COVID-19 and 
ensuring the resilience and recovery 
of the business.

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121

Is the Committee satisfied with 
the use of ESG metrics in its 
executive incentives?
The Company has used ESG metrics for 
either short-term or long-term incentives 
for a number of years, reflecting our 
approach to responsible, long-term 
management and the importance of 
ensuring our licence to operate. The CEO’s 
individual performance is measured in key 
strategic areas and taken into account 
for MIP. These strategic areas include 
the Company’s performance in ESG 
benchmarks. The Company received 
the highest scores in 8 of the 10 most 
recognized ESG benchmarks, DJSI, CDP, 
MSCI, ecoact, FTSE4GOOD, MSCI and 
Vigeo Eiris. The PSP contains metrics linked 
to a reduction in CO2 emissions. The CO2 
emissions target in the PSP implicitly 
captures reduction in plastics, which was 
a key driver of its selection as a metric.

These selected metrics directly align with 
and incentivise delivery of the Company’s 
ESG objectives, particularly our ambitious 
goal to achieve net zero emissions across 
our entire value chain by 2040. 

The achievement of ESG metrics has an 
impact on the overall MIP opportunity and 
account for 15% of the PSP opportunity. 
The Committee is satisfied that this 
is sufficient focus in order to achieve 
our ambitious sustainability targets, 
without diluting focus on financial 
and growth objectives.

Charlotte J. Boyle
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

The performance period for the 2019 
PSP contained two years (2020 and 2021) 
where the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic was felt. 2019 was a year with 
solid business performance.

Fx neutral revenue grew +4.4%. EBIT 
margin grew 330 basis points to 10.8%. 
OpEx improved by 80 bps. ROIC expanded 
by 50 bps to 14.2%. FCF increased by 
20% year on year. EPS increased by 10% 
resulting in 1.436. In order to ensure 
the PSP continued to be effective in its 
core purpose – to motivate and retain 
employees (including executives) over 
a long period – the Committee determined 
to adjust the targets to maintain relevancy. 
In doing so, the Committee put in place 
safeguards to ensure the revised targets 
led to outcomes which were fair for all 
employees and considered the broader 
stakeholder environment.

The Committee considered analyst 
forecasts and adjusted the targets to 
deliver suitable stretch when considering 
these external reference points.

The Committee noted that, at the time 
when COVID-19 first impacted, it was 
anticipated that it would not be until 2022 
that we caught up with the 2020 business 
plan. In fact, this was achieved in 2021, in 
spite of the fact that we have continued to 
oparate in a ‘non-normal’ environment and 
some of our channels notably HORECA has 
been impacted by lockdowns. 

The Committee applied the same treatment 
to the 2019 PSP for all employees, with 
no preference given to any population.

Alternative approaches to the PSP were 
also considered such as using discretion 
to adjusting vesting or making a larger 
award in 2022. Feedback to these 
alternative approaches was mixed from 
our shareholders and there was not one 
approach that proved universally acceptable.

The formulaic outcome against the adjusted 
targets was vesting of 90% excluding the 
benefit from the sale of the Cyprus plant. 
Furthermore, the Committee also decided 
it was appropriate to apply downward 
discretion and the awards will vest at 75% 
of the original grant.

How was the impact of the 
COVID‑19 pandemic factored into 
the target‑setting process for 2021?
In respect of the long-term Performance 
Share Plan (PSP), which covers a three-
year performance period, the Committee 
determined that given the uncertainty 
around the COVID-19 pandemic, it was 
prudent to delay the final calibration of 
targets for the awards for 2021 until 
there was greater certainty in the 
macroeconomic environment. 

In line with guidance from the Investment 
Association, PSP awards were granted for 
2021 in the usual timeframe in March 2021. 
PSP targets for 2021 were subsequently 
confirmed and publicly announced in the 
autumn of 2021.

Did the Company take government 
aid during the year and what were 
the views of shareholders on this?
The Company received a small amount 
of government aid (amounting to €4.7m in 
total) – mostly in Italy and Switzerland, and 
I note that there was no government aid 
received in the UK. There were different 
views from our shareholders regarding the 
consideration of government aid. 

UK shareholders were firmly of the view 
that no incentives should pay out where 
support had been taken and not paid back. 
The Company notes that the mechanisms 
which are in place for repaying support 
in the UK are not necessarily in place 
in all geographies. 

In general, our US shareholders placed 
more focus on the treatment of employees 
during the period and were pleased that the 
Company did not make any COVID-19 
related redundancies during 2021.

MIP payouts in relation to 2021 as for 2020 
were adjusted to exclude the benefits of 
the aid taken.

Did the Committee make any 
adjustments to incentive outcomes 
for 2021?
As described above, the Company 
received a small amount of government 
aid and the mechanisms are not place for 
repaying this in all geographies. As for 
2020, the outcome of the 2021 MIP was 
reduced for the CEO and the Executive 
Leadership Team to take into account 
this support received and to remove the 
benefit from the sale of the Cyprus plant. 
The impact was to reduce the implied 
formulaic outcome from 100% to 91% 
of the maximum.

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Remuneration throughout the organisation – a snapshot

Attracting
Finding the people we want and need

Recognising
Adopting behaviours that produce exceptional performance

Retaining
Continuing to attract the best talent

Motivating
Achieving business, financial and non-financial targets

Reward strategy and objective
The objective of the Group’s remuneration philosophy is to 
attract, retain and motivate employees who are curious, agile and 
committed to high performance. Our reward strategy seeks to 
promote a growth mindset and reinforce desirable behaviours, 
ensuring that employees are fairly rewarded and that their individual 
contributions are linked to the success of the Company.

Variable pay is an important element of our reward philosophy. 
A significant proportion of total remuneration for top managers 
(including the Chief Executive Officer and the members of the 
Executive Leadership Team) is tied to the achievement of our 
business objectives. These objectives are defined by key business 
metrics that are consistent with our growth strategy and will deliver 
long-term shareholder value. The variable pay element increases 
or decreases based on the achieved business performance. 
Through equity‑related long‑term compensation, we seek to 
ensure that the financial interests of the Chief Executive Officer, 
the members of the Executive Leadership Team and senior 
managers are aligned with those of shareholders.

All of our remuneration plans, both fixed and variable, are designed 
to be cost‑effective, taking into account market practice, business 
performance, and individual performance and experience where 
relevant. We pay close attention to our shareholders’ views 
in reviewing our remuneration policy and programmes.

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the following 
factors, which align well with our objectives, were also considered:

•  clarity and simplicity: we believe that our policy provides 

transparency for Executives and shareholders about what 
performance we are looking for across our portfolio;

•  risk: we note the reputational and other risks that can result from 
excessive rewards and believe that our robust target-setting and 
long history of applying discretion to performance outcome 
addresses this;

•  predictability and proportionality: we believe that the link between 

individual awards, the delivery of strategy and the long-term 
performance of the Company is clearly explained in this report 
and that our approach ensures proportionate pay outcomes that 
do not reward poor performance; and

•  alignment to culture: we want our Executives to make decisions 

that support the long-term performance and health of the business.

How we implement our reward strategy
The chart below illustrates how we put our reward strategy into practice, with the different remuneration arrangements that apply 
to different employee groups.

Chief Executive Officer, 
Executive Leadership 
Team and selected 
senior management

Performance Share Plan
Performance share 
awards vest over three 
years. PSP awards are 
cascaded down to select 
senior managers, 
promoting a focus on 
long-term performance 
and aligning them to 
shareholders’ interests.

Chief Executive 
Officer and Executive 
Leadership Team

Shareholding guidelines
Support the alignment 
with shareholder 
interests ensuring 
sustainable 
performance: Chief 
Executive Officer – 
required to hold shares 
in the Company equal in 
value to 300% of annual 
base salary within 
a five‑year period and 
a post‑employment 
shareholding 
requirement applying 
from this year.

Executive Leadership 
Team – required to hold 
shares in the Company 
equal in value to 100% of 
annual base salary within 
a five-year period.

Selected middle and 
senior management

All management

All employees

Long-Term Incentive Plan
Cash long-term 
incentive awards vest 
over three years. LTIP 
awards are cascaded 
down to select middle 
and senior management 
to reinforce long-term 
performance and ensure 
retention of our talents.

Management Incentive 
Plan
Management 
employees may be 
eligible to receive an 
award under the annual 
bonus scheme that 
promotes a high- 
performance culture. 
Performance conditions 
are bespoke to the role 
and business unit.

Employee Share Purchase 
Plan (dependent on 
country practice)
The Employee Share 
Purchase Plan 
encourages share 
ownership and aligns 
the interests of our 
employees with those 
of shareholders.

Fixed pay and benefits 
(base salary, retirement 
and other benefits – 
dependent on country 
practice)
Base salaries may reflect 
the market value of 
each role as well as the 
individual’s performance 
and potential. 
Retirement and other 
benefits are subject to 
local market practice.

Note: Participants in the Performance Share Plan are not eligible to participate in the Long‑Term Incentive Plan.

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123

Remuneration arrangements for the Chief Executive Officer – at a glance

Base salary

Retirement 
benefits

Other 
benefits

ESPP

MIP

PSP

Total 
compensation

Fixed pay

Variable pay subject 
to performance

The table below summarises the remuneration arrangements in place for our Chief Executive Officer. See page 133 for total compensation figures.

Pay element 

Base salary

Detail

The base salary of the Chief Executive Officer is €815,000.

Retirement benefits

Other benefits

ESPP 
(Employee Share Purchase Plan)

MIP 
(Management Incentive Plan)

The base salary of the Chief Executive Officer will be increased by 3.1% to €840,000 with effect 
from 1 May 2022.

The Chief Executive Officer participates in a defined benefit pension plan under Swiss law. 
Employer contributions are 15% of annual base salary.

Other benefits include (but are not limited to) medical insurance, housing allowance, company 
car/allowance, cost of living adjustment, trip allowance, partner allowance, exchange rate 
protection, tax equalisation and tax filing support and advice. Benefit levels vary each year 
depending on need.

The Chief Executive Officer may participate in the Company’s Employee Share Purchase Plan.

As a scheme participant, the Chief Executive Officer has the opportunity to invest a portion of 
his base salary and/or MIP payments in shares. The Company matches employee contributions 
on a one-to-one basis up to 3% of base salary and/or MIP payout.

Awards are subject to potential application of malus and clawback provisions.

The MIP consists of a maximum annual bonus opportunity of up to 140% of base salary.

Payout is based on business performance targets and individual performance. The Business 
Performance element will result in an outcome between 0% and 200% of the target MIP and 
the Individual Performance element will result in an outcome of up to 100%, with the overall 
payout as a percentage of salary being based on the multiplication of these two figures.

For 2022, Business Performance will be measured based on performance against three 
KPIs: revenue (40% weighting), comparable EBIT (40% weighting) and free cash flow 
(20% weighting).

50% of any MIP payout will be deferred into shares for a further three-year period. Payments 
are subject to potential application of malus and clawback provisions.

PSP 
(Performance Share Plan)

The PSP is an annual share award which vests after three years. For the award in 2022, 
vesting will be based on performance conditions measured over a three‑year period against:

(i) comparable earnings per share (EPS) (42.5% weighting);

(ii) return on invested capital (ROIC) (42.5% weighting);

(iii) reduction of CO2 emissions (15% weighting). 

An additional two-year holding period will apply following vesting.

Awards are subject to potential application of malus and clawback provisions.

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Remuneration policy

Introduction
The following section (pages 124 to 126) sets out our Directors’ remuneration policy as approved by shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting in June 2021. No changes are being proposed to the policy this year and the 2021 policy will continue to apply.

As a Swiss-incorporated company, we are not required to put forward our remuneration policy for a shareholder vote, but we intend to 
do so voluntarily at least every three years (or when there are changes). We continue to endeavour to make sure that our disclosure complies 
with UK regulations, except where these conflict with Swiss law.

Policy table – Chief Executive Officer
The Company currently has a single Executive Director, being the Chief Executive Officer. Therefore, for simplicity, this section refers only 
to the Chief Executive Officer. This remuneration policy would, however, apply for any new Executive Director role, in the event that one was 
created during the term of this remuneration policy. In that case, references in this section to the Chief Executive Officer should be read as 
being to each Executive Director.

Retirement benefits

Purpose and link to strategy
To provide competitive, cost-effective post-retirement benefits.
Operation
The Chief Executive Officer participates in a defined benefit 
pension plan. However, we have adjusted the pension scheme 
to be co‑contributory, in line with the pension scheme for the 
wider Swiss workforce, for new Executive Directors’ 
appointments from 2020 onwards.
Normal retirement age for the Chief Executive Officer’s plan is 65 
years. In case of early retirement, which is possible from the age 
of 58, the Chief Executive Officer is entitled to receive the 
amount accrued under the plan as a lump sum.
Malus and clawback provisions do not apply to retirement 
benefits.
Maximum opportunity
The contributions to the pension plan are calculated as a 
percentage of annual base salary (excluding any incentive 
payments or other allowance/benefits provided) based on age 
brackets as defined by Fedral Swiss legislation.
This percentage is currently 15% of base salary and increases to 
18% for age above 55.
Performance metrics
None.

Fixed

Base salary

Purpose and link to strategy
To provide a fixed level of compensation appropriate to the 
requirements of the role of Chief Executive Officer and to 
support the attraction and retention of the talent able to deliver 
the Group’s strategy.
Operation
Salary is reviewed annually, with salary changes normally effective 
on 1 May each year.
The following parameters are considered when reviewing the 
base salary level:
•  the Chief Executive Officer’s performance, skills and 

responsibilities;

•  economic conditions and performance trends;
•  experience of the Chief Executive Officer;
•  pay increases for other employees; and
•  external comparisons based on factors such as: the industry of 

the business, revenue, market capitalisation, headcount, 
geographical footprint, stock exchange listing (FTSE) and 
other European companies.

Malus and clawback provisions do not apply to base salary.
Maximum opportunity
Whilst there is no maximum salary level, any increases awarded 
to the Chief Executive Officer will normally be broadly aligned 
with the broader employee population.
The salary increase made to the Chief Executive Officer may 
exceed the average salary increase under certain circumstances 
at the Remuneration Committee’s discretion. These 
circumstances may include: business and individual performance; 
material changes to the business; internal promotions; accrual of 
experience; changes to the role; or other material factors. 
Performance metrics
Individual and business performance are key factors when 
determining any base salary changes.
The annual base salary for the Chief Executive Officer is set out
on page 123.

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125

Other benefits

ESPP (Employee Share Purchase Plan)

Purpose and link to strategy
To provide benefits to the Chief Executive Officer which are 
consistent with market practice.
Operation
Benefit provisions are reviewed by the Remuneration Committee 
which has the discretion to recommend the introduction of 
additional benefits where appropriate.
Typical provisions for the Chief Executive Officer include benefits 
related to relocation such as housing allowance, company car/ 
allowance, cost of living adjustment, trip allowance, partner 
allowance, exchange rate protection, tax equalisation and tax 
filing support and advice. For all benefits, the Company will bear 
any income tax and social security contributions arising from 
such payments.
Malus and clawback provisions do not apply to benefits.
Maximum opportunity
There is no defined maximum as the cost to the Company 
of providing such benefits will vary from year to year.
Performance metrics
None.

Purpose and link to strategy
The ESPP is an Employee Share Purchase Plan, encouraging 
broader share ownership, and is intended to align the interests 
of employees and the Chief Executive Officer with those 
of the shareholders.
Operation
This is a voluntary share purchase scheme across many of the 
Group’s countries. The Chief Executive Officer as a scheme 
participant has the opportunity to invest from 1% to 15% of his 
base salary and/or MIP payout to purchase the Company’s 
shares by contributing to the plan on a monthly basis.
The Company matches the Chief Executive Officer’s 
contributions on a one-to-one basis up to 3% of the employee’s 
base salary and/or MIP payout. Matching contributions are used 
to purchase shares one year after the purchase of shares by 
employees. Matching shares are immediately vested.
Dividends received in respect of shares held under the ESPP are 
used to purchase additional shares and are immediately vested. 
The Chief Executive Officer is eligible to participate in the ESPP 
operated by the Company on the same basis as other employees.
Malus and clawback provisions apply. Further details may be 
found in the Additional notes to the Executive Director’s 
remuneration policy table section on page 128.
Maximum opportunity
Maximum investment is 15% of gross base salary and MIP 
payout. The Company matches contributions up to 3% of gross 
base salary and MIP payout. Matching contributions are used to 
purchase shares one year after the matching. Matching shares 
are immediately vested.
Performance metrics
The value is directly linked to the share price performance.
It is therefore not affected by other performance criteria.

Variable pay

MIP (Management Incentive Plan)

PSP (Performance Share Plan)

Purpose and link to strategy
To support profitable growth and reward annually for 
contribution to business performance. The plan aims to promote 
a high-performance culture with stretching business and 
individual targets linked to our key strategies.
Operation
Annual cash bonus awarded under the MIP is subject to business 
and individual performance metrics and is non-pensionable.
The Chief Executive Officer’s individual objectives are regularly 
reviewed to ensure relevance to business strategy and are set 
and approved annually by the Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Stretching targets for business performance are set annually, 
based on the business plan of the Group as approved by the Board 
of Directors. The Remuneration Committee will determine the 
business performance metrics and weightings on an annual basis.
Performance against these targets and bonus outcomes 
is assessed by the Remuneration Committee, which may 
recommend an adjustment to the payout level where it considers 
the overall performance of the Company or the individual’s 
contribution warrants a higher or lower outcome.
Malus and clawback provisions apply. Further details may be 
found in the Additional notes to the Executive Director’s 
remuneration policy table section on page 128.

Purpose and link to strategy
To align the Chief Executive Officer’s interests with the interests 
of shareholders, and increase the ability of the Group to attract 
and reward individuals with exceptional skills.
Operation
The Chief Executive Officer is granted conditional awards of 
shares which vest after three years, subject to the achievement 
of performance metrics and continued service. Grants take place 
annually, normally every March.
Performance metrics and the associated targets are reviewed 
and determined around the beginning of each performance 
period to ensure that they support the long-term strategy 
and objectives of the Group and are aligned with 
shareholders’ interests.
Dividends may be paid on vested shares where the performance 
metrics are achieved at the end of the three-year period.
Malus and clawback provisions apply. Further details may 
be found in the Additional notes to the Executive Director’s 
remuneration policy table section on page 128.

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Variable pay continued

MIP (Management Incentive Plan)

Maximum opportunity
The Chief Executive Officer’s maximum MIP opportunity is set
at 140% of annual base salary. The Business Performance 
element will result in an outcome between 0% and 200% of the 
target MIP and the Individual Performance element will result in an 
outcome of up to 100%, with the overall payout as a percentage 
of salary being based on the multiplication of these two figures.
Threshold, target and maximum achievement for the Business 
Performance element will result in an outcome as follows:
•  Threshold: 0% of base salary
•  Target: 70% of base salary
•  Maximum: 140% of base salary
•  The maximum opportunity level will therefore only pay out 
for both a stretch level of business performance and full 
achievement of the individual performance element.

Performance metrics
The MIP awards are based on business metrics linked to our 
business strategy. These may include, but are not limited to, 
measures of revenue, profit, profit margins and operating 
efficiencies. The weighting of individual performance metrics shall 
be determined by the Remuneration Committee around the 
beginning of the MIP performance period.
Details related to the key performance indicators can be found 
in the Annual Report on Remuneration on page 134.
Deferral of MIP
50% of any MIP award is to be deferred into shares which 
will be made available after a three‑year deferral period which 
commences on the first day on the fiscal year in which the 
deferred share award is made.
Deferred shares may be subject to malus and clawback (for a 
period of two years following this incentive award) to the extent 
deemed appropriate by the Remuneration Committee, in line 
with best practice.

PSP (Performance Share Plan)

Maximum opportunity
Awards (normally) have a face value up to 330% of base salary.
In exceptional circumstances only, the Remuneration Committee 
has the discretion to grant awards up to 450% of base salary.
Performance metrics
Vesting of awards is subject to the three-year Group performance 
metrics. For each award, the Remuneration Committee will 
determine the applicable metrics, weightings and target calibration 
making up the performance condition.
Following the end of the three-year period, the Remuneration 
Committee will determine the extent to which performance 
metrics have been met and, in turn, the level of vesting. 
Participants may receive vested awards in the form of shares 
or a cash equivalent.
For each performance metric, achieving threshold performance 
results in vesting of 25% of the award and maximum performance 
results in vesting of 100% of the award. There will be a straight-line 
vesting between these performance levels.
Performance share awards will lapse if the Remuneration 
Committee determines that the performance metrics have not 
been met. The Remuneration Committee will have discretion to 
reduce or negate PSP award vesting, in case of significant adverse 
environmental, social or governance impacts regarding the 
Company’s activities.
Holding period
Any vested award (net of shares sold to cover tax liability) is subject 
to a further two‑year holding period following the end of the 
three-year performance period. During this two-year period, these 
beneficially owned shares are subject to a no-sale commitment. 
Any shares subject to the holding period count towards the 
shareholding requirement.
Adjustments
In the event of an equity restructuring, the Remuneration 
Committee may make an equitable adjustment to the terms of 
the performance share award by adjusting the number and kind of 
shares which have been granted or may be granted and/or making 
provision for payment of cash in respect of any outstanding 
performance share award.
Where exceptional circumstances exist such that the original 
targets no longer meet the intent at the time of grant, the 
Committee will have the discretion to adjust targets in a manner 
that is considered to be no less stretching than the original 
performance condition. Where any such adjustment is made, the 
details will be fully disclosed in the following Remuneration Report.
Change of control
In the event of change of control, unvested performance share 
awards held by participants vest immediately on a pro-rated basis 
if the Remuneration Committee determines that the performance 
metrics have been satisfied or would have been likely to be satisfied 
at the end of the performance period, unless the Remuneration 
Committee determines that substitute performance share 
awards may be used in place of the previous awards. For vested 
shares subject to the additional holding period, the holding period 
will lapse and the participants are no longer subject to the 
no‑sale commitment.

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Additional notes to the Executive Director’s remuneration policy table

Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration policy illustration
The graph below provides estimates of the potential reward opportunity for the Chief Executive Officer and the split between the 
different elements of remuneration under three different performance scenarios: ‘Minimum’, ‘Target’ and ‘Maximum’. In line with the 
reporting regulations, a scenario assuming 50% share price growth over the three-year PSP performance period is also shown below. 
The assumptions used for these charts are set out in the table below (€ 000s).

Maximum
performance +50%
share price growth

12%

13%

Maximum

14%

16%

2%

2%

3%

16%

20%

Target

21%

23%

15%

38% 3,881

Minimum

45%

7%
48% 1,814

38%

19%

7,024

47%

5,679

Base salary

Cash and non-cash benefits

Pension

MIP

PSP

PSP – share price appreciation

Minimum performance

Target performance

Maximum performance

Maximum performance + 50% share price growth

Fixed remuneration only, i.e. base salary, pension and other benefits
(including ESPP participation).
No payout under the MIP or PSP.
Fixed remuneration.
MIP payout of 70% of base salary.
PSP vesting at 181.5% of base salary.
Fixed remuneration.
MIP payout of 140% of base salary.
PSP vesting at 330% of base salary.
Fixed remuneration.
MIP payout of 140% of base salary.
PSP vesting at 330% of base salary.
50% assumed share price growth over three-year PSP performance period.

Other than in the ‘Maximum performance + 50% share price growth’ scenario, no share price growth or dividend assumptions have been 
included in the charts above. 

Fixed

Variable

Total

Component
Base salary1
Pension
Cash and non-cash benefits2
MIP
PSP
PSP – 50% share price 
appreciation

Minimum (€ 000s)
€815
€122
€877
–
–

–
€1,814

Target (€ 000s)
€815
€122
€894
€571
€1,479

–
€3,881

Maximum (€ 000s)
€815
€122
€911
€1,141
€2,690

–
€5,679

Maximum performance 
+ 50% share price growth 
(€ 000’s)
€815
€122
€911
€1,141
€2,690

€1,345
€7,024

1.  Represents the annual base salary as at the last review in May 2021.
2.  ESPP employer contributions may vary depending on the MIP payout provided that the Chief Executive Officer decides to contribute a portion of the MIP towards the ESPP. 

The figures provided have been calculated on the basis of the applicable MIP payout and the Chief Executive Officer deciding to contribute 3% to the ESPP.

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ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan)
The ESOP was replaced by the PSP in 2015 and the last grant under the ESOP took place in December 2014. Although the Remuneration 
Committee does not intend to award under the ESOP going forward, there are still outstanding stock option awards which may be exercised 
in future years. Awards vest in one-third increments each year for three years and can be exercised for up to 10 years from the date 
of the award.

Malus and clawback provision for variable pay plans
The MIP, PSP, ESOP and ESPP plans include malus provisions which give the Remuneration Committee and/or the Board discretion to judge 
that an award should lapse wholly or partly in event of material misstatement of financial results and/or misconduct, significant reputational 
risk and corporate failure.

The Remuneration Committee and/or Board also has the discretion to determine that clawback should be applied to awards under the MIP, 
PSP, ESOP and ESPP plans for the Chief Executive Officer and members of the Executive Leadership Team. Clawback can potentially be 
applied to payments or vested awards for up to a two‑year period following payment or vesting.

Shareholding guidelines
In order to strengthen the link with shareholders’ interests, the Chief Executive Officer is required to hold shares in the Company equal 
in value to 300% of annual base salary. Members of the Executive Leadership Team are required to hold 100% of annual base salary. 
The Chief Executive Officer has five years from appointment to accumulate shares equal to 300% of annual base salary (with shares acquired 
from PSP awards and shares resulting from the deferral of the 50% of the MIP counting towards fulfilment of the shareholding requirement). 
The Committee continues to review the potential need for stronger shareholding requirements in the long term and this is subject to further 
review in the future.

The Policy contains a post-employment shareholding requirement whereby the Chief Executive Officer would, if leaving the Company, 
be required to hold shares equivalent to 200% of base salary (or actual shareholding at termination date if lower than this) for a period 
of two years after leaving employment.

Remuneration arrangements across the Group
The remuneration approach for the Chief Executive Officer, the members of the Executive Leadership Team and senior management 
is similar. The Chief Executive Officer’s total remuneration has a significantly higher proportion of variable pay in comparison with the rest 
of our employees. The Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration will increase or decrease in line with business performance, aligning it with 
shareholders’ interests.

The structure of the remuneration package for the wider employee population takes into account local market practice and is intended 
to attract and retain the right talent, be competitive and remunerate employees for promoting a growth mindset while contributing to the 
Group’s performance. As part of the Performance for Growth framework introduced in 2019, we revised and updated the remuneration 
framework with features such as each business unit having more flexibility on target positioning, managers having the flexibility to retain key 
talent, and guidance provided for increased awards for high-potential and/or exceptional performance.

Policy table – non‑Executive Directors
Base fees
Purpose and link to strategy

To provide a fixed level of compensation appropriate to the requirements of the role of non-Executive Director and to attract and retain 
high-quality non-Executive Directors with the right talent, values and skills necessary to provide oversight and support to management 
to grow the business, support the Company’s strategic framework and maximise shareholder value.
Operation

Non‑Executive Directors’ fees are set at a level that will not call into question the objectivity of the Board. When considering market levels, 
comparable companies typically include those in the FTSE index with similar positioning as the Company, other Swiss companies with similar 
market capitalisation and/or revenues, and other relevant European listed companies.
Maximum opportunity

Fee levels for non‑Executive Directors include an annual fixed fee plus additional fees for membership of Board committees when applicable, 
as summarised below for the period from the AGM June 22, 2021 to AGM June 2022. The proposed fees which will be voted on at the next 
AGM can be found on page 136:

•  Base non‑Executive Director’s fee: €73,500
•  Senior Independent Director’s fee: €15,800
•  Audit and Risk Committee Chair fee: €28,900
•  Audit and Risk Committee member fee: €14,500
•  Remuneration, Nomination and Social Responsibility Chair fees: €11,600
•  Remuneration, Nomination and Social Responsibility member fees: €5,800

Fee levels are subject to periodic review and approval by the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer.
Other benefits

Non-Executive Directors do not receive any benefits in cash or in kind. They are not entitled to severance payments in the event 
of termination of their appointment. They are entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable expenses incurred in the interests of the Group.
Variable remuneration

Non-Executive Directors do not receive any form of variable compensation.

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129

Legacy arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that the Company will honour any commitments entered into that have previously been disclosed 
to shareholders.

Policy on recruitment/appointment

Executive Directors
Annual base salary arrangements for the appointment of an Executive Director will be set considering market relevance, skills, experience, 
internal comparisons and cost. The Remuneration Committee may recommend an appropriate initial annual base salary below relevant 
market levels. In such situations, the Remuneration Committee may make a recommendation to realign the level of base salary in the 
following years. As highlighted above, annual base salary ‘gaps’ may result in higher rates of salary increase in the short term, subject 
to an individual’s performance. The discretion is retained to offer an annual base salary necessary to meet the individual circumstances 
of the recruited Executive Director and to enable the hiring of an individual with the necessary skills and expertise.

The maximum level of variable pay that may be offered will follow the rules of the MIP and is capped at 140% of the relevant individual’s annual 
base salary. The maximum level of equity-related pay that may be offered will follow the PSP rules and is capped at 450% of the relevant 
individual’s annual base salary. The typical award is not expected to surpass 330% of base salary. Different performance measures may be 
set initially for the annual bonus taking into consideration the point in the financial year that a new Executive Director joins. The above limits 
do not include the value of any buyout arrangements.

Benefits will be provided in line with the Group’s policy for other employees. If an Executive Director is required to relocate, benefits may be 
provided as per the Group’s international transfer policy which may include transfer allowance, tax equalisation, tax advice and support, 
housing, cost of living, schooling, travel and relocation costs.

The Remuneration Committee may consider recommending the buying out of incentive awards that an individual would forfeit by accepting 
the appointment up to an equivalent value in shares or in cash. In the case of a share award, the Remuneration Committee may approve 
a grant of shares under the PSP. When deciding on a potential incentive award buyout and in particular the level and value thereof, the 
Remuneration Committee will be informed of the time and performance pro-rated level of any forfeited award.

It is expected that Executive Directors appointed during the remuneration policy period will be appointed on similar notice provisions 
to the Chief Executive Officer, allowing for termination of office by either party on six months’ notice.

Non‑Executive Directors
It is expected that non-Executive Directors appointed during the remuneration policy period will receive the same basic fee and, as 
appropriate, committee fee or fees as existing non-Executive Directors and will be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable expenses 
incurred in the interests of the Group.

It is expected that non-Executive Directors appointed during the remuneration policy period will be appointed on a one-year term 
of appointment, in the same manner as existing non‑Executive Directors.

The Company does not compensate new non-Executive Directors for any forfeited share awards in previous employment.

Termination payments
The Swiss Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed Companies limits the authority of the Remuneration Committee 
and the Board to determine compensation. Limitations include the prohibition of certain types of severance compensation.

Our governance framework ensures that the Group uses the right channels to support reward decisions. In the case of early termination, 
the non‑Executive Directors would be entitled to their fees accrued as of the date of termination, but are not entitled to any additional 
compensation. The Chief Executive Officer’s employment contract does not contain any provisions for payments on termination.

Notice periods are set for up to six months and non-compete clauses are 12 months. The notice period anticipates that up to six months’ 
paid garden leave may be provided. Similarly, up to 12 months of base salary may be paid out in relation to the non-compete period.

In case of future terminations, payments will be made in accordance with the termination policy on page 130.

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Pay element
Base salary and 
other benefits / 
non-Executive 
Directors’ fees
ESPP

MIP

PSP/ESOP

Good leaver 
(retirement at 55 or later/at 
least 10 years’ continued service)
Payment in lieu of notice is not permissible. The Company could ask the Chief Executive Officer 
to be on paid garden leave for up to six months.

Bad leaver 
(resignation, dismissal)

Good leaver 
(injury, disability)

Death in service

Unvested cash allocations held in the ESPP 
will vest upon termination.

A pro-rated payout as 
of the date of retirement 
will be applied.

A pro-rated payout as 
of the date of leaving will 
be applied.

Deferred shares will 
continue to vest as normal.

Deferred shares will 
continue to vest as normal.

All unvested options and 
performance share awards 
continue to vest as normal 
subject to time pro-rating 
and are subject to the 
additional holding period.

For vested shares that are 
subject to the additional 
holding period, they will 
continue to be subject to 
the no-sale commitment 
until the end of the relevant 
two-year period.

Under Swiss law, share 
awards are considered 
annual compensation 
and as such when time 
pro-rating is required, the 
year of grant (12 months) 
and not the vesting period 
(36 months) for time 
pro-rating calculations 
is considered.

All unvested options and 
performance share awards 
immediately vest to the 
extent that the 
Remuneration Committee 
determines that the 
performance conditions 
have been met, or are likely 
to be met at the end of the 
three-year performance 
period and are subject to the 
additional holding period.

Any options that vest are 
exercisable within 12 
months from the date 
of termination.

For vested shares that are 
subject to the additional 
holding period, they will 
continue to be subject to 
the no-sale commitment 
until the end of the relevant 
two-year period.

Unvested cash allocations 
under the ESPP are 
forfeited.
In the event of resignation 
or dismissal, as per Swiss 
law, the Chief Executive 
Officer is entitled to a 
pro‑rated MIP payout.

Any outstanding deferred 
shares will lapse.
All unvested options and 
performance share awards 
immediately lapse without 
any compensation.

In the event of resignation, 
all vested options must be 
exercised within six months 
from the date of 
termination.

Upon dismissal, all vested 
options must be exercised 
within 30 days from the date 
of termination.

For vested shares that are 
subject to the additional 
holding period, they will 
continue to be subject to 
the no-sale commitment 
until the end of the relevant 
two-year period.

Available ESPP shares will 
be transferred to heirs.

A pro-rated payout will be 
applied and will be paid 
immediately to heirs, 
based on the latest rolling 
estimate.

Deferred shares will 
continue to vest as normal.
All unvested options and 
performance share awards 
immediately vest subject 
to time and performance 
pro-rating.

Any options that vest are 
exercisable within 12 
months from the date 
of termination.

For vested shares that are 
subject to the additional 
holding period, the no-sale 
commitment will cease 
immediately.

Under Swiss law, share 
awards are considered 
annual compensation 
and as such when time 
pro-rating is required, the 
year of grant (12 months) 
and not the vesting period 
(36 months) for time 
pro-rating calculations 
is considered.

Corporate events
In the event of an equity restructuring, the Remuneration Committee may make an equitable adjustment to the terms of the performance 
share award by adjusting the number and kind of shares that have been granted or may be granted and/or making provision for payment 
of cash in respect of any outstanding performance share award.

In the event of a change of control, unvested performance share awards held by participants vest immediately on a pro-rated basis if the 
Remuneration Committee determines that the performance conditions have been satisfied or would have been likely to be satisfied at the 
end of the performance period, unless the Remuneration Committee determines that substitute performance share awards may be used 
in place of the previous awards.

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131

Service contracts
Zoran Bogdanovic, the Chief Executive Officer, has a service contract with the Company with a six‑month notice period. As noted in the 
Termination payments section on page 129, the Chief Executive Officer’s employment contract does not include any termination benefits, 
other than as mandated by Swiss law. The Swiss Code of Obligations requires employers to pay severance when an employment relationship 
ends with an employee of at least 50 years of age after 20 years or more of service.

The Chief Executive Officer is also entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable expenses incurred in the interests of the Company.

In accordance with the Swiss Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed Companies, there are no sign-on policies/provisions 
for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer.

The table below provides details of the current service contracts and terms of appointment for the Chief Executive Officer and other Directors.

Name
Anastassis G. David

Zoran Bogdanovic

Charlotte J. Boyle
Henrique Braun
Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha
Anna Diamantopoulou
William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Reto Francioni

Anastasios I. Leventis
Christo Leventis
Alexandra Papalexopoulou
Bruno Pietracci
Ryan Rudolph

Title
Chairman and 
non‑Executive Director
Chief Executive Officer

Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent 
non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Date originally appointed to the 
Board of the Company
27 July 2006

Date appointed to the 
Board of the Company
22 June 2021

11 June 2018

22 June 2021

20 June 2017
22 June 2021
24 June 2015
16 June 2020
21 June 2016
21 June 2016

25 June 2014
25 June 2014
24 June 2015
22 June 2021
21 June 2016

22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021

22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021
22 June 2021

Unexpired term of service 
contract or appointment as 
non-Executive Director
One year

Indefinite, terminable 
on six months’ notice
One year
One year
One year
One year
One year
One year

One year
One year
One year
One year
One year

The Chief Executive Officer’s service contract and the terms and conditions of appointment of the non-Executive Directors are available 
for inspection by the public at the registered office of the Group.

Consideration of employee views
The Remuneration Committee does not currently consult specifically with employees on policy for the remuneration of the Chief Executive 
Officer. Pay movement for the wider employment group is considered when making pay decisions for the Chief Executive Officer. The Chair 
of the Remuneration Committee is also the designated non-Executive Director for workforce engagement. As such, she attends meetings 
of our European Works Council and meets with elected employee representatives from our businesses in EU countries. She then reports 
back to the Board on her observations and matters raised by employees, ensuring Board and Remuneration Committee deliberations and 
decision-making are fully informed.

Consideration of shareholder views
Shareholder views and the achievement of the Group’s overall business strategies have been taken into account in formulating the 
remuneration policy. Following shareholder feedback before and after the Annual General Meeting, the Remuneration Committee and the 
Board consult with shareholders and meet with institutional investors to gather feedback on the Company’s remuneration strategy and 
corporate governance. The Company would be happy to engage with shareholders in the future to discuss the outcomes of the 
remuneration policy.

In reviewing and determining remuneration, the Remuneration Committee takes into account the following:

•  the business strategies and needs of the Company;
•  the views of shareholders on Group policies and programmes of remuneration;
•  the alignment of remuneration policy with the principles of clarity, simplicity, risk, predictability, proportionality and alignment with culture;
•  market comparisons and the positioning of the Group’s remuneration relative to other comparable companies;
• 
•  the need for similar, performance-related principles for the determination of executive remuneration and the remuneration of other 

input from employees regarding our remuneration programmes;

employees; and

•  the need for objectivity. Board members, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team members play no part in determining 

their own remuneration. The Chair of the Remuneration Committee and the Chief Executive Officer are not present when the 
Remuneration Committee and the Board discuss matters that pertain to their remuneration.

This ensures that the same performance-setting principles are applied for Executive remuneration and for other employees in the organisation.

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Annual Report on Remuneration

Introduction
This section of the report provides detail on how we have implemented our remuneration policy in 2021 which, in accordance with the UK 
remuneration reporting regulations, will be subject to an advisory shareholder vote at our 2022 Annual General Meeting.

Activities of the Remuneration Committee during 2021 
During 2021, the key Remuneration Committee activities were to:

•  undertake extensive shareholder consultation to understand different views on our remuneration approach and explain the 

Committee’s decisions;

•  review and sign off the 2020 Directors’ Remuneration Report;
•  review the 2021 base salary for the Chief Executive Officer; 
•  review and approve the 2021 base salaries for the Executive Leadership Team members and general managers;
•  review and approve the 2020 MIP payout for the Chief Executive Officer;
•  review and approve payout levels for the 2020 MIP in relation to Executive Leadership Team members and general managers;
•  review and approve the performance achievement of the 2018 PSP award, number of shares vesting and dividend equivalents;
•  set and approve 2021 PSP targets;
•  review award levels for 2021 PSP awards;
•  determine the adjustments to the operation of the MIP and PSP to ensure that they continued to align with their original intent taking 

the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic into account;

•  review short and long‑term incentives arrangements for the wider workforce; and
•  review the assets of the Company’s Irish defined benefit pension plans.

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee
The Chief People and Culture Officer, the Head of Rewards and the General Counsel regularly attend meetings of the Remuneration Committee.

While the Remuneration Committee does not have external advisers, in 2021 it authorised management to work with external consultancy 
firm Willis Towers Watson, which provided independent advice on ad hoc remuneration issues during the year. These services are considered 
to have been independent, objective and relevant to the market. Other than employee engagement benchmarking services, Willis Towers 
Watson does not provide any other services to the Company or to any individual director. The total cost in connection with this work was 
€31,622, invoiced on a time spent basis. Willis Towers Watson is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and provides advice 
in line with its Code of Business Conduct. Considering this, and the level and nature of the service received, the Committee remains satisfied 
that the advice is objective and independent.

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133

Non‑Executive Directors’ remuneration for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020

Anastassis G. David

Charlotte J. Boyle

Henrique Braun3

Olusola (Sola) David-Borha

Anna Diamantopoulou4

William W. (Bill) Douglas lll

Reto Francioni

Anastasios I. Leventis

Christo Leventis

Alexandra Papalexopoulou

Bruno Pietracci5

José Octavio Reyes6

Alfredo Rivera7

Ryan Rudolph

Financial 
year
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020
FY2021
FY2020

Audit and Risk 
Committee
(€)
–
–
–
–
–
–
14,500
14,500
–
–
28,900
28,900
–
–
–
–
–
–
14,500
7,250
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Remuneration 
Committee
(€)
–
–
11,600
5,800
–
–
–
–
5,800
2,900
–
–
5,800
5,800
–
–
–
–
–
5,800
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Base fee1 (€)
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
36,750
–
73,500
73,500
73,500
36,750
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
73,500
36,750
–
36,750
73,500
36,750
73,500
73,500
73,500

Nomination 
Committee
(€)
–
–
5,800
5,800
–
–
–
–
5,800
2,900
–
–
11,600
11,600
–
–
–
–
–
2,900
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Social 
Responsibility 
Committee
(€)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5,800
2,900
–
–
–
–
11,600
11,600
–
–
–
2,900
2,900
–
2,900
5,800
–
–
–
–

Senior 
Independent 
Director
(€)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
15,800
15,800
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Social security 
contributions2
(€)
–
–
–
–
2,988
–
7,156
7,134
7,392
3,685
–
–
6,399
7,700
–
–
–
–
–
3,263
3,224
–
2,249
4,456
–
–
5,977
5,958

Total
(€)
73,500
73,500
90,900
88,000
39,738
–
95,156
95,134
98,292
49,135
102,400
102,400
113,099
114,400
85,100
85,100
73,500
73,500
88,000
95,613
42,874
–
41,899
83,756
36,750
73,500
79,477
79,458

 Non-Executive Director fees for 2021 were in line with the fees that were revised in 2018.

1. 
2.  Social security employer contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
3.  Henrique Braun was appointed to the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group applied a half‑year period base fee.
4.  Anna Diamantopoulou was appointed to the Board of Directors on 16 June 2020. The Group applied a half‑year period base fee.
5.  Bruno Pietracci was appointed to the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group applied a half‑year period base fee.
6.  José Octavio Reyes retired from the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group applied a half‑year period base fee.
7.  Alfredo Rivera retired from the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group applied a half‑year period base fee.

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive plans, nor do they receive any retirement or other taxable 
benefits. Fee levels in the table above were last reviewed in 2018 and no change was made for 2021.

Single figure table
Single total figure of remuneration for the Chief Executive Officer for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.

Base pay1 
€ 000s

2021
807

2020
790

Cash and non-cash 
benefits2 
€ 000s

Annual bonus3 
€ 000s

2021
853

2020
651

2021
1,038

2020
407

Employee Share 
Purchase Plan4
€ 000s

2021
30

2020
32

Long-term incentives5 
€ 000s

2021
2,061

2020
1,325

Retirement 
benefits6 
€ 000s

2021
133

2020
135

Total single figure 
€ 000s

2021
4,921

2020
3,340

Zoran Bogdanovic

1.  ‘Base pay’ includes the monthly instalments linked to the base salary for 2021 and 2020.
2.  ‘Cash and non-cash benefits’ includes the value of all benefits paid during 2021. These are outlined in the ‘Cash and non-cash benefits’ section on page 134 and include any 

gross-ups for the tax benefit.

3.  Annual bonus for 2021 includes the MIP payout, receivable early in 2022 for the 2021 performance year, including the amount deferred in shares.
4.  ‘Employee Share Purchase Plan’ reflects the value of Company matching share contributions under the ESPP.
5.  ‘Long-term incentives’ for 2021 reflects the 2019 awards made under the Performance Share Plan and the dividend equivalent shares paid on PSP shares that will vest in early 2022. 

The number of shares due to vest to the Chief Executive Officer for the 2019 award is 65,435. The Chief Executive Officer will also get 4,324 shares representing the dividend 
equivalents for the awarded shares for 2019, 2020 and 2021. The value reflects the number of shares multiplied by the average market price over the last three months of the 
financial year. The figure will be restated in next year’s report based on the share price at vesting (as has been done for the 2018 award in the 2020 figure above). €81,574 of the 
€2,060,637 total vested value of the 2019 award was due to increase in share price since date of grant.

6.  ‘Retirement benefits’ includes the pension plan under Swiss law. Employer contributions are 15% of annual base salary. The disclosed figure also includes risk and administration 

costs of €11,042.

134

COCA-COLA HBC

Directors’ remuneration report continued

Fixed pay for 2021

Base salary
In 2021, Zoran Bogdanovic’s salary was increased to €815,000 representing an increase of 3.2% effective 1 May 2021. Following the freeze 
in 2020, the Committee believed that as the Company emerged from the COVID‑19 pandemic, an increase for the CEO in line with other 
employees was appropriate. The average increase for our other head office employees was 3.1%.

Retirement benefits
Zoran Bogdanovic receives an annual retirement benefit of 15% of base salary, aligning to the retirement benefit provided under Swiss law 
and based on the age brackets defined by federal Swiss legislation. During the year, €133,042 of retirement benefit was received inclusive 
of €11,042 for risk and administration costs.

Cash and non‑cash benefits
Zoran Bogdanovic received additional benefits during 2021. These included cost of living and foreign exchange rate adjustment (€281,406), 
private medical insurance (€17,841), partner allowance (€1,000), home trip allowance (€3,094), tax support (€16,239), company car (€26,439), 
housing allowance (€105,952), Company matching contribution related to the ESPP (€30,303 – reflecting the maximum match of 3% under 
the plan), tax equalisation (€292,134), and the value of social security contributions (€108,400).

Variable pay for 2021

MIP performance outcomes – 2021
2021 was the first year in which the Company operated a multiplicative annual bonus under which the payout is calculated by multiplying 
the outcome from the Business Performance element by the outcome for the Individual Performance element. 

The Business Performance element for the 2021 MIP was based on the following metrics:

•  Net Sales Revenue, with an opportunity of 56% of salary for maximum performance (28% of salary for target performance).
•  Comparable EBIT, with an opportunity of 56% of salary for maximum performance (28% of salary for target performance).
•  Free cash flow, with an opportunity level of 28% of salary for maximum performance (14% of salary for target performance).

The outcome of the Business Performance element is multiplied by the outcome for the Individual Performance element.

The financial metrics, the associated targets and level of achievement are set out below.

The CEO’s individual performance was determined based on to receiving the highest scores in 8 out of the 10 most recognized ESG 
benchmarks, ranking 8 in Refinitiv’s Diversity and Inclusion Index, Employee Sustainable Engagement maintained at the same level, 
completion of strategic M&A projects such as the acquisition of Coca‑Cola Bottling Company of Egypt, the stake in Caffè Vergnano, 
and the financial results which surpassed the consensus and 2020 financial results.

A few of our business units received government in the first half of the year in 2021 amounting to 4.7m EUR. There was no mechanism 
in place to return those funds. In addition, the results were positively impacted by the sale of the Cyprus plant. Therefore, the Committee, 
took the decision to apply discretion to reduce the formulaic outcome of the MIP for the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team. 
As such the formulaic business results would have been 200% resulting in 140% of the salary.

Metric
Net Sales Revenue (€m) 

Threshold (0%) 
6,279.0

Target (100%)
6,825.0

Maximum (200%)
7,166.3

Achievement
7,168.4

Performance level (payout % of Target opportunity)

Payout 
(% of 
base  
salary)
56%

Comparable EBIT (€m)

708.3

769.9

831.5

831.0

56%

Free Cash Flow (€m)

381.8

415.0

456.5

601.3

28%

Total (Business Performance multiplied by Individual performance)

140%

Application of downward discretion by the Remuneration Committee (12.6%) Final outcome 127.4% of the base salary

The Remuneration Committee considered the above formulaic outcome to ensure that it was both fair and appropriate given the wider 
stakeholder experience described above. The Committee adjusted the outcome downwards in relation to the small amount of government 
support received and to offset the benefit from the sale of Cyprus plant to result in 127.4% of the salary of the Chief Executive Officer. 
The annual bonus award in respect of the 2021 financial year for the Chief Executive Officer was therefore €1,038,310.

In accordance with the terms of the MIP, 50% of the award will be paid out in March 2022 and the remaining 50% will be deferred into shares 
for a period of three years. MIP payouts are not driven by share price appreciation.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

135

Performance Share Plan (PSP) awards – 2021
The PSP is the Company’s primary long-term incentive vehicle. In March 2021, the Chief Executive Officer was granted a performance share 
award over 97,206 shares under the PSP, representing 330% of base salary at date of grant. 

The award is subject to a three-year performance period, aligned to the Company’s financial year, with performance measured to the end 
of financial year 2023, and vesting anticipated in March 2024. These vested shares will then be subject to a further two‑year holding period, 
and the Chief Executive Officer agrees to a no-sale commitment during this time.

The following table sets out the details of the performance share award made to the Chief Executive Officer under the PSP for 2021.
Type of award made
Share price at date of grant
Date of grant
Performance period
Face value of the award
(The maximum number of shares that would vest if all performance 
measures and targets are met, multiplied by the share price 
at the date of grant)
Face value of the award as a % of annual base salary
Percentage that would be distributed if threshold performance 
was achieved in both PSP key performance indicators
Percentage that would be distributed if threshold performance 
was achieved only in one PSP key performance indicator

Performance share award over 97,206 shares, receivable for nil cost
€27.66 (£23.80)
18 March 2021
1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023
€2,688,718

330%
25% of maximum award

12.5% of maximum award

Similar to the award made in March 2020, the 2021 award was subject to comparable earnings per share (EPS) and return on invested capital 
(ROIC) targets as outlined below, and for the 2021 award a sustainability metric was introduced as set out below.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions metric was selected to directly align with and incentivise delivery of the Company’s ESG 
objectives, particularly our ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2040. The CO2 emissions target 
in the PSP implicitly captures reduction in plastics, which was a key driver of its selection as a metric.

Measure
Comparable EPS

Return on invested
capital (ROIC)

Reduction in CO2 
emissions

Description
Calculated by dividing the comparable net profit attributable
to the owners of the parent by the weighted average number 
of outstanding shares during the period.
ROIC is the percentage return that a company makes on
its invested capital. More specifically, we define ROIC as the 
percentage of comparable net profit excluding net finance costs 
divided by the capital employed. Capital employed is calculated 
as the average of net debt and shareholders’ equity attributable 
to the owners of the parent through the year.
This target supports the Company’s ambitious goal to achieve 
net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. Aligned 
with science and 1.5 degree Celsius scenarios and approved by 
the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and calculated as 
thousand tonnes of CO2 emissions equivalent.

Threshold

Maximum

Weighting
42.5%

Target
1.63p

Vesting 
(% of max)
25%

Target
1.89p

Vesting (% 
of max)
100%

42.5% 13.0%

25%

14.9%

100%

15%

3.973

25%

3.758

100%

The vesting schedule for PSP performance conditions is a straight line between the threshold and maximum performance levels.

Performance Share Plan (PSP) outcomes of the 2019-2021 award
•  Due to the COVID-19 impact on the business, the Committee has considered that the stretch built into the target ranges for the 
2019-2021 PSP awards prior to the onset of the pandemic were inappropriate in light of that impact. We wished to recognise our 
wider management team’s efforts in achieving exceptional business outcomes and ensure their continued drive and commitment. 
The Committee therefore determined to adjust the targets to maintain relevance. In doing so, the Committee put in place safeguards 
to ensure the revised targets led to outcomes which were fair for all employees.

•  The Committee considered analyst forecasts and adjusted the targets to be stretching when considering these external reference points.
•  The Committee applied the same treatment to the 2019 PSP for all employees, with no preference given to any population.
•  Alternative approaches to the PSP were considered, such as using discretion to adjust vesting or making a greater award in 2022. 

Ultimately, the Committee was of the view that a formulaic adjustment to targets best maintained the purpose of the PSP and did not 
lead to overall increases in future target pay.The revised targets are equally stretching and still represent good performance at threshold 
levels and exceptional performance at maximum levels, which would deliver superior returns to shareholders.

136

COCA-COLA HBC

Directors’ remuneration report continued

Original targets 
of 2019 award

Measure
Comparable EPS
ROIC

Threshold

Maximum

Weighting
50%
50%

Target
1.62
13.8%

Vesting 
(% of max)
25%
25%

Three-year target
1.80
15.8%

Revised targets 
of 2019 award

Measure
Comparable EPS
ROIC

Weighting
50%
50%

Target
1.39
12.5%

Vesting
25%
25%

Target
1.59
14.3%

Vesting
100%
100%

Achievement
1.54
14.362

Vesting
81%
100%

Threshold

Maximum

Actual

Vesting 
(% of max)
100%
100%

Total 
(% of max)

90%

Application of downward discretion by the Remuneration Committee (15%) Final outcome 75% of max

In proposing these adjustments, the following is noted:

•  Prior to the impact of the pandemic, targets were calibrated such that awards were expected to vest at around 50% of maximum for 
strong performance. The same stretch applied to revised targets, namely that these awards were expected to vest at around 50% 
of maximum for strong performance.

•  We took into account analysts’ consensus forecasts and ensured that targets were stretched beyond that (as we did in 2020) to reduce 

outcomes as if government aid monies had not been received.

•  The changes in the table above would apply to all PSP participants throughout the organisation, which represents approximately 50 
individuals (including the Executive Leadership Team and CEO) allowing them to be appropriately rewarded and share in the success 
of any future good performance.

•  The Committee took into careful consideration the varied shareholder feedback we received during consultation and continues to be 
mindful of it in relation to subsisting awards. While some of our shareholders expressed concern over adjusting long-term incentive 
targets, others indicated they would not be averse to a change in the targets for the 2019 and 2020 awards – understanding our rationale 
for the need for change, provided that we explain clearly our thinking and apply equally rigorous and stretching targets as the ones we 
originally applied at the time of award. We have aimed to follow this as a a primary principle.

The formulaic outcome against the adjusted targets was vesting of 90% of the maximum with the exclusion of the benefit of the sale 
of the Cyprus plant. Furthermore, the Committee took a step back and considered all factors in the round, including both the shareholder 
experience and employee experience, and determined that it was appropriate to apply downward discretion and reduce the outcome to 75% 
of maximum for all 50 participants, including the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. 

If no adjustment had been made to the performance conditions, the payout under the 2019 PSP award would have been 23%.

2020 PSP awards
Many of the same considerations outlined above in relation to the 2019 PSP awards apply in the same way to 2020 PSP awards. 
The Committee continues to keep under review the appropriateness of the targets for the 2020 PSP awards and whether adjustments 
should be made in light of the prevailing environment at the time. It is also mindful of ensuring any incentive outcomes are always fair 
and appropriate in the round. Any approach will ultimately intend to represent good performance at threshold levels and exceptional 
performance at maximum levels, which would deliver superior returns to shareholders.

Dilution limit
Usage of shares under all share plans and executive share plans adheres to the dilution limits set by the Investment Association Principles 
of Remuneration (10% for all share plans and 5% for all executive share plans, in any 10‑year period).

Implementation of policy in 2022
For 2022, we will continue to apply the remuneration policy approved by shareholders in 2021, as outlined on pages 124 to 126.

Base salary and fees
The Chief Executive Officer’s base salary was reviewed in March 2022. The base salary will be increased by 3.1% to €840,000 effective 
1 May 2022. Although 2022 salary increase levels for employees have not been confirmed at the date of this report, it is anticipated that 
the Chief Executive Officer’s increase will be in line with the increases provided for the wider workforce.

Chairman and Board fees were reviewed for the first time since 2018 and the following increases shall apply, effective following the AGM:

Non-Executive Directors’ fees
Chairman fee
Basic fee
Senior Independent Director
Audit and Risk Committee Chair
Audit and Risk Committee member
Remuneration/Nomination/Social Responsibility Committee Chair
Remuneration/Nomination/Social Responsibility Committee member

Current fees 
(unchanged
since 2018)
€73,500
€73,500
€15,800
€28,900
€14,500
€11,600
€5,800

With effect
from the date
of AGM
€150,000
€82,000
€18,000
€32,000
€16,000
€13,000
€6,500

The increase for the Chairman better reflects the time commitment required for the role and the Committee notes that the new fees remain 
below market levels.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

137

Management Incentive Plan (MIP)
As of 2021, the MIP operates on a multiplicative basis – i.e. the outcome will be determined by Business Performance multiplied by Individual 
Performance, which means that unless the business performance targets are achieved no bonus will be payable. 

Business Performance is measured based on performance against three KPIs: revenue (40% weighting), comparable EBIT (40% weighting) 
and free cash flow (20% weighting). Targets are considered to be commercially sensitive but will be disclosed on a retrospective basis in next 
year’s remuneration report. For target performance against this element the outcome will be 70%, rising to 140% for maximum performance. 
For the CEO, Individual Performance will be assessed based on the achievement of defined strategic objectives. Based on the Remuneration 
Committee’s assessment of performance against these strategic objectives, the outcome for the Individual Performance element may 
be up to 100%.

The maximum opportunity level (which would reflect both a stretch level of business performance and full achievement of the individual 
strategic objectives) for the CEO will be 140% of base salary, which is unchanged from 2021.

Performance Share Plan (PSP)
The levels of PSP awards for 2022 are anticipated to be in line with those awarded in 2021 – i.e. 330% of base salary for the Chief Executive 
Officer. It is intended that, as in past years, the three-year performance conditions applicable to the award will continue to be based on ROIC 
and EPS as well as the reduction of CO2 emissions metric which was first introduced in 2021.

The weightings will be ROIC: 42.5%, EPS: 42.5%, reduction of CO2 emissions 15% – i.e. unchanged from 2021.

The Committee has determined to temporarily postpone target setting in light of the current heightened uncertainty as a result of the 
Russia-Ukraine war. The Group has significant operations in both countries. We intend to set targets as soon as possible, within six months 
from the standard date of grant and will fully disclose targets via RNS at that time as well as in next year’s annual report. We will proceed 
with providing the annual award for the the plan participants, including the CEO, in March 2022. Taking into account the share price volatility 
at the time of grant, the Remuneration Committee will retain the right to appropriately apply discretion to the share award outcome at the 
time of vesting, for example to safeguard against any inappropriate windfall gains.

The performance period for 2022 awards will be the three years to the end of December 2024 and vesting will occur in March 2025. 
These vested shares will then be subject to a further two‑year holding period, and the Chief Executive Officer agrees to a no‑sale 
commitment during this time.

Annual percentage change in remuneration of Directors and employees 
The following table sets out the change in remuneration for each Director for the last two years compared with the average percentage 
change for other employees.

Salary/fees

Taxable benefits

Annual bonus

Director
Anastassis G. David
Charlotte J. Boyle
Henrique Braun
Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha
Anna Diamantopoulou
William W. (Bill) Douglas lll
Reto Francioni
Anastasios I. Leventis
Christo Leventis
Alexandra Papalexopoulou
Bruno Pietracci
Jose Octavio Reyes
Alfredo Rivera
Ryan Rudolph

2020 to 2021
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)
(3.06%)

2019 to 2020
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2020 to 2021
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019 to 2020
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2020 to 2021
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019 to 2020
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

CEO pay ratio 
Coca‑Cola HBC is domiciled in Switzerland. We are therefore not required to report a CEO pay ratio under UK regulations; however, we are 
voluntarily disclosing ratios below. Similar to the section ‘Annual percentage change in remuneration of Directors and employees’ above, 
we have chosen to make a comparison with employees in Switzerland as this is the market in which our CEO is based. The international 
nature of our business means that we operate in countries with a significant range in terms of market practice for levels of remuneration and 
cost of living. Switzerland, for example, has a substantially higher cost of living and employment remuneration compared to other countries. 
For this reason, comparisons with our Swiss workforce are likely to be more informative about the pay distribution of our workforce.

The table below compares the 2021 single figure of remuneration for the CEO with that of the employees who are paid at the 25th percentile 
(lower quartile), 50th percentile (median) and 75th percentile (upper quartile) of the Company’s workforce based in Switzerland, ranked based 
on total remuneration.

Year 
2021 
2020 
2019 

Method 
Option A
Option A
Option A

25th percentile
pay ratio (P1) 
65:1 
39:1
33:1 

Median
pay ratio (P2) 
52:1 
33:1
29:1 

75th percentile
pay ratio (P3) 
42:1
26:1
23:1

138

COCA-COLA HBC

Directors’ remuneration report continued

Option A is based on a sample of full-time Swiss employees. Their pay and benefits is calculated, and every Swiss employee is ranked to 
determine P25, P50 and P75. Several Swiss employees around each percentile were identified to ensure that they accurately represent the 
relevant percentile ranking.

The methodology used to identify the lower quartile, median and upper quartile employees was to rank all employees of the Swiss workforce 
on total remuneration (for employees who were in employment for the full calendar year). Two employees around each percentile were 
identified to ensure they accurately represent the relevant percentile ranking. The total remuneration for each of these employees was then 
calculated consistent with the methodology applied for deriving the CEO’s single figure remuneration.

The table below sets out the total pay and benefits for the lower quartile, median and upper quartile:

Annual base salary 
Total remuneration 

25th percentile
in € 
64,112
76,035

Median
in € 
76,352
95,581

75th percentile
in €
94,833
118,432

Total remuneration of Swiss employees includes base salary, annual bonuses, other cash compensation (e.g. overtime), other cash and 
non-cash benefits (e.g. company car, tax support, relocation etc.), pension employer contributions and employer social security 
contributions during 2021.

We are satisfied that the pay ratios reported this year are consistent with our wider pay, reward and progression policies for employees.

As described on page 122, we have an overall remuneration philosophy that operates throughout the Group, ensuring that employees are 
fairly rewarded and that their individual contributions are linked to the success of the Company.

Variable pay is an important element of our reward philosophy and a significant proportion of total remuneration for top managers (including 
the CEO) is tied to the achievement of our business objectives. As employees advance through the Company there will be the opportunity 
to receive higher rewards commensurate with increased accountability and market practice. The increase in the CEO pay ratio in 2021 
is driven by business performance exceeding 2021 business plans impacting 2021MIP and 2019 PSP award. The 2018 PSP award that vested 
in early 2021 and was included in the 2020 CEO pay ratio was capped at 50% and the 2020 MIP was applicable for half year. The CEO’s total 
remuneration has a significantly higher proportion of variable pay in comparison with the rest of our employees. The CEO’s remuneration will 
therefore increase or decrease in line with business performance, aligning it with shareholders’ interests.

Chief Executive Officer pay and performance comparison
The graph below shows the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of the Company compared with the FTSE 100 index over a 10-year period to 
31 December 2021. The Remuneration Committee believes that the FTSE 100 Index is the most appropriate index to use for historic 
performance due to the size of the Company and our listing location.

Total Shareholder Return versus FTSE 100

300

250

200

150

100

50

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Dec 17

Dec 18

Dec 19

Dec 20

Dec 21

Coca-Cola HBC

FTSE 100

2012
Dimitris 
Lois

2013
Dimitris 
Lois

2014
Dimitris 
Lois

2015
Dimitris 
Lois

2016
Dimitris 
Lois

2017

Dimitris 
Lois

Zoran 
Bogdanovic

2018
Zoran 
Bogdanovic

2019
Zoran 
Bogdanovic

2020
Zoran 
Bogdanovic

2021
Zoran 
Bogdanovic

Total remuneration 
– single figure 
(€ 000s)
MIP (% of maximum)
PSP (% of maximum)

1,524
68%
–

1,928
49%
–

1,918
45%
–

3,012
75%
–

2,923
55%
–

15,378
53%
90%

410
5%
–

3,710
48%
100%

2,499
56%
75%

3,340
40%
50%

4,921
91%
75%

Dimitris Lois sadly passed away on 2 October 2017. The 2017 total remuneration values above reflect the period 1 January 2017 to 
2 October 2017. The total remuneration value for Zoran Bogdanovic reflects the period from his appointment as Chief Executive Officer 
to the end of the financial year, 7 December 2017 to 31 December 2017.

As the Company listed on the London Stock Exchange in April 2013, the amounts included in respect of the period before that date 
relate to the remuneration the previous Chief Executive Officer received in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Hellenic 
Bottling Company S.A.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

139

Relative importance of spend on pay (€m)
The graphic below presents the year-on-year change in total expenditure for all employees across the Group and distributions made to 
shareholders in the form of dividends, share buy-backs and/or capital returns.

2021

2020

1,051.2

955.8

235.8

227.9

Total staff costs

Distribution to shareholders (total shares)

Compared with the prior year, the total staff costs have increased by 6%, while dividends distributed to shareholders have increased by 3%.

Shareholder voting outcomes
The table below sets out the result of the vote on the remuneration-related resolutions at the Annual General Meeting held in June 2021.

Resolution
Advisory vote on the UK Remuneration Report

Advisory vote on the Swiss Remuneration Report

Advisory vote on the remuneration policy

Approval of the maximum aggregate amount 
of remuneration for the Board until the next 
Annual General Meeting
Approval of the maximum aggregate amount 
of remuneration for the Executive Leadership Team 
for the next financial year

Votes for
188,898,393
72.10%
189,272,983
72.24%
250,109,133
93.54%
267,895,965

Votes against
73,049,577
27.88%
72,675,321
27.74%
17,250,378
6.43%
347,298

Abstentions
48,575
0.02%
48,241
0.02%
76,869
0.03%
86,850

Total votes cast
261,996,545

Voting rights 
represented
71.78%

261,996,545

71.78%

268,330,113

73.70%

268,243,263

73.68%

99.87%
265,205,431

0.13%
1,660,130

n.a
1,464,552

266,865,561

73.30%

98.98%

0.62%

n.a.

In reaction to the 72% in favor vote, the Committee decided for the first time to conduct an extensive shareholder consultation, reaching 
out to many shareholders and engaging with all shareholders who expressed concerns. We value our ongoing dialogue with shareholders 
and welcome any views on this report.

Payments to past Directors and payments for loss of office
There were no payments made to past Directors of the Group or loss of office payments made during the year.

Payments to appointed Directors
There were no payments made to appointed Directors during the year.

Outside appointments for the Chief Executive Officer
Zoran Bogdanovic does not hold any appointments outside the Company.

Total Directors’ and Executive Leadership Team members’ remuneration
The table below outlines the aggregated total remuneration figures for Directors and Executive Leadership Team members in the year.

Total remuneration paid to or accrued for Directors, the Executive Leadership Team and the 
Chief Executive Officer
Salaries and other short-term benefits
Amount accrued for performance share awards
Pension and post-employment benefits for Directors, the Executive Leadership Team and the 
Chief Executive Officer

2021 
€ million

2020 
€ million

23.6
16.3
6.4

0.9

21.6
15.9
4.9

0.8

Credits and loans granted to governing bodies
In 2021, no credits or loans were granted to active or former members of the Company’s Board, members of the Executive Leadership Team 
or any related persons.

 
 
 
140

COCA-COLA HBC

Directors’ remuneration report continued

Share ownership
The table below summarises the total shareholding as at 31 December 2021, including any outstanding shares awarded through our incentive 
plans, for the Chief Executive Officer and other Directors. There have been no changes in the interests of any Directors in shares in the period 
to 16 March 2022.

With performance measures
PSP

Performance 
shares 
granted in 
2021
97,206
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Unvested and 
subject to 
performance 
conditions
Vested
327,430 48,829
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Without performance measures

ESOP

Number 
of stock 
Fully 
options 
outstanding
vested
162,477 162,477
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Vesting 
at the 
end of 
2021
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

ESPP
Number of 
outstanding 
shares held 
as at 31 
December 
2021
47,641
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Current 
shareholding 
as % of base
salary1
722%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Beneficially 
owned
193,729
–
1,017
–
–
–
10,000
7,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Shareholding 
guideline 
met1
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Share 
interests
Yes

Yes

Yes
Yes

Name
Zoran Bogdanovic2
Anastassis G. David3
Charlotte J. Boyle
Henrique Braun
Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha
Anna Diamantopoulou
William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Reto Francioni
Anastasios I. Leventis4
Christo Leventis5
Alexandra Papalexopoulou
Bruno Pietracci
José Octavio Reyes
Alfredo Rivera
Ryan Rudolph

1.  The shareholding requirement was introduced from the date of the 2015 PSP award, 10 December 2015 and has been updated to 300% in 2020.
2.  Zoran Bogdanovic holds 19,113 stock options with an exercise price of £15.50 dating from the Stock Option 2010 Grant. This grant was originally due to expire on 9 December 2020.
However, due to a restriction on trading in company shares, these options were not able to be exercised. The Remuneration Committee therefore agreed a temporary extension 
in the expiration date of these options of 30 days after the end of the restricted period, in line with the provisions of the relevant plan rules. He exercised 43,538 options which were 
due to expire 2021.

3.  Anastassis G. David is a beneficiary of:

(a) a private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 85,355,019 shares held by Kar‑Tess Holding and
(b) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest 
with respect to 832,268 shares held by Ari Holdings Limited.

4.  Anastasios I. Leventis is a beneficiary of:

(a) a private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 85,355,019 shares held by Kar‑Tess Holding and 
(b) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest 
with respect to 286,880 shares held by its trustee, Selene Treuhand AG and
(c) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Avgie Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 2,138,277 shares held by Carlcan Holding Limited.

5.  Christo Leventis is a beneficiary of:

(a) a private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 85,355,019 shares held by Kar‑Tess Holding and
(b) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest 
with respect to 482,228 shares held by its trustee, Selene Treuhand AG and
(c) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Avgie Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 2,138,277 shares held by Carlcan Holding Limited.

Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Directors’ Remuneration Report set out on pages 118 to 140 was approved by the Board of Directors on 16 March 2022 and signed 
on its behalf by Charlotte J. Boyle, Chair of the Remuneration Committee.

Charlotte J. Boyle
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
16 March 2022

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, 
including the consolidated Financial Statements, and the Corporate 
Governance Report including the Remuneration Report and the 
Strategic Report, in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The Directors, whose names and functions are set out on pages 
88‑90, confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

(a) The Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable, and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy.

(b) The consolidated Financial Statements, which have been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards, as issued by the IASB, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company 
and the undertakings included in the consolidation of the Group 
taken as a whole.

(c) The Annual Report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidated Coca‑Cola HBC Group 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

141

The activities of the Group, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance, financial position, cash 
flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the 
Strategic Report (pages 10 to 72). In addition, Notes 24 ‘Financial 
risk management and financial instruments’, 25 ‘Net debt’, and 26 
‘Equity’ include: the Company’s objectives, policies and processes 
for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; 
details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its 
exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group has considerable 
financial resources, together with long-term contracts with a 
number of customers and suppliers across different countries. 
The Directors have also assessed the principal risks and the other 
matters discussed in connection with the Viability Statement 
on page 72. The Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual Financial 
Statements and have not identified any material uncertainties 
to the Group’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least 
12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

By order of the Board

Anastassis G. David
Chairman of the Board
March 2022

Information to be included
Interest capitalised by the Group and an indication of the amount and treatment of any associated tax relief
Details of any unaudited financial information required by LR 9.2.18
Details of any long-term incentive scheme described in LR 9.4.3
Details of any arrangement under which a Director has waived any emoluments
Details of any arrangement under which a Director has agreed to waive future emoluments
Details of any allotments of shares by the Company for cash not previously authorised by shareholders
Details of any allotments of shares for cash by a major subsidiary of the Company
Details of the participation by the Company in any placing made by its parent company

Disclosure of information required under Listing Rule 9.8.4R
For the purposes of Listing Rule 9.8.4CR, the information required to be disclosed by premium listed companies in the United Kingdom 
is as follows:
Listing Rule
9.8.4(1)
9.8.4(2)
9.8.4(4)
9.8.4(5)
9.8.4(6)
9.8.4(7)
9.8.4(8)
9.8.4(9)
9.8.4(10) Details of any contracts of significance involving a Director
9.8.4(11) Details of any contract for the provision of services to the Company by a controlling shareholder
9.8.4(12) Details of any arrangement under which a shareholder has waived or agreed to waive any dividends
9.8.4(13) Details of any arrangement under which a shareholder has agreed to waive future dividends
9.8.4(14)

Reference in report
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable

Agreements with a controlling shareholder

142

COCA-COLA HBC

2021 SASB Index

2021 SASB 
Index

Majority of the information required by the 
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) 
framework is included in the 2021 IAR and 2021 GRI 
Content Index. Part of the information refers to our 
public website https://www.coca-colahellenic.com/

Table 1. Sustainability disclosure topics & accounting metrics

Topic

Accounting metric

Category

Unit of measure

Code

Fleet fuel 
management

Fleet fuel consumed

Percentage renewable 

Quantitative

Operational energy consumed 

Gigajoules (GJ)

Percentage (%)

Gigajoules (GJ)

FB‑NB‑110a.1

Response

1,078,121

0%

7,093,841

Energy 
management

Percentage grid electricity

Quantitative

Percentage (%)

FB‑NB‑130a.1

42%

Percentage (%)

Thousand cubic 
metres (m³)

Thousand cubic 
metres (m³)

Percentage (%)

23%

26,373

16,157

39%

FB‑NB‑140a.1

Water 
management

Percentage renewable

Total water withdrawn

Total water consumed

and percentage of each in 
regions with High or Extremely 
High Baseline Water Stress

Description of water 
management risks and 
discussion of strategies 
and practices to mitigate 
those risks

Quantitative

Discussion 
and analysis

Revenue from: zero‑ 
and low‑calorie

no added sugar beverages

Health & 
nutrition

Quantitative

artificially sweetened 
beverages

Percentage of advertising 
impressions (1) made on 
children and (2) made on 
children promoting products 
that meet dietary guidelines

n/a

EUR

EUR

EUR

Percentage (%)

2021 IAR, Water stewardship, and Risk 
sections (pages 50; 58, 61‑63)

FB‑NB‑140a.2

2021 GRI Content Index (GRI 303: 
Water and Effluents).

FB‑NB‑260a.1

CCHBC website_Sustainability section_
Water stewardship

€1,194.3 million only from Sparkling soft 
drinks (SSD) portfolio,

22.7% of total SSD revenue.

Not reported; we report towards our 
UNESDA commitment for added sugar 
reduction in the EU and the UK by 10% by 
2025 vs. 2019: in 2021 we reduced the added 
sugar in our beverages by 3% vs 2019.

CCHBC website_Sustainability section_
Nutrition

Not reported.

Not reported. As a member of both the 
Coca-Cola System and UNESDA, we abide 
by the respective responsible marketing 
guidelines. In addition, we have a responsible 
marketing policy for premium spirits, while 
our strategic approach towards marketing 
to children is covered by our health and 
wellness policy.

https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/en/
about-us/corporate-governance/policies/
health-wellness-policy

(1) None – we don’t produce/sell 
GMO products.

Quantitative

FB‑NB‑270a.1

Product 
labelling & 
marketing

Revenue from products 
labelled as (1) containing 
genetically modified 
organisms (GMOs) and (2) 
non-GMO

Quantitative

Number of incidents of 
non-compliance with industry 
or regulatory labelling and/or 
marketing codes

Quantitative

Reporting currency

FB‑NB‑270a.2

(2) non‑GMO: €7,168.4 million 
(100% of the portfolio).

CCHBC website_GMO Policy

Number

Zero incidents of non-compliance in 2021.

FB‑NB‑270a.3

Refer to the 2021 GRI Content Index 
(417-2 and 417-3).

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

143

Coca‑Cola HBC AG 2021 IAR has been prepared in accordance with 
the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, Core level. It has been 
independently assured by denkstatt. Independent assurance 
statement is on pages 242-244 of the 2021 IAR.

Currently, we do not track all metrics included in the Non-Alcoholic 
Beverages Standards and will work towards including more data 
in the future.

Table 1. Sustainability disclosure topics & accounting metrics (continued)

Topic

Accounting metric

Category

Unit of measure

Code

Response

Product 
labelling & 
marketing 
continued

Packaging 
lifecycle 
management

Environmental 
& social 
impacts 
of ingredient 
supply chain

Ingredient 
sourcing

Total amount of monetary 
losses as a result of legal 
proceedings associated with 
marketing and/or labelling 
practices

Total weight of packaging

(2) percentage made 
from recycled and/or 
renewable materials

(3) percentage that is 
recyclable, reusable, 
and/or compostable

Discussion of strategies to 
reduce the environmental 
impact of packaging 
throughout its lifecycle

Suppliers’ social and 
environmental responsibility 
audit: non‑conformance rate 
and associated corrective 
action rate for (a) major and (b) 
minor non-conformances

Percentage of beverage 
ingredients sourced from 
regions with High or Extremely 
High Baseline Water Stress

List of priority beverage 
ingredients and description 
of sourcing risks due to 
environmental and social 
considerations

Reporting currency

Zero incidents of non-compliance in 2021.

Quantitative

FB‑NB‑270a.4

Refer to the 2021 GRI Content Index 
(417-2 and 417-3).

Metric tonnes (t)

Percentage (%)

Quantitative

Percentage (%)

FB‑NB‑410a.1

739,321

10.0 % rPET (placed on the market); 
35.0% recycled glass; 50.0 % recycled 
aluminium 

99.9%

Discussion 
and analysis

n/a

Rate

CCHBC website_Sustainability section_
World without waste

FB‑NB‑410a.2

Quantitative

FB‑NB‑430a.1

Percentage (%) by cost

Quantitative

FB‑NB‑440a.1

n/a

Discussion 
and analysis

FB‑NB‑440a.2

2021 GRI Content Index (205-2, 
308-1,308-2, 407-1, 408-1, 409-1, 414-1

CCHBC website_Sustainable sourcing 
and Our suppliers sections

CCHBC website_Sustainability section_
Sourcing

CCHBC website_Supplier Guiding 
Principles

3.9% of supplier’s locations are in high 
water risk as per our assessment by using 
WWF Water Risk Filter.

CCHBC website_Sustainability section_
Sourcing

2021 GRI Content Index (102-9, 205-2, 
308-1, 308-2, 407-1, 408-1, 409-1, 
414-1)

CCHBC website_Sustainable sourcing 
and Our suppliers sections

Table 2. Activity metrics

Activity metric

Category

Unit of measure

Code

Response

Volume of products sold

Quantitative

Millions of hectolitres (Mhl)

FB‑NB‑000.A 143.58

Number of production facilities

Quantitative

Number

FB‑NB‑000.B

54 production facilities produce 
non-alcoholic beverages

Total fleet road miles travelled

Quantitative

Kilometres

FB‑NB‑000.C 335,886,412

144

COCA-COLA HBC

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

145

Financial 
statements

Contents

146 Independent auditor’s report

Consolidated financial statements

154 Consolidated income statement
154 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
155 Consolidated balance sheet
156 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
158 Consolidated cash flow statement

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
Basis of reporting
159 1. Description of business
159 2. Basis of preparation and consolidation
160 3. Foreign currency and translation
161 4. Accounting pronouncements
161 5. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

Results for the year

162 6. Segmental analysis
164 7. Net sales revenue
165 8. Operating expenses
166 9. Finance costs, net
166 10. Taxation
169 11. Earnings per share
169 12. Components of other comprehensive income

Operating assets and liabilities

169 13. Intangible assets
172 14. Property, plant and equipment
174 15. Interests in other entities
178 16. Leases
180 17. Inventories
180 18. Trade, other receivables and assets
182 19. Assets classified as held for sale
182 20. Trade and other payables
183 21. Provisions and employee benefits
187 22. Offsetting financial assets and liabilities
189 23. Business combinations

Risk management and capital structure

189 24. Financial risk management 
and financial instruments

200 25. Net debt
204 26. Equity

Other financial information

205 27. Related party transactions
207 28. Share-based payments
209 29. Contingencies
209 30. Commitments
209 31. Post balance sheet events

146

COCA-COLA HBC

Independent auditor’s report to Coca‑Cola HBC AG

Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements

Opinion
In our opinion:

•  Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s (‘Coca‑Cola HBC’ or the ‘Group’) consolidated financial statements (the ‘financial statements’) give a true and fair 

view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2021 and of its profit and cash flows for the year then ended; and

•  the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted 

by the European Union (‘EU‘).

We have audited the financial statements, included within the 2021 Integrated Annual Report (the ‘Annual Report’), which comprise: the 
consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2021; the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, the consolidated cash flow statement, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; and the notes 
to the financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (‘ISAs’). Our responsibilities under ISAs are further described 
in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements, 
which include the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (‘IESBA Code’) and the 
FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non‑audit services prohibited by the IESBA Code, the FRC’s Ethical Standard 
and other applicable laws and regulations were not provided to the Group.

Other than those disclosed in Note 8 of the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group in the period from 
1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Our audit approach

Overview
Audit scope 

•  We performed full scope audit procedures on the financial information of 15 subsidiary undertakings 

and one joint venture in 14 countries spread across all of the Group’s reportable segments.

•  We also conducted procedures around specific account balances and transactions and analytical review 

procedures for other subsidiary undertakings and Group functions.

•  Taken together, the undertakings which were in scope for the purpose of our audit accounted for 85% 
of consolidated net sales revenue, 84% of consolidated profit before tax and 87% of consolidated total 
assets of the Group.

Key audit matters 

Materiality

•  Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessment.
•  Uncertain tax positions.
•  Overall materiality: €36.7 million (2020: €29.6 million) based on 5% of profit before tax.
•  Performance materiality: €27.5 million (2020: €22.2 million)

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditor’s professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current year and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

Key audit matter
Goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets 
impairment assessment
Refer to Note 13 Intangible assets.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as at 31 December 
2021 amount to €1,759.3 million and €269.6 million, respectively.

The above amounts have been allocated to individual cash-generating 
units (‘CGUs’), which in accordance with International Accounting 
Standard (‘IAS’) 36 require the performance of an impairment 
assessment at least annually or whenever there is an indication of 
impairment. The impairment assessment involves the determination 
of the recoverable amount of the CGU, being the higher of the 
value-in-use and the fair value less costs to dispose of.

This area was a key matter for our audit due to the size of goodwill 
and indefinite-lived intangible assets balances and because the 
determination of whether elements of goodwill and of indefinite-lived 
intangible assets are impaired involves complex and subjective 
estimates made by management about the future results of the 
CGUs. These estimates include assumptions surrounding revenue 
growth rates, costs, foreign exchange rates and discount rates.

Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic 
volatility, competitor activity and regulatory/fiscal developments 
could adversely affect each CGU and potentially the carrying amount 
of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Management has identified the Italy CGU to be sensitive to possible 
changes in the assumptions used, which could result in the calculated 
recoverable amount being lower in future periods than the carrying 
value of the CGU. Additional sensitivity disclosure has been included 
in the financial statements in respect of this CGU.

No impairment charge was recorded in 2021. 

Uncertain tax positions
Refer to Note 10 Taxation and Note 29 Contingencies.

The Group operates in numerous tax jurisdictions and is subject to 
periodic tax inspections, in the normal course of business, by local 
tax authorities on a range of tax matters in relation to corporate tax, 
transfer pricing and indirect taxes. As at 31 December 2021, the 
Group has current tax liabilities of € 80.1 million, which include 
€52.6 million of provisions for tax uncertainties.

The impact of changes in local tax regulations and ongoing 
inspections by local tax authorities, could materially impact the 
amounts recorded in the financial statements.

Where the amount of tax payable is uncertain, the Group establishes 
provisions based on management’s estimates with respect to 
the likelihood of material tax exposures and the probable amount 
of the liability.

We consider this area as a key audit matter given the level of 
judgement and uncertainty involved in estimating tax provisions 
and the complexities of dealing with tax rules and regulations 
in numerous jurisdictions.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

147

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We evaluated the appropriateness of management’s identification of 
the Group’s CGUs, related control activities and the process by which 
management prepared the CGUs’ value-in-use calculations.

We tested the mathematical accuracy of the CGUs’ value-in-use 
calculations and compared the cash flow projections included therein 
to the financial budgets, approved by the directors, covering a 
one-year period, and management’s projections for the subsequent 
four years. In addition, we evaluated the reliability of the cash flow 
projections by comparing key elements of the prior year projections 
with actual results. 

We challenged management’s cash flow projections in relation to the 
assumptions applied to the value-in-use calculations focusing on 
future performance in light of the gradual recovery from COVID-19 
global pandemic with respect to short-term and long-term revenue 
growth rates and the level of costs. 

With the support of our valuation specialists, we assessed the 
appropriateness of certain assumptions including discount, annual 
revenue growth, perpetuity revenue growth and foreign exchange 
rates. We also evaluated management’s assessment of the potential 
effect of climate change to the cost of water.

We performed our independent sensitivity analyses on the key 
drivers of the value‑in‑use calculations for the CGUs with significant 
balances of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

As a result of our work, we found that the determination by 
management that no impairment was required for goodwill and 
indefinite-lived intangible assets was supported by assumptions 
within reasonable ranges. 

We assessed the appropriateness and completeness of the related 
disclosures in Note 13, as regards to goodwill and indefinite-lived 
intangible assets and considered them to be reasonable.

In order to understand and evaluate management’s judgements, 
we considered the status of current tax authority inspections 
and enquiries, the outcome of previous tax authority inspections, 
judgemental positions taken in tax returns and current year estimates 
as well as recent developments in the tax jurisdictions in which the 
Group operates.

We challenged management’s key assumptions, particularly in cases 
where there had been significant developments with tax authorities.

Our component audit teams, through the use of tax specialists with 
local knowledge and relevant expertise, assessed the tax positions 
taken by the subsidiary undertakings in scope, in the context of 
applying local tax laws and evaluating the local tax assessments. 
Additionally, with our group engagement team tax specialists 
we further evaluated management’s estimation of tax exposures 
and contingencies in order to assess the adequacy of the Group’s 
tax provisions. 

We held virtual meetings with the local management to discuss 
the individual tax position of the in‑scope subsidiary undertakings 
and with the Group engagement tax team for the Group’s overall 
tax exposure.

From the evidence obtained we consider the provisions in relation to 
uncertain tax positions as at 31 December 2021 to be reasonable.

We also evaluated the related disclosures provided in the financial 
statements in Note 10 and Note 29 and concluded that these 
are appropriate.

148

COCA-COLA HBC

Independent auditor’s report continued

The COVID-19 global pandemic, which was a key audit matter last year, continued to be an area of focus in light of uncertainty over 
the effective containment of the pandemic and any potential impact to the Group. The audit procedures performed did not identify any 
significant impact on the control environment, as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and remote working, the recoverability of trade 
receivables and management’s assessment of the going concern basis of accounting. Having considered the gradual recovery from the 
COVID-19 global pandemic and the audit effort required in 2021 and to the date of this audit report, the impact of the COVID-19 global 
pandemic is no longer included as a key audit matter.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able to provide an opinion on the financial statements 
as a whole, taking into account the operating structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the 
Group operates.

The Group operates through its trading subsidiary undertakings in 27 European countries and in Nigeria, as set out in Notes 1 and 6 of the 
financial statements. The processing of the accounting records for these subsidiary undertakings is largely centralised in a shared services 
centre in Bulgaria, except for the subsidiary undertakings in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia and North Macedonia, which process their 
accounting records locally. The Group also operates centralised treasury functions in the Netherlands and in Greece and a centralised 
procurement function for key raw materials in the Netherlands.

Based on the significance to the financial statements and in light of the key audit matters as noted above, we identified 15 subsidiary 
undertakings and one joint venture in 14 countries spread across all of the Group’s reportable segments (including the significant trading 
subsidiary undertakings in Russia, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Romania and Switzerland) which, based on our scoping analysis, required a full scope 
audit of their financial information. In addition, audit procedures were performed with respect to the centralised treasury functions by the 
group engagement team and with respect to the centralised procurement function by the component audit team in the Netherlands. 
The group engagement team also performed analytical review and other procedures on balances and transactions of subsidiary 
undertakings not covered by the procedures described above.

At the planning phase of the audit process, we held a one-day virtual audit planning workshop focusing on planning and risk assessment 
activities, fraud assessment, COVID-19 global pandemic considerations, auditor independence, accounting and auditing developments, 
including climate change, and centralised testing procedures. This audit planning workshop was attended by all audit teams, including those 
responsible for the Group’s subsidiary undertakings that are subject only to a statutory audit. The group engagement team was also 
responsible for planning, designing and overseeing the audit procedures performed at the shared services centres in Bulgaria and Greece. 
In addition, we performed work centrally on IT general controls, cybersecurity risks and the upgrade of the Group’s ERP system and shared 
audit comfort with the component teams while the group engagement team performed audit procedures with respect to the Group 
consolidation, financial statement disclosures and a number of other areas that require significant judgement and estimates, including 
goodwill and intangible assets and the Group’s overall going concern assessment.

We issued Group audit instructions to the component audit teams setting out the work to be performed and we had an active dialogue 
throughout the year. Due to the travel and other restrictions put in place in response to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the group 
engagement team held frequent virtual meetings to oversee the work performed. In addition to holding formal periodic meetings, the group 
engagement team had ongoing informal interactions with the component audit teams to be continuously updated and to monitor their 
progress and results of their procedures. Furthermore, the group engagement team remotely reviewed component auditor working papers 
and undertook other forms of interaction as considered necessary, depending on the significance of the component and the extent of 
accounting and audit issues arising. Moreover, the group engagement team participated in the virtual meetings and discussions between 
the component audit teams and the management of the trading subsidiary undertakings in Russia, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Greece, 
and Switzerland, and the management of the joint venture in Russia, to discuss business performance and outlook, matters relating to the 
ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, regulation and taxation, and any specific accounting and auditing matters identified, including fraud 
and internal controls.

Based on the above, the undertakings which were in scope for the purpose of our audit accounted for 85% of consolidated net sales revenue, 
84% of consolidated profit before tax and 87% of consolidated total assets of the Group. This, together with the additional procedures 
performed at Group level, gave us appropriate audit evidence for our opinion on the financial statements.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together 
with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on 
the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate, 
on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole, as follows:
Overall group materiality
How we determined it
Rationale for benchmark 
applied

€36.7 million (2020: €29.6 million).
5% of profit before tax.
We chose profit before tax as the benchmark because, in our view, it is one of the principal measures 
considered by users and is a generally accepted benchmark. We chose 5% which is within the range 
of acceptable quantitative materiality thresholds in generally accepted auditing practice.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

149

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group materiality. The range 
of materiality allocated across components was from €2.7 million to €15.0 million. 

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the 
nature and extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining sample sizes. 
Our performance materiality was 75% of overall materiality, amounting to €27.5 million.

In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors – the history of misstatements, risk assessment and 
aggregation risk and the effectiveness of controls – and concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate.

We agreed with the Audit & Risk Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above €1.5 million 
(2020: €1.0 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Conclusions relating to going concern
Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the Group’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:

•  Verification that the cash flow projections used in the goodwill impairment, going concern and viability assessments were consistent;
•  Review of management’s assessment supporting the Group’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting, ensuring 

appropriate stress test scenarios were considered;

•  Assessment of the reasonableness of management’s assumptions used in the cash flow projections.
•  Testing of the mathematical integrity of the cash flow forecasts and reconciled these to the Board approved budget and management’s 

projections for the subsequent periods;

•  Evaluation of the Group’s liquidity for the period under assessment by considering the Group’s available cash resources, committed 
undrawn credit facilities and other debt instruments in place as well as the maturity profile of the Group’s debt. We confirmed the 
outstanding amounts of the financing facilities and verified their nature, terms and conditions;

•  Consideration whether climate change is expected to have any significant impact during the period of the going concern assessment; and
•  Evaluation of the appropriateness of the related disclosures provided in the financial statements in Note 2 and Note 31.

Based on the work performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or 
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when 
the financial statements are authorised for issue.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation 
of the financial statements is appropriate.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern.

In relation to the Group’s reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements, our auditor’s report 
thereon and the Swiss statutory reporting, which we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report. The directors are responsible for the 
other information which includes reporting based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) recommendations. 
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except 
to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to 
be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures 
to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to 
report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

150

COCA-COLA HBC

Independent auditor’s report continued

Corporate governance statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statements in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the corporate 
governance statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. 
Our additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other information, are described in the Reporting 
on other information section of this report.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate governance 
statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit, and we have nothing material 
to add or draw attention to in relation to:

•  The directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks;
•  The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures are in place to identify emerging risks and 

an explanation of how these are being managed or mitigated;

•  The directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis 

of accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties relating to the Group’s ability to continue to do so 
over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;

•  The directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the Group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period 

is appropriate; and

•  The directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet 

its liabilities as they fall due over the period of its assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary 
qualifications or assumptions.

Our review of the directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the Group was substantially less in scope than an audit and only 
consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is in alignment 
with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the statement is consistent with the financial 
statements and our knowledge and understanding of the Group and its environment obtained in the course of the audit.

In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the corporate 
governance statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit:

•  The directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the 

information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s position, performance, business model and strategy;

•  The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems; and
•  The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit & Risk Committee.

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the directors’ statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the 
Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors.

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in the Annual Report, the directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors 
are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing 
as applicable matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 
the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but 
is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable 
of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

151

Based on our understanding of the Group and the industry in which it operates, we considered the extent to which non‑compliance with 
applicable laws and regulations might have a material effect on the financial statements, including, but not limited to, the corporate regulations 
arising from its listings on the London Stock Exchange and Athens Exchange, tax laws and regulations applicable to Coca‑Cola HBC and 
its subsidiaries and regulations relating to unethical and prohibited business practices. We evaluated management’s incentives and 
opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and where management 
made subjective judgements in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events 
that are inherently uncertain. The group engagement team shared this risk assessment with the component auditors so that they could 
include appropriate audit procedures in response to such risks in their work. Audit procedures performed by the group engagement team 
and/or component auditors included among others:

•  Discussions with management, internal audit, internal legal counsel, management’s experts and external legal advisors, where relevant, 

including consideration of known or suspected instances of non‑compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;

•  Evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
•  Assessment of matters reported on the Group’s whistleblowing helpline and the results of management’s investigation of such matters;
•  Reading the minutes of Board meetings to identify any inconsistencies with other information provided by management;
•  Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to 

• 

impairment of goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets and uncertain tax positions (see related key audit matters above);
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any entries posted with unusual account combinations, journal entries posted by senior 
management and consolidation entries.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance 
with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate 
concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, possibly using data auditing techniques. 
However, it typically involves selecting a limited number of items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will often seek 
to target particular items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit sampling to enable us to draw 
a conclusion about the population from which the sample is selected.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. 
We also:

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform 
audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 

circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control. 

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made 

by management.

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence 

obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to 
the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based 
on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease 
to continue as a going concern. 

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial 

statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group 

to express an opinion on the financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. 
We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. Those charged with 
governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, 
and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the 
audit of the financial statements of the current year and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s 
report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that 
a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to 
outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

152

COCA-COLA HBC

Independent auditor’s report continued

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for Coca‑Cola HBC AG for the purpose of the Disclosure Guidance 
and Transparency Rules sourcebook and the Listing Rules of the FCA and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept 
or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come, save 
where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

Other required reporting

Appointment
We have been the Group’s auditors since 2003 and following a tender process that the Group conducted in 2015, at the recommendation 
of the Audit & Risk Committee, we were reappointed by the directors on 11 December 2015 to audit the financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2016 and subsequent financial periods.

Assurance Report on the European Single Electronic Format pursuant to the Athens Exchange listing requirements
We have examined the digital files of Coca‑Cola HBC, which were compiled in accordance with the European Single Electronic Format 
(ESEF) defined by the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/1989 (hereinafter “ESEF 
Regulation”), and which include the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021, in XHTML format 
549300EFP3TNG7JGVE49‑2021‑12‑31‑en.xhtml, as well as the provided XBRL file 549300EFP3TNG7JGVE49‑2021‑12‑31‑en.zip with 
the appropriate marking up, on the aforementioned consolidated financial statements.

Regulatory framework 
The digital files of the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) are compiled in accordance with ESEF Regulation and 2020 / C 379/01 
Interpretative Communication of the European Commission of 10 November 2020, as provided by the Greek Law 3556/2007 and the 
relevant announcements of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the Athens Exchange (hereinafter “ESEF Regulatory Framework”).

In summary, this Framework includes the following requirements: 

•  All annual financial reports should be prepared in XHTML format. 
•  For consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, the financial information stated 
in the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the 
consolidated cash flow statement and the consolidated statements of changes in equity should be marked‑up with XBRL ‘tags’, according 
to the ESEF Taxonomy, as in force. The technical specifications for ESEF, including the relevant classification, are set out in the ESEF 
Regulatory Technical Standards. 

The requirements set out in the current ESEF Regulatory Framework are suitable criteria for formulating a reasonable assurance conclusion. 

Responsibilities of the management and those charged with governance 
Management is responsible for the preparation and submission of the consolidated financial statements of the Group, for the year ended 
31 December 2021 in accordance with the requirements set by the ESEF Regulatory Framework, as well as for those internal controls that 
management identifies as necessary, to enable the compilation of digital files free of material error due to either fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibilities
Our responsibility is to plan and carry out this assurance work, in accordance with no. 214/4 / 11.02.2022 Decision of the Board of Directors 
of the Hellenic Accounting and Auditing Standards Oversight Board (HAASOB) and the “Guidelines in relation to the work and the assurance 
report of the Certified Public Accountants on the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) of issuers with securities listed on a regulated 
market in Greece” as issued by the Board of Certified Auditors on 14/02/2022 (hereinafter “ESEF Guidelines”), providing reasonable 
assurance that the consolidated financial statements of the Group prepared by management in accordance with ESEF comply in all material 
respects with the applicable ESEF Regulatory Framework. 

Our work was carried out in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants of the International Ethics Standard Board for 
Accountants (IESBA Code). 

The assurance work we conducted is limited to the procedures provided by the ESEF Guidelines and was carried out in accordance with 
International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000, “Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial 
Information’’. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but it is not a guarantee that this work will always detect a material 
misstatement regarding non-compliance with the requirements of the ESEF Regulation.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

153

Conclusion 
Based on the procedures performed and the evidence obtained, we conclude that the consolidated financial statements of the Group for 
the year ended 31 December 2021, in XHTML file format 549300EFP3TNG7JGVE49‑2021‑12‑31‑en.xhtml, as well as the provided XBRL 
file 549300EFP3TNG7JGVE49‑2021‑12‑31‑en.zip with the appropriate marking up, on the aforementioned consolidated financial 
statements have been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF Regulatory Framework.

Other matter
PwC Switzerland has reported separately on the Group and Company financial statements of Coca‑Cola HBC AG for the year ended 
31 December 2021 for Swiss statutory purposes. The reports are available in pages 212 and 216.

Fotis Smyrnis
the Certified Auditor, Reg. No. 52861
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers S.A.
Certified Auditors, Reg. No. 113
Athens, Greece

23 March 2022

Notes:
a.  The maintenance and integrity of the Coca‑Cola HBC AG website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these 

matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

b.  Legislation in the UK and Switzerland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

154

COCA-COLA HBC

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 31 December

Net sales revenue
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

Operating expenses
Share of results of integral equity method investments
Operating profit

Finance income
Finance costs
Finance costs, net
Share of results of non-integral equity method investments
Profit before tax

Tax
Profit after tax

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Basic earnings per share (€)
Diluted earnings per share (€)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December

Profit after tax
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to income statement:
Cost of hedging 
Net gain on cash flow hedges
Foreign currency translation gains/(losses)
Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of equity method investments
Income tax relating to items that may be subsequently reclassified to income statement

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to income statement:
Valuation loss on equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains / (losses)
Income tax relating to items that will not be subsequently reclassified to income statement

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax (refer to Note 12)
Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Note
6, 7

8
15
6

9
15

10

11
11

Note

24
24
12
12, 15
12

12

2021
€ million
7,168.4
(4,570.2)
2,598.2

(1,833.3)
34.4
799.3

5.3
(72.9)
(67.6)
3.2
734.9

(187.4)
547.5

547.2
0.3
547.5

1.50
1.49

2021
€ million
547.5

(2.7)
69.5
73.6
14.6
(9.5)
145.5

–
16.1
(6.1)
10.0
155.5
703.0

702.7
0.3
703.0

2020
€ million
6,131.8
(3,810.3)
2,321.5

(1,682.2)
21.4
660.7

3.8
(73.9)
(70.1)
3.3
593.9

(178.9)
415.0

414.9
0.1
415.0

1.14
1.14

2020
€ million
415.0

(2.2)
22.7
(254.9)
(25.4)
(2.4)
(262.2)

(0.2)
(12.5)
2.0
(10.7)
(272.9)
142.1

142.0
0.1
142.1

Consolidated balance sheet
As at 31 December 

Assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Equity method investments
Other financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets

Inventories
Trade, other receivables and assets
Other financial assets
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale
Total current assets
Total assets

Liabilities
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions and employee benefits
Current tax liabilities
Total current liabilities

Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions and employee benefits
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Group reorganisation reserve
Treasury shares
Exchange equalisation reserve
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total equity and liabilities

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

155

Note

13
14
15
24
10
18

17
18
24, 25

25

19

25
24
20
21

25
24
10
21

26
26
26
26
26
26

2021
€ million

2,043.3
2,830.9
365.8
16.6
31.0
69.8
5,357.4

519.8
948.6
878.9
26.7
782.8
3,156.8
0.1
3,156.9
8,514.3

381.7
11.6
1,885.8
157.2
80.1
2,516.4

2,555.7
3.0
197.7
118.8
5.6
2,880.8
5,397.2

2,022.3
3,097.3
(6,472.1)
(146.6)
(1,154.0)
310.2
5,457.4
3,114.5
2.6
3,117.1
8,514.3

2020
€ million

1,986.1
2,616.6
313.7
14.0
35.1
80.5
5,046.0

417.6
773.9
106.6
13.2
1,215.8
2,527.1
–
2,527.1
7,573.1

315.2
10.0
1,542.8
99.6
58.6
2,026.2

2,610.3
1.3
182.5
113.3
6.2
2,913.6
4,939.8

2,014.4
3,321.4
(6,472.1)
(155.5)
(1,242.1)
266.7
4,897.9
2,630.7
2.6
2,633.3
7,573.1

156

COCA-COLA HBC

Consolidated financial statements continued

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Balance as at 1 January 2020
Shares issued to employees 
exercising stock options
Share‑based compensation:

Performance shares
Appropriation of reserves
Dividends
Transfer of cash flow hedge 
reserve, including cost of hedging 
to inventories, net of tax1

Profit for the year, net of tax
Other comprehensive loss for 
the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive income 
for the year, net of tax2
Balance as at 31 December 2020

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital
€ million
2,010.8

Share 
premium
€ million
3,545.3

 Group 
reorganisation
reserve
€ million
(6,472.1)

Treasury 
shares
€ million
(169.8)

Exchange
equalisation
reserve
€ million
(964.7)

Other 
reserves
€ million
256.3

Retained 
earnings
€ million

Total
€ million
4,491.7 2,697.5

Non-
controlling 
interests
€ million

Total
equity
€ million
2.7 2,700.2

3.6

4.0

–
–
–

–
–
(227.9)

–

–
–
–

–

–
14.3
–

–

–
–
–

–

–

7.6

–

7.6

9.5
(13.9)
–

–
(0.4)
2.2

9.5
–
(225.7)

–
–
(0.2)

9.5
–
(225.9)

–

–
2,014.4 3,321.4
–

–

–
(6,472.1)
–

–
(155.5)
–

–
(964.7)
–

–

(0.2)

(0.2)
251.7 4,493.5 2,488.7
414.9
414.9

–

–

(0.2)
2.5 2,491.2
0.1
415.0

–

–

–

–

(277.4)

15.0

(10.5)

(272.9)

–

(272.9)

–

–
2,014.4 3,321.4

–
(6,472.1)

–

(277.4)
(155.5) (1,242.1)

15.0

404.4
142.0
266.7 4,897.9 2,630.7

0.1
142.1
2.6 2,633.3

1.  The amount included in other reserves of €0.2 million gain for 2020 represents the cash flow hedge reserve, including cost of hedging, transferred to inventory of €0.1 million loss, 

and the deferred tax income thereof amounting to €0.3 million.

2.  The amount included in the exchange equalisation reserve of €277.4 million loss for 2020 represents the exchange loss attributed to the owners of the parent, including €22.5 million 

loss relating to the share of other comprehensive income of equity method investments.
The amount of other comprehensive income net of tax included in other reserves of €15.0 million gain for 2020 consists of loss on valuation of equity investments at fair value 
through other comprehensive income of €0.2 million, cash flow hedges gain of €20.5 million, share of other comprehensive income of equity method investments of €2.9 million loss 
and the deferred tax expense thereof amounting to €2.4 million.
The amount of €404.4 million gain attributable to owners of the parent comprises profit for the year of €414.9 million plus actuarial losses of €12.5 million, minus deferred tax income 
of €2.0 million.
The amount of €0.1 million gain included in non-controlling interests for 2020 represents the share of non-controlling interests in profit for the year.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

157

Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued

Balance as at 1 January 2021
Shares issued to employees 
exercising stock options
Share‑based compensation:

Performance shares
Movement in shares held for 
equity compensation plan

Appropriation of reserves
Dividends
Transfer of cash flow hedge 
reserve, including cost of hedging 
to inventories, net of tax3

Profit for the year, net of tax
Other comprehensive income for 
the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive income for 
the year, net of tax4
Balance as at 31 December 2021

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital
€ million
2,014.4

Share 
premium
€ million
3,321.4

Group 
reorganisation
reserve
€ million
(6,472.1)

Treasury 
shares
€ million
(155.5)

Exchange
equalisation
reserve
€ million
(1,242.1)

Other 
reserves
€ million
266.7

Retained 
earnings
€ million

Total
€ million
4,897.9 2,630.7

Non-
controlling 
interests
€ million

Total
equity
€ million
2.6 2,633.3

7.9

11.7

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
(235.8)

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
8.9
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

15.1

(0.1)
(9.0)
–

–

–

–
0.1
2.2

19.6

15.1

(0.1)
–
(233.6)

–

–
2,022.3 3,097.3
–

–

–
(6,472.1)
–

–

–
(146.6) (1,242.1)
–

–

–

(19.9)
(19.9)
252.8 4,900.2 2,411.8
547.2
547.2

–

–

–

19.6

15.1

–
–
(0.3)

(0.1)
–
(233.9)

–

(19.9)
2.3 2,414.1
0.3
547.5

–

–

–

–

88.1

57.4

10.0

155.5

–

155.5

–

–
2,022.3 3,097.3

–
(6,472.1)

–

88.1
(146.6) (1,154.0)

57.4

557.2
702.7
310.2 5,457.4 3,114.5

0.3
703.0
2.6 3,117.1

3.  The amount included in other reserves of €19.9 million gain for 2021 represents the cash flow hedge reserve, including cost of hedging, transferred to inventory of €24.0 million gain, 

and the deferred tax expense thereof amounting to €4.1 million.

4.  The amount included in the exchange equalisation reserve of €88.1 million gain for 2021 represents the exchange gain attributed to the owners of the parent, primarily related 

to the Swiss Franc and the Russian Rouble, including €14.5 million gain relating to the share of other comprehensive income of equity method investments.
The amount of other comprehensive income net of tax included in other reserves of €57.4 million gain for 2021 consists of cash flow hedges gain of €66.8 million, share of other 
comprehensive income of equity method investments of €0.1 million gain and the deferred tax expense thereof amounting to €9.5 million.
The amount of €557.2 million gain attributable to owners of the parent comprises profit for the year of €547.2 million, actuarial gains of €16.1 million and deferred tax expense 
of €6.1 million.
The amount of €0.3 million gain included in non-controlling interests for 2021 represents the share of non-controlling interests in profit for the year.

For further details, refer to Note 24 ‘Financial risk management and financial instruments’, Note 26 ‘Equity’ and Note 28 ‘Share-based payments’.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

158

COCA-COLA HBC

Consolidated financial statements continued

Consolidated cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December

Operating activities
Profit after tax
Finance costs, net
Share of results of non-integral equity method investments
Tax charged to the income statement
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Employee performance shares
Amortisation of intangible assets

Share of results of integral equity method investments
Gain on disposals of non-current assets
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
Tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
Payments for business combinations
Payment for acquisition of joint operation
Net payment for acquisition of integral equity method investment
Net receipts from integral equity method investments
Payments for acquisition of non-integral equity method investments
Net receipts from non-integral equity method investments
Joint arrangement reclassification
Net (payments for)/proceeds from investments in financial assets at amortised cost
Net (payments for)/proceeds from investments in financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss
Loans to related parties
Interest (paid)/received
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

Financing activities
Proceeds from shares issued to employees exercising stock options
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayments of borrowings
Principal repayments of lease obligations
Dividends paid to owners of the parent
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Proceeds from/(payments for) settlement of derivatives regarding financing activities
Interest paid
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Movement in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (2020: Net increase in cash and cash 
equivalents, excl. joint arrangement reclassification)
Joint arrangement reclassification
Effect of changes in exchange rates
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Note

2021
€ million

2020
€ million

9
15
10
14
14

13

15
8

23

15
27
15
27
15

26

26

15

25

547.5
67.6
(3.2)
187.4
330.3
6.0
14.9
1.0
1,151.5
(34.4)
(28.4)
(114.5)
(109.0)
419.3
(142.3)
1,142.2

(506.5)
35.8
(5.6)
(0.9)
–
47.8
(87.0)
1.9
–
(102.8)

(640.6)
(0.9)
(0.3)
(1,259.1)

19.6
129.3
(133.8)
(63.1)
(233.6)
(0.2)
4.9
(45.5)
(322.4)
(439.3)

415.0
70.1
(3.3)
178.9
372.5
15.6
9.5
0.9
1,059.2
(21.4)
(1.4)
9.4
178.5
(79.6)
(183.2)
961.5

(419.2)
13.4
–
–
(0.5)
27.1
(2.4)
1.3
(13.1)
264.4

370.4
(2.5)
0.2
239.1

7.6
211.8
(655.8)
(58.7)
(225.7)
(0.2)
(1.1)
(64.7)
(786.8)
413.8

1,215.8

823.0

(439.3)
–
6.3
782.8

426.9
(13.1)
(21.0)
1,215.8

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

159

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1. Description of business
Coca‑Cola HBC AG and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’ or ‘Coca‑Cola HBC’ or ‘the Company’) are principally engaged in the production, 
sales and distribution of primarily non‑alcoholic ready‑to‑drink beverages, under franchise from The Coca‑Cola Company. The Company 
distributes its products in Nigeria and 27 countries in Europe. Information on the Company’s operations by segment is included in Note 6.

On 11 October 2012, Coca‑Cola HBC, a Swiss stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft/Société Anonyme) incorporated by Kar‑Tess Holding 
(a related party of the Group, refer to Note 27), announced a voluntary share exchange offer to acquire all outstanding ordinary registered 
shares and all American depositary shares of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. As a result of the successful completion of this offer, 
on 25 April 2013 Coca‑Cola HBC acquired 96.85% of the issued Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. shares, including shares 
represented by American depositary shares, and became the new parent company of the Group. On 17 June 2013, Coca‑Cola HBC completed 
its statutory buy‑out of the remaining shares of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. that it did not acquire upon completion of its 
voluntary share exchange offer. Consequently, Coca‑Cola HBC acquired 100% of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. which was 
eventually delisted from the Athens Exchange, from the London Stock Exchange where it had a secondary listing and from the New York 
Stock Exchange where American depositary shares were listed.

The shares of Coca‑Cola HBC started trading in the premium segment of the London Stock Exchange (Ticker symbol: CCH) and on the 
Athens Exchange (Ticker symbol: EEE) and regular way trading in Coca‑Cola HBC American depositary shares commenced on the New York 
Stock Exchange (Ticker symbol: CCH) on 29 April 2013. On 24 July 2014, the Group proceeded to the delisting of its American depositary 
shares from the New York Stock Exchange and terminated its reporting obligations under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 
The deregistration of Coca‑Cola HBC shares under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the termination of its reporting obligations 
became effective on 3 November 2014.

2. Basis of preparation and consolidation

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021 have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU‘) and in compliance with Swiss law. The consolidated financial 
statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020 were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) and in compliance with Swiss law. IFRS as adopted by the EU differ in certain respects from IFRS 
as issued by the IASB. These differences have no impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 March 2022 and are expected to be 
verified at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 21 June 2022.

Going concern 
In 2021, the Group experienced a gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the reopening of its markets and return 
to pre‑pandemic levels of performance. However, COVID‑19 continues to be a source of uncertainty for the near term and could potentially 
lead to further economic disruption.

As part of the consideration of whether to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements, management 
has reviewed a range of scenarios and forecasts as part of its continuous focus on risk management, including the potential financial impact 
of a slower COVID-19 pandemic recovery, along with the Group’s proposed responses. The relevant assumptions have been modelled on 
the estimated potential impact of severe but plausible downside scenarios, linked to the Group‘s principal risks. The Group’s strong balance 
sheet and liquidity position, its leading market shares and largely variable cost base, together with its unique portfolio of brands and resilient 
and talented people will, management believe, allow the Group to fully overcome the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
In addition, management considered the potential effect of climate change-related risks to the cost of water and concluded that there 
is no impact over the period of assessment.

Having considered the outcome of these assessments, based on a quantitative viability exercise, it is deemed appropriate that the Group 
continues to adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements under the historical cost convention, 
as modified by the revaluation of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, investments in equity instruments classified at fair value 
through other comprehensive income and derivative financial instruments.

Change in accounting estimate 
In the current financial year, the Group has applied a change in the estimate of useful lives applicable to certain categories of production 
equipment, included within the plant and equipment asset category (Note 14). As a result, effective 1 January 2021, the expected useful life 
of the specific categories of production equipment was extended by five years. The change was driven by the reassessment of the expected 
period of usage and has resulted in an approximately €33 million decrease in the depreciation expense in the current year. This is primarily 
reflected in the ‘Cost of goods sold’ line of the consolidated income statement.

160

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2. Basis of preparation and consolidation continued

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiary undertakings are those companies over which the Group, directly or indirectly, has control. The Group controls an entity when the 
Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through 
power over the entity. Subsidiary undertakings are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be 
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred out of the Group.

Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions – that is, as transactions 
with the owners in their capacity as owners. The difference between fair value of any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired 
of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity.

Inter-company transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated. The subsidiaries’ accounting policies are consistent 
with policies adopted by the Group.

When the Group ceases to have control, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value at the date when such control 
is lost, with the change in carrying amount recognised in the income statement. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes 
of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets 
or liabilities. This means that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income, if any, are reclassified to the income statement.

3. Foreign currency and translation
The individual financial statements of each Group entity are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the 
entity operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each 
entity are expressed in Euro, which is the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements. 

The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Euro at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. The results 
of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Euro using the average monthly exchange rate (being a reasonable approximation of the rates 
prevailing on the transaction dates). The exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On disposal of a foreign entity, accumulated exchange differences are recognised as a component of the gain or loss on disposal.

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are remeasured at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All gains and losses arising on remeasurement are 
included in the income statement, except for exchange differences arising on assets and liabilities classified as cash flow hedges, which are 
deferred in equity until the occurrence of the hedged transaction, at which time they are recognised in the income statement. Share capital 
denominated in a currency other than the functional currency is initially stated at the spot rate on the date of issue but is not retranslated.

The principal exchange rates used for translation purposes in respect of one Euro are:

US Dollar
UK Sterling
Polish Zloty
Nigerian Naira
Hungarian Forint
Swiss Franc
Russian Rouble
Romanian Leu
Ukrainian Hryvnia
Czech Koruna
Serbian Dinar

Average
2021
1.18
0.86
4.56
484.31
358.49
1.08
87.23
4.92
32.30
25.64
117.57

Average
2020
1.14
0.89
4.44
435.06
350.65
1.07
82.23
4.84
30.66
26.45
117.58

Closing
2021
1.13
0.84
4.60
481.32
370.08
1.04
83.87
4.95
30.78
24.95
117.56

Closing
2020
1.22
0.91
4.54
480.68
364.83
1.08
90.55
4.88
34.64
26.21
117.57

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

161

4. Accounting pronouncements 

a) Accounting pronouncements adopted in 2021
The Group has adopted the following amendments which were endorsed by the EU that are relevant to its operations and effective for 
accounting periods beginning 1 January 2021:

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 – Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7 and IFRS 16; and

• 
•  COVID-19 – Related Rent Concessions – Amendments to IFRS 16.

The adoption of these amendments did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. 

b) Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
At the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements, the following amendments relevant to the Group’s operations were 
issued but not yet effective and not early‑adopted:

•  Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use – Amendments to IAS 16;
•  Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract – Amendments to IAS 37;
•  Reference to the Conceptual Framework – Amendments to IFRS 3;
•  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018‑2020;
•  COVID‑19‑Related Rent Concessions beyond 30 June 2021 – Amendments to IFRS 16;
•  Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non‑current – Amendments to IAS 1 (not endorsed by the EU);
•  Disclosure of Accounting Policies – Amendments to IAS 1 (not endorsed by the EU); 
•  Definition of Accounting Estimates – Amendments to IAS 8 (not endorsed by the EU); and
•  Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction – Amendments to IAS 12 (not endorsed by the EU).

The above amendments are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

5. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In conformity with IFRS, the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for Coca‑Cola HBC requires management to make 
estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates and judgements are 
based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions that may be undertaken in the future, actual results may ultimately differ 
from estimates.

Estimates
The key items concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk 
of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below:

Income taxes (refer to Note 10);
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets (refer to Note 13); and

• 
• 
•  Employee benefits – defined benefit pension plans (refer to Note 21).

Judgements
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, apart from those involving 
estimations as described above, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements:

•  Joint arrangements (refer to Note 15).

162

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

6. Segmental analysis
The Group has essentially one business, being the production, sale and distribution of ready-to-drink, primarily non-alcoholic, beverages.

The Group operates in 28 countries, which are aggregated into reportable segments as follows:

Established markets Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Northern Ireland, 

Developing markets Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, 

the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland.

Emerging markets

Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 
Bulgaria, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, North 
Macedonia, Romania, the Russian Federation, 
Serbia (including the Republic of Kosovo) 
and Ukraine.

The Group’s operations in each of the three reportable segments have been aggregated on the basis of their similar economic characteristics, 
assessed by reference to their net sales revenue per unit case as well as disposable income per capita, exposure to political and economic 
volatility, regulatory environments, customers and distribution infrastructures. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are 
the same as those adopted by the Group. The Group’s chief operating decision‑maker is its Executive Leadership Team, which evaluates 
performance and allocates resources based on volume, net sales revenue and operating profit.

a) Volume and net sales revenue
The Group sales volume in million unit cases1 for the years ended 31 December was as follows:

Established
Developing
Emerging
Total volume

2021
589.9
415.5
1,407.3
2,412.7

2020
536.9
412.1
1,186.6
2,135.6

1.  One unit case corresponds to approximately 5.678 litres or 24 servings, being a typically used measure of volume. For biscuits volume, one unit case corresponds to 1 kilogram. 

Volume data is derived from unaudited operational data.

Net sales revenue per reportable segment for the years ended 31 December is presented in the graphs below:

2021
€7,168.4 million

2020
€6,131.8 million

Established
Developing
Emerging

€2,479.0m
€1,365.6m
€3,323.8m

Established
Developing
Emerging

€2,174.6m
€1,170.9m
€2,786.3m

Sales or transfers between the Group’s segments are not material, nor are there any customers who represent more than 10% of net sales 
revenue for the Group.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

163

In addition to non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink beverages (‘NARTD’), the Group sells and distributes premium spirits. An analysis of volume 
and net sales revenue per product type for the years ended 31 December is presented below: 
Volume in million unit cases1:
NARTD2
Premium spirits
Total volume

2021
2,409.3
3.4
2,412.7

2020
2,133.2
2.4
2,135.6

Net sales revenue in € million:
NARTD
Premium spirits
Total net sales revenue

6,944.5
223.9
7,168.4

5,974.4
157.4
6,131.8

1.  One unit case corresponds to approximately 5.678 litres or 24 servings, being a typically used measure of volume. For premium spirits volume, one unit case also corresponds 

to 5.678 litres. For biscuits volume, one unit case corresponds to 1 kilogram. Volume data is derived from unaudited operational data. 

2.  NARTD: non‑alcoholic, ready‑to‑drink beverages.

Net sales revenue from external customers attributed to Switzerland (the Group’s country of domicile), Russia, Italy and Nigeria was as follows 
for the years ended 31 December:

Switzerland
Russia
Italy
Nigeria
All countries other than Switzerland, Russia, Italy and Nigeria
Total net sales revenue from external customers

b) Other income statement items 

Year ended 31 December 
Operating profit:
Established
Developing
Emerging
Total operating profit

Finance costs:
Established
Developing
Emerging
Corporate³
Inter-segment finance cost
Total finance costs

Finance income:
Established
Developing
Emerging
Corporate³
Inter-segment finance income
Total finance income

Income tax expense:
Established
Developing
Emerging
Corporate3
Total income tax expense

Reconciling items:
Share of results of non-integral equity method investments
Profit after tax

3.  Corporate refers to holding, finance and other non-operating subsidiaries of the Group.

2021
€ million
354.3
953.3
901.6
702.0
4,257.2
7,168.4

2020
€ million
368.0
773.3
751.5
509.0
3,730.0
6,131.8

2021
€ million

285.6
104.7
409.0
799.3

(17.7)
(7.9)
(15.0)
(120.1)
87.8
(72.9)

1.2
0.5
9.7
81.7
(87.8)
5.3

(57.6)
(10.6)
(91.1)
(28.1)
(187.4)

2020
€ million

203.3
97.0
360.4
660.7

(21.5)
(5.7)
(13.2)
(138.0)
104.5
(73.9)

1.1
0.7
10.1
96.4
(104.5)
3.8

(41.8)
(28.7)
(89.0)
(19.4)
(178.9)

3.2
547.5

3.3
415.0

Note

9

9

10

15

164

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

6. Segmental analysis continued
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets included in the measure of operating 
profit are as follows:

Year ended 31 December 
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment:
Established
Developing
Emerging
Total depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets:
Developing
Emerging
Total amortisation of intangible assets

Note

14

13

2021
€ million

(92.1)
(54.1)
(190.1)
(336.3)

(0.3)
(0.7)
(1.0)

2020
€ million

(109.6)
(66.4)
(212.1)
(388.1)

(0.2)
(0.7)
(0.9)

c) Other items
The balance of non-current assets4 attributed to Switzerland (the Group’s country of domicile), Russia, Italy and Nigeria was as follows for the 
years ended 31 December:

Switzerland
Russia5
Italy
Nigeria
All countries other than Switzerland, Russia, Italy and Nigeria 
Total non-current assets⁴

2021
€ million
557.5
330.2
1,082.3
642.1
2,654.6
5,266.7

4.  Excluding other financial assets, deferred tax assets, pension plan assets and trade and loans receivable.
5.  Excluding the investment in Multon, the Group’s Russian juice business (refer to Note 15).

Expenditure on property, plant and equipment per reportable segment was as follows for the years ended 31 December:

Established
Developing
Emerging6
Total expenditure on property, plant and equipment

2021
€ million
104.7
89.5
319.4
513.6

2020
€ million
540.0
307.4
1,108.8
553.3
2,465.0
4,974.5

2020
€ million
108.2
69.3
241.7
419.2

6.  Expenditure on property, plant and equipment for 2021 includes €7.1 million (2020: €nil) relating to repayment of borrowings undertaken to finance the purchase of production 

equipment by the Group’s subsidiary in Nigeria, classified as ‘Repayment of borrowings’ in the consolidated cash flow statement.

7. Net sales revenue

Accounting policy
The Group essentially produces, sells and distributes ready-to-drink, primarily non-alcoholic, beverages. Under IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from 
contracts with customers’ the Group recognises revenue when control of the products is transferred, being when the products are 
delivered to the customer. 

Net sales revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and is stated net of sales discounts and 
consideration paid to customers. These mainly take the form of promotional incentives and are amortised over the terms of the related 
contracts as a deduction in revenue. 

The Group provides volume rebates to customers once the quantity of goods purchased during the period exceeds a threshold specified 
in the contract. To estimate the variable consideration for the expected future rebates, the Group uses the most likely amount method 
and the amount is recognised in sales revenue only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of 
cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. 

A contract liability is recognised if a payment is received or a payment is due (whichever is earlier) from a customer before the Group 
transfers the related goods. Contract liabilities are recognised as revenue when the Group performs under the contract (i.e. transfers 
control of the related goods to the customer).

Net sales revenue includes excise and other duties where the Group acts as a principal but excludes amounts collected by third parties 
such as value-added taxes as these are not included in the transaction price. The Group assesses these taxes and duties on a jurisdiction-
by-jurisdiction basis to decide on the appropriate accounting treatment. 

Coca‑Cola HBC receives contributions from The Coca‑Cola Company in order to promote sales of its brands. Contributions for price 
support, marketing and promotional campaigns in respect of specific customers are recognised as an offset to promotional incentives 
provided to those customers to which the contributions contractually relate. These contributions are accrued and matched to the 
expenditure to which they relate (refer to Note 27).

Revenue recognised in 2021 that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year amounted to €10.4 million 
(2020: €6.9 million). Refer to Note 20 for contract liabilities as at 31 December 2021 and 2020.

Refer to Note 6 for an analysis of net sales revenue per reportable segment.

8. Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended 31 December comprised:

Selling expenses
Delivery expenses
Administrative expenses
Restructuring expenses
Acquisition and integration costs (refer to Note 23)
Operating expenses

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

165

2021
€ million
879.1
533.0
385.7
21.2
14.3
1,833.3

2020
€ million
799.7
484.3
388.4
9.8
–
1,682.2

In 2021, operating expenses included net gain on disposals of non‑current assets of €28.4 million (2020: €1.4 million net gain). 

a) Restructuring expenses

Accounting policy
Restructuring expenses are recorded in a separate line item within operating expenses and comprise costs arising from significant 
changes in the way the Group conducts its business such as significant supply chain infrastructure changes, outsourcing of activities and 
centralisation of processes. Restructuring provisions are recognised only when the Group has a present constructive obligation, which 
is when a detailed formal plan identifies the business or part of the business concerned, the location, function and number of employees 
affected, a detailed estimate of the associated costs, as well as an appropriate timeline and the employees affected have been notified 
of the plan’s main features.

As part of the effort to optimise its cost base and sustain competitiveness in the marketplace, the Company undertakes restructuring 
initiatives. The restructuring concerns mainly employees’ termination benefits. Restructuring expenses per reportable segment for the years 
ended 31 December are presented below:

2021
€21.2 million

2020
€9.8 million

Established
Developing
Emerging

€14.7m
€3.4m
€3.1m

Established
Developing
Emerging

€5.5m
€4.0m
€0.3m

b) Employee costs
Employee costs for the years ended 31 December comprised:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension and other employee benefits
Termination benefits
Total employee costs

2021
€ million
724.7
138.3
132.3
19.9
1,015.2

2020
€ million
681.8
137.9
116.8
19.3
955.8

The average number of full‑time equivalent employees in 2021 was 26,787 (2020: 27,722).

Employee costs for 2021 included in operating expenses and cost of goods sold amounted to €766.7 million and €248.5 million respectively 
(2020: €720.5 million and €235.3 million respectively).

c) Directors’ and senior management remuneration
The total remuneration paid or accrued for Directors and the senior management team for the years ended 31 December comprised:

Salaries and other short-term benefits
Performance share awards
Pension and post-employment benefits
Total remuneration

2021
€ million
16.3
6.4
0.9
23.6

2020
€ million
15.9
4.9
0.8
21.6

166

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

8. Operating expenses continued

d) Fees and other services of the auditor
Audit and other fees charged in the income statement concerning the auditor of the consolidated financial statements, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers S.A. and affiliates, were as follows, for the years ended 31 December: 

Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Total audit and audit-related fees

9. Finance costs, net

2021
€ million
4.8
0.7
5.5

2020
€ million
4.5
0.6
5.1

Accounting policy
Interest income and interest expense are recognised using the effective interest rate method, and are recorded in the income statement 
within ‘Finance income’ and ‘Finance cost’ respectively. Interest expense includes finance charges with respect to leases. Interest expense 
also includes amortisation of the loss on the forward starting swaps and the net impact from swaptions recorded in other comprehensive 
income (refer to Note 24).

Finance costs, net, for the years ended 31 December comprised:

Interest income
Interest expense
Other finance costs
Net foreign exchange remeasurement losses
Finance costs
Finance costs, net

2021
€ million
5.3
(67.1)
(1.7)
(4.1)
(72.9)
(67.6)

2020
€ million
3.8
(71.8)
(1.8)
(0.3)
(73.9)
(70.1)

Other finance costs include commitment fees on loan facilities (for the part not yet drawn down) and other similar fees.

For the interest expense incurred with respect to leases, refer to Note 16.

10. Taxation

Accounting policy
Tax is recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income 
or in equity. In this case, the tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. 

The current income tax expense is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in 
the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns 
with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate, 
on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. 

Deferred tax is provided using the liability method for all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying values for financial reporting purposes. However, the deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial 
recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other 
than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Tax rates enacted 
or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date are those that are expected to apply when the deferred tax asset is realised or 
deferred tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary 
differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carried forward to the extent that realisation of the related 
tax benefit through the reduction of future taxes is probable.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except where 
the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled by the Group, and it is probable that the temporary difference will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future. This includes taxation in respect of the retained earnings of overseas subsidiaries only to the extent 
that, at the balance sheet date, dividends have been accrued as receivable or a binding agreement to distribute past earnings in future 
periods has been entered into by the subsidiary.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to offset current tax assets against current 
income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable 
entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

Critical accounting estimates
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax 
determination cannot be assessed with certainty in the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises a provision for potential cases 
that might arise in the foreseeable future, based on assessment of the probabilities as to whether additional taxes will be due. Where the 
final tax outcome on these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax 
provision in the period in which such determination is made. The income tax provision amounted to €52.6 million as at 31 December 2021 
(2020: €37.2 million) and is included in the line ‘Current tax liabilities’ of the consolidated balance sheet.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

167

The income tax charge for the years ended 31 December was as follows:

Current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
Income tax expense 

2021
€ million
183.5
3.9
187.4

2020
€ million
111.5
67.4
178.9

The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable 
to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

Profit before tax

Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profits in the respective countries
Additional local taxes in foreign jurisdictions
Tax holidays in foreign jurisdictions
Expenses non-deductible for tax purposes
Income not subject to tax
Changes in tax laws and rates
Movement of accumulated tax losses
Movement of deferred tax asset not recognised
Nigeria tax audit settlement
Other
Income tax expense

2021
€ million
734.9

155.7
13.0
(5.8)
17.5
(2.5)
3.1
3.2
(0.6)
–
3.8
187.4

2020
€ million
593.9

119.8
10.3
(6.1)
14.5
(6.9)
(0.4)
3.3
(0.2)
16.5
28.1
178.9

Non-deductible expenses for tax purposes include marketing and advertising expenses, service fees, bad debt provisions, entertainment 
expenses, certain employee benefits and other items that, partially or in full, are not deductible for tax purposes in certain of our jurisdictions. 

In August 2020, Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (’NBC’), the Group’s subsidiary in Nigeria, settled the additional tax assessed by the Nigerian 
tax authorities (‘FIRS’) following the completion of their income tax audit for the years 2005-2019 and their transfer pricing (’TP’) audit for the 
years 2011-2019. The net impact to the income tax expense, following the utilisation of provisions for uncertain tax positions, was €16.5 million, 
out of which €7.2 million was attributable to the results of the TP audit. As a result of the TP audit, the FIRS adjusted NBC’s profitability, 
increasing its taxable base accordingly. This increase of NBC’s taxable base resulted in the elimination of accumulated capital allowances 
and to the extent these were not sufficient to offset the full impact of the tax adjustment in a certain year, a tax payment was required to be 
made. Following the settlement, the total tax assessed by the FIRS amounted to €62.7 million, of which €7.6 million was settled in cash and 
the remaining €55.1 million was settled through the elimination of the deferred tax asset relating to the available capital allowances in NBC.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December can be further analysed as follows:

Deferred tax assets:
To be recovered after 12 months
To be recovered within 12 months
Gross deferred tax assets
Offset of deferred tax
Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
To be recovered after 12 months
To be recovered within 12 months
Gross deferred tax liabilities
Offset of deferred tax
Net deferred tax liabilities

A reconciliation of net deferred tax is presented below:

As at 1 January
Taken to the income statement
Joint arrangement reclassification
Taken to other comprehensive income
Taken directly to equity
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December

2021
€ million
32.9
71.5
104.4
(73.4)
31.0

(255.0)
(16.1)
(271.1)
73.4
(197.7)

2021
€ million
(147.4)
(3.9)
–
(15.6)
4.1
(3.9)
(166.7)

2020
€ million
34.4
67.8
102.2
(67.1)
35.1

(237.6)
(12.0)
(249.6)
67.1
(182.5)

2020
€ million
(95.0)
(67.4)
3.7
(0.4)
(0.3)
12.0
(147.4)

168

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

10. Taxation continued
The movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same 
tax jurisdiction where applicable, are as follows:

Deferred tax assets
As at 1 January 2020
Joint arrangement reclassification (refer to Note 15)
Taken to the income statement
Taken to other comprehensive income
Taken directly to equity
Transfers between assets/liabilities
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2020
Taken to the income statement
Taken to other comprehensive income
Transfers between assets/liabilities
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2021

Deferred tax liabilities
As at 1 January 2020
Joint arrangement reclassification (refer to Note 15)
Taken to the income statement
Taken to other comprehensive income
Transfers between assets/liabilities
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2020
Taken to the income statement
Taken to other comprehensive income
Taken directly to equity
Transfers between assets/liabilities
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2021

Provisions
€ million
41.2
(0.1)
(8.6)
–
–
–
(4.1)
28.4
4.4
–
–
0.7
33.5

Pensions and
benefit plans
€ million
17.7
(0.2)
(1.0)
1.3
–
(1.6)
(0.1)
16.1
(5.5)
0.6
–
0.1
11.3

Tax losses
carry-forward
€ million
1.4
–
0.5
–
–
–
–
1.9
(0.1)
–
–
–
1.8

Book in 
excess of tax
 depreciation
€ million
14.9
–
(64.7)
–
–
56.7
(1.2)
5.7
(0.6)
–
(1.7)
–
3.4

Tax in excess
 of book
 depreciation
€ million
(206.3)
3.3
7.7
–
(56.7)
19.2
(232.8)
(14.5)
–
–
1.7
(3.8)
(249.4)

Leasing
€ million
29.0
–
(1.5)
–
–
–
(1.0)
26.5
(2.8)
–
–
0.1
23.8

Derivative
instruments
€ million
(1.6)
0.7
0.3
(1.4)
0.6
–
(1.4)
2.1
(9.0)
4.1
–
–
(4.2)

Other
deferred
tax assets
€ million
28.6
–
(2.6)
(0.7)
(0.3)
(0.3)
(1.1)
23.6
7.4
(0.5)
–
0.1
30.6

Other
deferred tax
 liabilities
€ million
(19.9)
–
2.5
0.4
1.3
0.3
(15.4)
5.7
(6.7)
–
–
(1.1)
(17.5)

Total
€ million
132.8
(0.3)
(77.9)
0.6
(0.3)
54.8
(7.5)
102.2
2.8
0.1
(1.7)
1.0
104.4

Total
€ million
(227.8)
4.0
10.5
(1.0)
(54.8)
19.5
(249.6)
(6.7)
(15.7)
4.1
1.7
(4.9)
(271.1)

Deferred tax assets recognised for tax losses carry-forward in accordance with the relevant local rules applying in the Group’s jurisdictions 
can be analysed as follows:

Attributable to tax losses that expire within five years
Attributable to tax losses that expire after five years
Attributable to tax losses that can be carried forward indefinitely
Recognised deferred tax assets attributable to tax losses

2021
€ million
0.5
–
1.3
1.8

2020
€ million
0.5
0.1
1.3
1.9

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets attributable to tax losses that are available to carry forward against future taxable income 
of €28.1 million (2020: €26.9 million). These are analysed as follows:

Attributable to tax losses that expire within five years
Attributable to tax losses that expire after five years
Unrecognised deferred tax assets attributable to tax losses

2021
€ million
19.5
8.6
28.1

2020
€ million
15.3
11.6
26.9

The aggregate amount of distributable reserves arising from the realised earnings of the Group’s operations was €3,111.0 million in 2021 
(2020: €2,651.3 million). No deferred tax liabilities have been recognised on such reserves given that their distribution is controlled by the 
Group or, in the event of plans to remit overseas earnings of subsidiaries, such distribution would not give rise to a tax liability.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

169

11. Earnings per share

Accounting policy
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to the owners of the parent by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year is the 
number of ordinary shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, adjusted by the number of ordinary shares bought back or issued 
during the year multiplied by a time-weighting factor. Diluted earnings per share incorporates stock options for which the average share 
price for the year is in excess of the exercise price of the stock option and which create a dilutive effect.

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the owners of the parent entity is based on the following data:

Net profit attributable to the owners of the parent (€ million) 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share (million)
Effect of dilutive stock options (million)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share (million)
Basic earnings per share (€)
Diluted earnings per share (€)

12. Components of other comprehensive income
The components of other comprehensive income for the years ended 31 December comprise: 

Cost of hedging (refer to Note 24)
Cash flow hedges (refer to Note 24)
Foreign currency translation gains/(losses)
Valuation loss on equity 
investments at fair value through 
other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Share of other comprehensive income/
(loss) of equity method investments
Other comprehensive loss

Before tax
€ million
(2.7)
69.5
73.6

–
16.1

14.6
171.1

2021
Income tax
€ million
–
(9.5)
–

–
(6.1)

–
(15.6)

Net of tax
€ million
(2.7)
60.0
73.6

–
10.0

14.6
155.5

Before tax
€ million
(2.2)
22.7
(254.9)

(0.2)
(12.5)

(25.4)
(272.5)

2021
547.2
365.0
1.3
366.3
1.50
1.49

2020
Income tax
€ million
–
(2.4)
–

–
2.0

–
(0.4)

2020
414.9
364.0
1.3
365.3
1.14
1.14

Net of tax
€ million
(2.2)
20.3
(254.9)

(0.2)
(10.5)

(25.4)
(272.9)

The foreign currency translation gain for 2021 primarily relates to the Russian Rouble and the Swiss Franc, while the loss from the foreign 
currency translation for 2020 primarily related to the Russian Rouble and the Nigerian Naira.

13. Intangible assets

Accounting policy
Intangible assets consist of goodwill, franchise agreements, trademarks and water rights. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible 
assets are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses, while intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over their useful 
economic lives. The useful lives, both finite and indefinite, assigned to intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives (‘not subject to amortisation’)
Intangible assets not subject to amortisation consist of goodwill, franchise agreements and trademarks. 

Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the share of net assets acquired. Goodwill and fair value 
adjustments arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries are treated as the assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries. These balances are 
denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary and are translated to Euro on a basis consistent with the other assets and 
liabilities of the subsidiary.

The useful life of franchise agreements is usually based on the term of the respective franchise agreements. The Coca-Cola Company 
does not grant perpetual franchise rights outside the United States. However, given the Group’s strategic relationship with The Coca‑
Cola Company and consistent with past experience, the Group believes that franchise agreements will continue to be renewed at each 
expiration date with no significant costs. The Group has concluded that the franchise agreements are perpetual in nature and they have 
therefore been assigned indefinite useful lives.

The Group’s trademarks are assigned an indefinite useful life when they have an established sales history in the applicable region, 
it is the intention of the Group to receive a benefit from them indefinitely and there is no indication that this will not be the case.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication of impairment.

170

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

13. Intangible assets continued

Accounting policy continued

Intangible assets with indefinite lives (‘not subject to amortisation’) continued
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the 
business combination in which the goodwill arose. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are also allocated to the Group’s cash-generating 
units expected to benefit from those intangibles. The cash-generating units (‘unit’) to which goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible 
assets have been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. 
If the recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of the value-in-use and fair value less costs to sell) of the cash-generating unit is less than the 
carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and 
then pro rata to the other assets of the unit on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Impairment losses recognised 
against goodwill are not reversed in subsequent periods.

Intangible assets with finite lives
Intangible assets with finite lives mainly consist of water rights and certain brands, are amortised over their useful economic lives and are 
carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Critical accounting estimates
Determining whether goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired requires an estimation of the value-in-use of the 
cash-generating units to which they have been allocated in order to determine the recoverable amount of the cash-generating units. 
The value‑in‑use calculation requires the Group to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash‑generating unit, 
discounted at an appropriate rate. Estimating the future cash flows involves a significant degree of uncertainty.

The movements in intangible assets by classes of assets during the year are as follows:

Cost
As at 1 January 2020
Disposals
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2020
Amortisation
As at 1 January 2020
Charge for the year
Disposals
As at 31 December 2020
Net book value as at 1 January 2020
Net book value as at 31 December 2020
Cost
As at 1 January 2021
Additions (refer to Note 15)
Arising from business combinations (refer to Note 23)
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2021
Amortisation
As at 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
As at 31 December 2021
Net book value as at 1 January 2021
Net book value as at 31 December 2021

Goodwill
€ million

1,956.1
(38.4)
(31.1)
1,886.6

182.4
–
–
182.4
1,773.7
1,704.2

1,886.6
16.4
1.0
37.7
1,941.7

182.4
–
182.4
1,704.2
1,759.3

Franchise 
agreements
€ million

Trademarks
€ million

Other intangible 
assets
€ million

146.4
–
(1.6)
144.8

–
–
–
–
146.4
144.8

144.8
–
–
–
144.8

–
–
–
144.8
144.8

187.1
(42.3)
(7.5)
137.3

9.3
0.5
(2.6)
7.2
177.8
130.1

137.3
–
–
–
137.3

7.2
0.4
7.6
130.1
129.7

27.6
(12.7)
(0.1)
14.8

20.1
0.4
(12.7)
7.8
7.5
7.0

14.8
–
3.1
–
17.9

7.8
0.6
8.4
7.0
9.5

Total
€ million

2,317.2
(93.4)
(40.3)
2,183.5

211.8
0.9
(15.3)
197.4
2,105.4
1,986.1

2,183.5
16.4
4.1
37.7
2,241.7

197.4
1.0
198.4
1,986.1
2,043.3

Disposals of goodwill and trademarks in 2020 relate to the impact from the reorganisation of Multon (refer to Note 15), while the amount 
of €12.7 million relates to the write‑off of fully amortised finite‑lived other intangible assets.

Additions of goodwill in 2021 are attributable to the demerger of the Group’s mineral water and adult sparkling beverages integral joint venture 
in Italy as well as the formation of a joint operation in Romania, amounting to €15.6 million and €0.8 million respectively (refer to Note 15).

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

171

Intangible assets not subject to amortisation amounted to €2,028.9 million (2020: €1,973.8 million), and are presented in the charts below:

2021
€2,028.9 million

2020
€1,973.8 million

Goodwill
Franchise agreements
Trademarks

€1,759.3m
€144.8m
€124.8m

Goodwill
Franchise agreements
Trademarks

€1,704.2m
€144.8m
€124.8m

The carrying value of intangible assets subject to amortisation amounted to €14.4 million (2020: €12.3 million) and comprised water rights 
of €6.4 million, trademarks of €4.9 million and other intangible assets of €3.1 million (2020: €7.0 million water rights, €5.3 million trademarks 
and €nil other intangible assets).

Impairment tests for goodwill and other indefinite‑lived intangible assets 
The recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit was determined through a value-in-use calculation. That calculation uses cash flow 
projections based on financial budgets approved by the Board of Directors covering a one‑year period and cash projections for four additional 
years. Cash flows for years two to five were projected by management based on operation and market-specific high-level assumptions including 
growth rates, discount rates and forecast selling prices and direct costs. Management determined gross margins based on past performance, 
expectations for the development of the market and expectations about raw material costs. Management has also considered the key 
impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic when determining the relevant assumptions and has found them to be limited considering the 
business’s strong performance throughout the development of the pandemic across the Group’s territories and the reopening of global 
economies along with vaccination programmes’ progress. Management also considered the potential adverse impact arising from 
climate change on the cost of water, under different climate scenarios. The growth rates used in perpetuity reflect the forecasts in line 
with management beliefs. These forecasts exceeded, in certain cases, those expected for the industry in general, due to the strength of 
our brand portfolio. Management estimates discount rates using rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money 
and risks specific to the countries of operation. The Group applies post-tax discount rates to post-tax cash flows, as the valuation calculated 
using this method closely approximates to applying pre-tax discount rates to pre-tax cash flows.

No impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets was identified from the impairment tests of 2021 and 2020. 

The following table sets forth the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for those cash-generating units whose 
carrying value is greater than 10% of the total, as at 31 December 2021.

Italy 
Switzerland 
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland 
Koncern Bambi a.d. Požarevac
All other cash-generating units
Total 

Goodwill
€ million
640.9
443.9
253.4
115.0
306.1
1,759.3

Franchise 
agreements 
€ million
126.9
–
–
–
17.9
144.8

Trademarks 
€ million
–
–
–
118.3
6.5
124.8

Total 
€ million
767.8
443.9
253.4
233.3
330.5
2,028.9

172

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

13. Intangible assets continued
The carrying value percentage of intangible assets not subject to amortisation as at 31 December 2021 for the above cash-generating units 
is presented in the below graph. Also, for the above cash-generating units, cash flows beyond the five-year period (the period in perpetuity) 
have been extrapolated using the following estimated growth and discount rates:

Intangible assets not subject to 
amortisation as at 31 December 2021 (%)

Italy 
Switzerland 
The Republic of Ireland 
and Northern Ireland 
Koncern Bambi a.d. Požarevac

Growth rate in perpetuity (%)

Discount rate (%)

2021
1.5
0.9

4.0
4.5

2020
0.9
0.9

4.0
4.5

2021
6.5
5.7

5.6
6.6

2020
7.1
6.3

6.3
7.7

Italy
Switzerland
The Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland
Koncern Bambi a.d. Požarevac
Other

38%
22%

12%
12%
16%

Sensitivity analysis 
In the cash‑generating unit of Italy, which held €767.8 million of goodwill and franchise agreements as at 31 December 2021, possible 
changes in key assumptions of the 2021 impairment test would remove the remaining headroom. As at 31 December 2021, the recoverable 
amount of the Italian cash‑generating units calculated based on value‑in‑use exceeded the carrying value by €427.8 million; changes per 
assumption that would eliminate remaining headroom are summarised in the table below:

Italy

Average gross 
profit margin

Growth rate in 
perpetuity

Discount rate

300bps

250bps

200bps

As at 31 December 2021, the recoverable amount of the Nigerian cash-generating unit calculated based on value-in-use significantly 
exceeded its carrying value. As a result, the key assumptions of the Nigerian cash-generating unit’s impairment test that were disclosed 
as at 31 December 2020, are not sensitive to possible changes to a degree that would remove the remaining headroom.

The Group will continue to closely monitor these cash-generating units in order to ensure that timely actions and initiatives are undertaken 
to minimise potential adverse impact on their expected performance, particularly in relation to potential currency volatility in Nigeria.

14. Property, plant and equipment

Accounting policy
All property, plant and equipment is initially recorded at cost and subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
impairment losses. Subsequent expenditure is added to the carrying value of the asset when it is probable that future economic benefits, 
in excess of the original assessed standard of performance of the existing asset, will flow to the operation and the costs can be measured 
reliably. All other subsequent expenditure is expensed in the period in which it is incurred. 

Assets under construction are recorded as part of property, plant and equipment and depreciation on these assets commences when 
the assets are made available for use.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight‑line basis to allocate the depreciable amount over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:
Freehold buildings and improvements
Leasehold buildings and improvements
Production equipment
Vehicles
Computer hardware and software
Marketing equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Returnable containers

40 years
Over the lease term, up to 40 years
4 to 20 years
5 to 8 years
3 to 10 years
3 to 10 years
8 years
3 to 12 years

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

173

Accounting policy continued
Freehold land is not depreciated as it is considered to have an indefinite life.

Deposits received for returnable containers by customers are accounted for as deposit liabilities (refer to Note 20).

Residual values and useful lives of assets are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate at each balance sheet date.

Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds 
its recoverable amount, which is the higher of the asset’s fair value less cost to sell and its value‑in‑use. For the purposes of assessing 
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest level of separately identifiable cash flows.

For the accounting policy regarding right-of-use assets refer to Note 16 ‘Leases’.

The movements of property, plant and equipment by class of asset are as follows:

Returnable 
containers
€ million

Assets under
construction
€ million

Cost
As at 1 January 2020
Additions
Disposals1
Reclassified from assets held for sale (refer to Note 19)
Reclassified to assets held for sale (refer to Note 19)
Reclassifications
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2020
Depreciation and impairment
As at 1 January 2020
Charge for the year
Impairment
Disposals1
Reclassified from assets held for sale (refer to Note 19)
Reclassified to assets held for sale (refer to Note 19)
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2020
Net book value as at 31 December 2020
excluding right-of-use assets
Net book value of right-of-use assets
as at 31 December 2020
Net book value as at 31 December 2020
Cost
As at 1 January 2021
Additions2
Arising from business combinations (refer to Note 23)
Disposals
Reclassified to assets held for sale (refer to Note 19)
Reclassifications
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2021
Depreciation and impairment
As at 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
Impairment
Disposals
Reclassified to assets held for sale (refer to Note 19)
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2021
Net book value as at 31 December 2021
excluding right-of-use assets
Net book value of right-of-use assets
as at 31 December 2021
Net book value as at 31 December 2021

Land and 
buildings
€ million

1,490.4
4.7
(18.8)
–
(3.1)
54.1
(114.6)
1,412.7

496.9
42.0
3.9
(7.4)
–
(2.0)
(34.8)
498.6

Plant and 
equipment
€ million

3,807.9
111.7
(202.6)
3.9
(0.7)
202.6
(325.8)
3,597.0

2,564.0
247.7
10.7
(180.4)
3.8
(0.7)
(204.3)
2,440.8

914.1

1,156.2

71.9
986.0

1,412.7
7.6
–
(9.2)
–
90.8
28.1
1,530.0

498.6
42.9
1.0
(2.1)
–
11.8
552.2

110.2
1,266.4

3,597.0
137.0
1.3
(166.8)
(1.8)
247.7
76.2
3,890.6

2,440.8
206.5
4.0
(165.4)
(1.7)
50.1
2,534.3

977.8

1,356.3

63.2
1,041.0

99.4
1,455.7

Total
€ million

5,846.9
505.0
(242.2)
3.9
(3.8)
–
(479.6)
5,630.2

3,308.9
317.3
15.6
(198.2)
3.8
(2.7)
(249.0)
3,195.7

123.5
351.7
(3.5)
–
–
(256.7)
(15.2)
199.8

1.0
–
0.2
–
–
–
–
1.2

198.6

2,434.5

–
198.6

199.8
297.1
–
(0.1)
–
(338.5)
0.8
159.1

1.2
–
0.5
–
–
–
1.7

182.1
2,616.6

5,630.2
482.6
1.3
(188.4)
(1.8)
–
106.7
6,030.6

3,195.7
277.0
6.0
(177.2)
(1.7)
62.5
3,362.3

157.4

2,668.3

–
157.4

162.6
2,830.9

425.1
36.9
(17.3)
–
–
–
(24.0)
420.7

247.0
27.6
0.8
(10.4)
–
–
(9.9)
255.1

165.6

–
165.6

420.7
40.9
–
(12.3)
–
–
1.6
450.9

255.1
27.6
0.5
(9.7)
–
0.6
274.1

176.8

–
176.8

1.  Disposals line for 2020 includes €29.8 million on a net book value basis regarding the impact of the reorganisation of Multon (refer to Note 15).
2.  Additions line for 2021 includes €13.8 million on a net book value basis regarding the impact of the demerger of the Group’s mineral water and adult sparking beverages integral joint 

venture in Italy (refer to Note 15).

174

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

14. Property, plant and equipment continued
Assets under construction at 31 December 2021 include advances for equipment purchases of €41.8 million (2020: 32.6 million).
The depreciation charge for the year, including that for right‑of‑use assets (refer to Note 16), recognised in operating expenses and cost 
of goods sold amounted to €181.4 million (2020: €194.0 million) and €148.9 million (2020: €178.5 million) respectively. 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
In 2020, the Group recorded impairment losses of €6.0 million, €2.5 million and €9.9 million and reversals of impairment of €0.3 million, 
€0.1 million and €2.4 million relating to property, plant and equipment in the Established, Developing and Emerging segments respectively. 
The impaired assets, being mainly buildings and production equipment, were written down based mainly on value-in-use calculations.

In 2021, the Group recorded impairment losses of €3.7 million, €0.9 million and €3.8 million and reversals of impairment of €0.2 million, 
€0.3 million and €1.9 million relating to property, plant and equipment in the Established, Developing and Emerging segments respectively. 
The impaired assets, being mainly buildings and production equipment, were written down based mainly on value-in-use calculations.

15. Interests in other entities

List of principal subsidiaries
The following are the principal subsidiaries of the Group as at 31 December:

% of voting rights

Country of registration
Estonia
Austria
Armenia
Bulgaria
Guernsey
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Austria
Belarus
Ukraine
Moldova
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Cyprus
The Netherlands
Greece
The Netherlands
Croatia
Hungary
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Northern Ireland
Poland
Romania
Greece
Slovenia
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Serbia

AS Coca‑Cola HBC Eesti 
CCB Management Services GmbH 
CCHBC Armenia CJSC
CCHBC Bulgaria AD 
CCHBC Insurance (Guernsey) Limited1
CCHBC IT Services Limited 
CCHBC Reinsurance Designated Activity Company
CCH CirculaRPET S.r.l.2
Coca‑Cola HBC Austria GmbH 
Coca‑Cola Beverages Belorussiya 
Coca‑Cola Beverages Ukraine Ltd 
Coca-Cola Imbuteliere Chisinau SRL
Coca‑Cola HBC B‑H d.o.o. Sarajevo 
Coca‑Cola HBC Česko a Slovensko, s.r.o.
Coca‑Cola HBC Česká a Slovensko, s.r.o. – organizačná zložka
Coca‑Cola HBC Cyprus Ltd
Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Holdings B.V. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Hrvatska d.o.o. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Hungary Ltd 
Coca‑Cola HBC Ireland Limited 
Coca‑Cola HBC Italia S.r.l. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Kosovo L.L.C. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Northern Ireland Limited 
Coca‑Cola HBC Polska sp. z o.o. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Romania Ltd 
Coca‑Cola HBC Services MEPE 
Coca‑Cola HBC Slovenija d.o.o. 
Coca‑Cola HBC Sourcing B.V.
Coca‑Cola HBC Switzerland Ltd 
Coca‑Cola HBC‑Srbija d.o.o. 
Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company‑Crna Gora d.o.o., Podgorica Montenegro
Coca‑Cola Hellenic Business Service Organisation 
Coca‑Cola Hellenic Procurement GmbH 
CC Beverages Holdings II B.V. 
Koncern Bambi a.d. Požarevac
LLC Coca‑Cola HBC Eurasia 
Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd 
SIA Coca‑Cola HBC Latvia 
UAB Coca‑Cola HBC Lietuva 

Bulgaria
Austria
The Netherlands
Serbia
Russia
Nigeria
Latvia
Lithuania

% ownership
2021

–

2020

2021

100.0%

99.4%
–

99.4%
–

99.4%
100.0%

2020
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
99.4%
100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
–
100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
99.9%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

99.9%

99.9%

99.9%

1.  CCHBC Insurance (Guernsey) Limited was placed under liquidation as at 31 December 2020 and dissolved on 19 February 2021.
2.  CCH CirculaRPET S.r.l. was established on 3 May 2021.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

175

Associates and joint arrangements

Accounting policies
Equity method investments comprise investments in associates and joint arrangements and are classified into integral and non-integral 
on the basis of whether they are considered part of the Group’s core operations and strategy.

Investments in associates
Investments in associated undertakings are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Associated undertakings are all entities 
over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% to 50% of the 
voting rights.

The equity method of accounting involves recognising the Group’s share of the associates’ post-acquisition profit or loss and movements 
in other comprehensive income for the period in the income statement and other comprehensive income respectively. Unrealised gains 
and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.

The Group’s interest in each associate is carried in the balance sheet at an amount that reflects its share of the net assets of the associate 
and includes goodwill on acquisition. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, 
the Group does not recognise further losses, unless the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Investments in joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are arrangements in which the Group has contractually agreed sharing of control, which exists only when decisions 
about the relevant activities require unanimous consent. Joint arrangements are classified as joint ventures or joint operations depending 
upon the rights and obligations arising from the joint arrangement.

The Group classifies a joint arrangement as a joint venture when the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangement. The Group 
accounts for its interests in joint ventures using the equity method of accounting as described in the section above.

The Group classifies a joint arrangement as a joint operation when the Group has the rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, 
of the arrangement and accounts for each of its assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, including its share of those held or incurred 
jointly, in relation to the joint operation.

If facts and circumstances change, the Group reassesses whether it still has joint control and whether the type of joint arrangement 
in which it is involved has changed.

Critical accounting judgements
The Group participates in several joint arrangements. Judgement is required in order to determine their classification as a joint venture 
where the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangement, or a joint operation where the Group has rights to the assets and 
obligations for the liabilities of the arrangement. In making this judgement, consideration is given to the legal form of the arrangement, 
and the contractual terms and conditions, as well as other facts and circumstances (including the economic rationale of the arrangement 
and the impact of the legal framework).

a) Equity method investments
Changes in the carrying amounts of equity method investments are as follows:

As at 1 January 2020
Additions
Decrease
Share of results of equity method investments
Share of other comprehensive income of equity method investments
Share of total comprehensive income
Dividends
As at 31 December 2020
Additions
Decrease
Share of results of equity method investments
Share of other comprehensive income of equity method investments
Share of total comprehensive income
Return of capital
Dividends
As at 31 December 2021

Associates
€ million
29.2
2.4
–
3.3
(4.0)
(0.7)
(1.3)
29.6
88.0
–
3.2
–
3.2
–
(1.9)
118.9

Joint ventures
€ million
119.3
194.3
(1.7)
21.4
(21.4)
–
(27.8)
284.1
–
(34.6)
34.4
14.6
49.0
(6.1)
(45.5)
246.9

Total
€ million
148.5
196.7
(1.7)
24.7
(25.4)
(0.7)
(29.1)
313.7
88.0
(34.6)
37.6
14.6
52.2
(6.1)
(47.4)
365.8

176

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

15. Interests in other entities continued
The carrying amount of equity method investments as at 31 December 2021 comprises integral and non-integral equity method 
investments as follows:

Integral equity method investments
Non-integral equity method investments
Total equity method investments

Associates
€ million
–
118.9
118.9

Joint ventures
€ million
242.7
4.2
246.9

Total
€ million
242.7
123.1
365.8

Associates
Additions in 2020 regarding associates relate to acquisitions of non-integral associates in our Established segment for a total consideration 
of €2.4 million, including acquisition costs of €0.2 million.

Frigoglass Industries (Nigeria) Limited, a non‑integral associate in which the Group holds an effective interest of 23.9% (2020: 23.9%) through 
its subsidiary Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, is guarantor under the amended banking facilities and notes issued by the Frigoglass Group, 
as part of the debt restructuring of the latter. The Group has no direct exposure arising from this guarantee arrangement, but the Group’s 
investment in this associate, which stood at €25.2 million as at 31 December 2021 (31 December 2020: €23.9 million), would be at potential 
risk if there was a default under the terms of the amended banking facilities or the notes and the Frigoglass Group (including the guarantor) 
was unable to meet its obligations thereunder.

On 7 October 2021, the Group acquired a 30% equity shareholding in Casa Del Caffè Vergnano S.p.A. (‘Caffè Vergnano’), a premium Italian 
coffee company. The Group also entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for Caffè Vergnano’s products in all its territories outside 
of Italy. The corresponding investment was classified as an associate in accordance with the requirements of IAS 28 ‘Investments in 
Associates and Joint Ventures’ since the terms of the transaction give the Group significant influence over the investee. The investment 
is accounted for using the equity method and was further classified as a non‑integral equity method investment in the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group, considering that the distribution agreement was separate to the shareholding. The total consideration paid 
amounted to €87.0 million, including acquisition costs of €0.1 million, and was presented in the line ‘Payments for acquisition of non-integral 
equity method investments’ within the consolidated cash flow statement, while acquisition costs of €1.0 million were incurred but not yet 
paid as at 31 December 2021. Consideration and acquisition costs were presented in the line ‘Additions‘ of the table above detailing 2021 
changes in the carrying amounts of equity method investments. 

Joint ventures
In January 2021, a demerger of Acque Minerali S.r.l., our mineral water and adult sparkling beverages integral joint venture with The Coca-
Cola Company in Italy, was completed. As part of the demerger, certain operating activities were transferred to the Group, resulting in the 
recognition of €15.6 million of goodwill and €14.0 million of property, plant and equipment, including right-of-use assets, as part of the 
Group’s Italian cash-generating unit (refer to Note 13 and Note 14 respectively) and the decrease in equity method investments, by €34.6 
million, presented in the line ‘Decrease’ within the table above detailing 2021 changes in the carrying amounts of equity method investments. 
There was no significant impact on the Group’s net assets or income statement from this transaction. Also, there was no cash flow impact 
for the Group as a result of the transaction.

Investments in joint ventures
The Group has a 50% interest in the Multon Z.A.O. group of companies (‘Multon’), which is engaged in the production and distribution of juices 
in Russia and is jointly controlled by the Group and The Coca‑Cola Company. The joint arrangement was initially classified as a joint operation, 
as it provided to the Group and The Coca-Cola Company rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities of the joint arrangement. 
On 6 May 2020, following the completion of Multon’s reorganisation, the joint arrangement was reclassified from a joint operation to 
an integral joint venture, as the new structure gives the Group and The Coca‑Cola Company rights to the joint arrangement’s net assets. 
As a result, the Group derecognised its share of the joint arrangement’s assets and liabilities with a corresponding increase in equity method 
investments of €194.1 million, presented in the line ‘Additions’ of the table above detailing changes in the carrying amount of equity method 
investments for 2020. No gain or loss was recognised in the 2020 consolidated income statement as a result of the above reorganisation.

More specifically, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment (excluding right-of-use assets) and right-of-use assets decreased 
by €78.1 million, €29.8 million and €1.1 million respectively in 2020 as a result of the above reorganisation (refer to Note 13 and Note 14 
respectively). In addition, the decrease of cash and cash equivalents resulting from the reorganisation of Multon, amounting to €13.1 million, 
was reported in the line ‘Joint arrangement reclassification’ within investing activities in the 2020 consolidated cash flow statement.

Apart from Multon, the Group has a significant joint venture with Heineken, through its 50% interest in AD Pivara Skopje which is engaged 
in the bottling and distribution of soft drinks and beer in North Macedonia. The joint venture was previously conducted through a number 
of legal entities, being the BrewTech B.V. group of companies. BrewTech B. V. was incorporated in the Netherlands and the Group owned 
50% of its share capital, up to its liquidation on 31 December 2021. As a result of the liquidation, BrewTech B.V.’s interest in AD Pivara Skopje 
was transferred by way of liquidation proceeds to its direct shareholders, being the Group and Heineken. The structure of the joint venture 
provides the Group with rights to its net assets.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

177

Summarised financial information of the Group’s significant joint ventures are as follows (the information below reflects the amount 
presented in the IFRS financial statements of the joint venture, and not the Group’s share in those amounts):

Multon Z.A.O. group of companies
Summarised balance sheet:
Non-current loans to related parties
Other non-current assets
Non-current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Current loans to related parties
Other current assets
Total current assets
Other current liabilities (including trade payables)
Total current liabilities
Non-current other liabilities
Net assets

Summarised statement of comprehensive income:
Revenue
Depreciation
Interest income
Interest expense
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit after tax 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Dividends received and capital returns (refer to Note 27)

Reconciliation of net assets to carrying amount:
Closing net assets 
Interest in joint venture at 50% 
Goodwill 
Carrying value

2021
€ million

5.1
137.9
143.0
9.0
54.1
131.5
194.6
(76.0)
(76.0)
(7.4)
254.2

417.0
(5.4)
7.7
(1.5)
65.0
(12.6)
52.4
29.0
81.4
34.8

254.2
127.1
37.6
164.7

2020
€ million

56.5
123.9
180.4
3.4
20.8
111.6
135.8
(52.8)
(52.8)
(7.0)
256.4

367.3
(7.4)
11.8
(4.6)
62.0
(12.8)
49.2
(105.0)
(55.8)
25.8

256.4
128.2
34.7
162.9

Following the reorganisation, the Group’s share of results and share of other comprehensive income of the Multon joint venture for 2020 
amounted to €16.4 million income and €21.6 million loss respectively.

AD Pivara Skopje1
Summarised balance sheet:
Non-current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Current loans to related parties
Other current assets
Total current assets
Total current liabilities
Non-current other liabilities
Net assets

Summarised statement of comprehensive income:
Revenue
Depreciation
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit after tax 
Total comprehensive income
Dividends received (refer to Note 27)

Reconciliation of net assets to carrying amount:
Closing net assets 
Interest in joint venture at 50% 
Goodwill 
Non-controlling interest 
Carrying value

1.  Figures for 2020 relate to the BrewTech B.V. group of companies, which refers to the previous structure of the joint venture as described above.

2021
€ million

2020
€ million

56.7
0.2
–
13.6
13.8
(20.7)
(0.7)
49.1

79.3
(5.3)
17.2
(2.0)
15.2
15.2
13.0

49.1
24.6
16.9
(1.6)
39.9

53.9
2.5
10.0
9.5
22.0
(15.7)
(0.8)
59.4

66.0
(5.7)
15.0
(1.8)
13.2
13.2
1.3

59.4
29.7
16.9
(1.6)
45.0

178

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

15. Interests in other entities continued
Summarised financial information for the Group’s investment in other joint ventures is as follows:

Carrying amount
Share of profit
Share of other comprehensive income
Share of total comprehensive income

2021
€ million
42.3
0.6
0.1
0.7

2020
€ million
76.2
(1.6)
0.2
(1.4)

b) Joint operations
Other joint operations of the Group with The Coca-Cola Company comprise mainly a 50% interest in each of the water businesses listed 
below, which are engaged in the production and distribution of water in the respective countries.
Country
Austria
Italy
Romania
Baltics

Joint operation
Römerquelle
Fonti del Vulture
Dorna
Neptuno Vandenys

Country
Poland
Switzerland
Serbia

Joint operation
Multivita
Valser
Vlasinka

In addition, in April 2021 the Group acquired a 50% interest in Stockday S.R.L., an online business-to-business platform and distributor 
in Romania, which was up until that point wholly owned by HEINEKEN Romania S.A. The transaction resulted in the two shareholders jointly 
controlling Stockday S.R.L. The joint arrangement was classified as a joint operation in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 11 ‘Joint 
arrangements‘, as it provides to the shareholders rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities of the joint arrangement. As a result 
of the above transaction, goodwill of €0.8 million was recognised within the Group’s Emerging segment (refer to Note 13).

16. Leases

Accounting policy
Leases for which the Group is in a lessee position are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the date 
at which the lease asset is available for use by the Group. Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a net‑present‑
value basis and are recognised as part of ‘Property, plant and equipment’, ‘Current borrowings’ and ‘Non-current borrowings’ in the 
consolidated balance sheet respectively.

Lease contracts may contain both lease and non-lease components. The Group allocates the consideration in the contract to the 
lease and non‑lease components respectively. Consideration relevant to the non‑lease component is recognised as an expense 
in the consolidated income statement over the period of the lease.

Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:

a) fixed payments (including in‑substance fixed payments) over the lease term, less any lease incentives receivable;

b) variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate;

c) amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

d) the exercise price of a purchase option if the Group is reasonably certain it will exercise that option; and

e) payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option.

When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the 
right-of-use asset.

Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognised as an expense in the period in which the event or condition 
that triggers the payment occurs.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease (if that rate can be determined), or the incremental borrowing 
rate of the lease, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar 
value in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. In determining the incremental borrowing rate to be 
used, the Group applies judgement to establish the suitable reference rate and credit spread. 

Each lease payment is allocated between the liability (principal) and finance cost. The interest expense is charged to the consolidated 
income statement as part of ‘Finance cost’ over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining 
balance of the liability for each period.

Right‑of‑use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

a) the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability;

b) any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received;

c) any initial direct costs; and

d) any restoration costs.

The right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the assets’ useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. If the Group 
is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset’s useful life.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

179

Accounting policy continued
The Group utilises a number of practical expedients permitted by the standard, namely:

1) applying the recognition exemption to short-term leases (i.e. leases with a term of 12 months or less) that do not contain a purchase 
option; and

2) applying the recognition exemption to leases of underlying assets with a low value, which mainly comprise IT equipment.

Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the 
consolidated income statement.

In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an 
extension option, or not exercise a termination option. Extension options (or periods after termination options) are only included in the 
lease term if the lease is reasonably certain to be extended (or not terminated). The assessment is revised if a significant event or a significant 
change in circumstances occurs, which affects this assessment and which is within the control of the lessee.

Lease payments are presented as follows in the consolidated cash flow statement:

•  short-term lease payments, payments for leases of low-value assets and variable lease payments that are not included in the 

measurement of the lease liabilities are presented within cash flows from operating activities;

•  payments for the interest element of recognised lease liabilities are included in ’Interest paid’ within cash flows from financing activities; 

and

•  payments for the principal element of recognised lease liabilities are presented within cash flows from financing activities.

Leasing activities
The leases which are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet are principally in respect of vehicles and buildings. Lease terms are negotiated 
on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. 

Extension and termination options are included in a number of leases across the Group. These are used to maximise operational flexibility 
in terms of managing the assets used in the Group’s operations. Extension options considered reasonably certain to be exercised relate both 
to buildings and motor vehicles and do not exceed six and three years respectively. Most termination options have not been considered 
reasonably certain to be exercised.

The Group’s carrying amount of lease liability is presented below as at 31 December:

Current lease liability
Non-current lease liability
Total lease liability (refer to Note 25)

For the carrying amount of right-of-use assets per class of underlying asset, refer to Note 14.

The Group’s additions to right‑of‑use assets for the years ended 31 December are as follows:

Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Total additions

The consolidated income statement includes the following amounts relating to depreciation of right‑of‑use assets:

Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Total depreciation charge

The following expenses have been included in cost of goods sold and operating expenses:

Expense relating to short-term leases
Expense relating to leases of low-value assets
Expense relating to variable lease payments

2021
€ million
50.9
109.4
160.3

2021
€ million
10.4
31.6
42.0

2021
€ million
19.5
33.8
53.3

2021
€ million
15.1
1.4
7.4

2020
€ million
54.8
129.4
184.2

2020
€ million
17.4
36.2
53.6

2020
€ million
19.4
35.8
55.2

2020
€ million
15.5
1.3
5.1

Interest expense on leases in 2021 was €9.9 million (2020: €11.4 million) and is recorded within ‘Finance costs’ (refer to Note 9).

The total cash outflow for leases in 2021 was €91.0 million (2020: €87.6 million).

Expenses relating to short-term leases in 2021 and 2020 comprise consideration for leases with a term of 12 months or less used to cover 
seasonal business needs.

180

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

17. Inventories

Accounting policy
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Cost for raw materials and consumables is determined on a weighted average basis. Cost for work in progress and finished goods 
comprises the cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable overhead costs. Cost of inventories includes all costs incurred to bring 
the product to its present location and condition.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs necessary to complete 
and sell the inventory.

Inventories consisted of the following as at 31 December:

Finished goods
Raw materials and work in progress
Consumables
Total inventories

2021
€ million
244.0
208.0
67.8
519.8

2020
€ million
182.9
175.7
59.0
417.6

The amount of inventories recognised as an expense during 2021 was €3,420.4 million (2020: €2,839.6 million). During 2021, provision for 
obsolete inventories recognised as an expense amounted to €16.2 million (2020: €23.9 million), whereas provision reversed in the year 
amounted to €0.6 million (2020: €0.6 million).

18. Trade, other receivables and assets

Accounting policies
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. They are 
initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The normal credit 
terms are between 7-90 days upon delivery.

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach for trade and other receivables and follows an Expected Credit Losses (‘ECLs’) approach 
for measuring the allowance of its trade receivables. The expected loss rate is assessed on the basis of historical credit losses of 24 months 
before the year end and adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information. ECLs are based on the difference between the 
contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive. The carrying amount 
of the receivable is reduced by the loss allowance, which is recognised as part of operating expenses. If a trade receivable ultimately 
becomes uncollectible, it is written off initially against any loss allowance made in respect of that receivable with any excess recognised 
as part of operating expenses. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off or loss allowance no longer required are credited 
against operating expenses. 

As of July 2020, the Group has entered into a contract that provides insurance coverage against defaulted trade receivables.

This contract meets the definition of a financial guarantee contract, which is in substance part of the contract terms (that is, integral 
to the trade receivables) and is not recognised separately. Therefore, the expected cash flows from the credit insurance are included 
in the measurement of ECLs of trade receivables.

Loans are initially recognised at the fair value net of transaction costs incurred. After initial recognition, all interest-bearing loans are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost. Amortised cost is calculated using the effective interest rate method whereby any discount, 
premium or transaction costs associated with a loan are amortised to the income statement over the lending period.

Trade, other receivables and assets consisted of the following as at 31 December:

Trade receivables
Receivables from related parties (refer to Note 27)
Loans receivable
Receivables from sale of property, plant and equipment
Loans and advances to employees
Other receivables
Total trade and other receivables
Prepayments
Pension plan assets (refer to Note 21)
Non-current income tax receivable
VAT and other taxes receivable
Total other assets
Total trade, other receivables and assets

Current assets
2021
€ million
705.5
60.4
0.5
0.5
6.0
89.3
862.2
69.4
–
–
17.0
86.4
948.6

2020
€ million
558.7
47.8
1.8
0.9
7.4
71.8
688.4
61.4
–
–
24.1
85.5
773.9

Non-current assets

2021
€ million
0.1
–
1.0
–
–
–
1.1
10.4
42.0
16.3
–
68.7
69.8

2020
€ million
0.9
–
0.5
–
–
–
1.4
21.2
21.0
36.9
–
79.1
80.5

An amount of €43.9 million (2020: €31.3 million) included in ‘Other receivables’ relates to receivables from brand partners in the sale 
and distribution of premium spirits and energy drinks.

Non-current trade receivables relate to renegotiated receivables, which are expected to be settled within the new contractual due date.

Refer to Note 22 for offsetting impact on trade receivables.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

181

Trade receivables
Trade receivables classified as current assets consisted of the following as at 31 December:

Trade receivables
Less: Loss allowance
Total trade receivables

The ageing analysis of trade receivables classified as current assets is as follows:

Within due date
Past due – up to three months
Past due – three to six months
Past due – six to nine months
Past due – more than nine months
Total trade receivables

2021
€ million

Loss
allowance
(2.9)
(1.2)
(1.0)
(1.0)
(70.0)
(76.1)

Gross
carrying
amount
636.7
54.2
6.9
3.3
80.5
781.6

Trade
receivables
633.8
53.0
5.9
2.3
10.5
705.5

Gross
carrying 
amount
500.3
35.4
7.5
2.7
100.6
646.5

The movement in the loss allowance during the year is as follows:

As at 1 January
Amounts written off during the year
Amounts recovered during the year
Increase in allowance recognised in income statement
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December

Receivables from related parties
The related party receivables, net of the loss allowance, are as follows:

Within due date
Past due
Less: Loss allowance
Total related party receivables

The ageing analysis of these receivables is as follows:

Within due date
Past due – up to three months
Past due – three to six months
Past due – six to nine months
Past due – more than nine months
Total

Net impairment
Net impairment loss on trade and other receivables recognised in the income statement is analysed as follows:

Trade receivables
Receivables from related parties
Other receivables and assets
Net impairment loss

2021
€ million
781.6
(76.1)
705.5

2020
€ million
646.5
(87.8)
558.7

2020
€ million

Loss
allowance
(2.4)
(2.1)
(1.4)
(0.8)
(81.1)
(87.8)

2021
€ million
(87.8)
14.7
3.7
(6.1)
(0.6)
(76.1)

2021
€ million
57.3
3.3
(0.2)
60.4

2021
€ million
57.2
2.6
0.4
–
0.2
60.4

2021
€ million
3.7
–
1.4
5.1

Trade
receivables
497.9
33.3
6.1
1.9
19.5
558.7

2020
€ million
(93.2)
5.5
5.5
(7.9)
2.3
(87.8)

2020
€ million
44.5
3.6
(0.3)
47.8

2020
€ million
44.5
2.3
0.3
0.1
0.6
47.8

2020
€ million
2.8
0.1
1.2
4.1

182

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

19. Assets classified as held for sale

Accounting policy
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if it is considered highly probable that their carrying amount will be 
principally recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale 
is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. In order for a sale to be considered 
highly probable, management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset, an active programme to locate a buyer and complete the 
plan must have been initiated, and the sale must be expected to be completed within one year from the date of classification.

In the event that the criteria for continued classification as held for sale are no longer met, the assets are reclassified to property, plant 
and equipment and the depreciation charge is adjusted for the depreciation that would have been recognised had the assets not been 
classified as held for sale.

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of the individual assets’ previous carrying 
amount and their fair value less costs to sell.

As at 31 December 2021, the Group’s assets classified as held for sale amounted to €0.1 million (2020: €nil), comprising the net book value of 
plant and equipment in our Emerging segment that has been written down to fair value less costs to sell (refer to Note 14). The fair value of 
assets classified as held for sale was determined through the use of a sales comparison approach and is a non-recurring fair value 
measurement within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

20. Trade and other payables

Accounting policy
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Trade and other payables consisted of the following as at 31 December:

Trade payables
Accrued liabilities
Payables to related parties (refer to Note 27)
Deposit liabilities
Other tax and social security liabilities
Salaries and employee-related payables
Contract liabilities (refer to Note 7)
Other payables
Total trade and other payables

2021
€ million
678.3
565.6
326.1
92.6
126.0
56.9
11.8
28.5
1,885.8

2020
€ million
583.2
427.1
285.2
78.6
84.9
45.8
10.5
27.5
1,542.8

The Group facilitates a supply chain financing programme under which the supplier can elect on an invoice-by-invoice basis to receive 
a discounted early payment from the partner bank or continue to be paid in line with the agreed payment terms; in either case the value 
and due date of the liability payable by the Group remain unchanged and, as such, the liability remains classified as trade and other payables. 
At 31 December 2021, invoices included in the programme amounted to €139.9 million (2020: €90.9 million).

Accrued liabilities regarding volume, marketing and promotional incentives as well as listing fees and other incentives provided to customers 
as at 31 December 2021 amounted to €239.9 million (2020: €200.7 million).

21. Provisions and employee benefits
Provisions and employee benefits consisted of the following as at 31 December:

Current:
Employee benefits
Restructuring provisions
Other provisions
Total current provisions and employee benefits

Non‑current:
Employee benefits
Restructuring provisions
Other provisions
Total non-current provisions and employee benefits
Total provisions and employee benefits

a) Provisions

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

183

2021
€ million

115.2
23.6
18.4
157.2

115.5
1.2
2.1
118.8
276.0

2020
€ million

66.2
26.0
7.4
99.6

110.8
–
2.5
113.3
212.9

Accounting policy
Provisions are recognised when: the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event; it is probable that 
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be made 
of the amount of the obligation.

Where the Group expects a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognised 
as a separate asset only when such reimbursement is virtually certain. 

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax 
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

Termination benefits are payable whenever an employee’s employment is terminated before the normal retirement date or whenever 
an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits at the earlier 
of the following dates: a) when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and b) when the Group recognises costs 
for a restructuring that is within the scope of IAS 37 ‘Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets’ and involves the payment 
of termination benefits (refer to Note 8). In the case of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, the termination benefits are 
measured based on the number of employees expected to accept the offer.

The movements in restructuring and other provisions comprise:

As at 1 January
Arising during the year
Utilised during the year
Unused amount reversed 
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December

2021
€ million

2020
€ million

Restructuring
provision
26.0
21.7
(21.5)
(1.4)
–
24.8

Other provisions
9.9
13.5
(2.8)
(0.1)
–
20.5

Restructuring
provision
14.6
21.5
(9.2)
(0.6)
(0.3)
26.0

Other provisions
12.0
4.9
(4.9)
(1.9)
(0.2)
9.9

Other provisions primarily comprise provisions in relation to employee litigation and legal provisions.

184

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

21. Provisions and employee benefits continued

b) Employee benefits

Accounting policies
The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans in its territories.

The defined benefit plans are made up of both funded and unfunded pension plans and employee leaving indemnities. The assets of funded 
plans are generally held in separate trustee-administered funds and are financed by payments from employees and/or the relevant 
Group companies.

The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the 
balance sheet date less the fair value of the plan assets. 

For defined benefit pension plans, pension costs are assessed using the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and losses arising 
from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity in other comprehensive income 
in the period in which they arise. Such actuarial gains and losses are not reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods. 
The defined benefit obligations are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high‑quality 
corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms approximating to the terms 
of the related obligation. In countries where there is no deep market in such bonds, the market rates on government bonds are used. 
Past service cost is recognised immediately in the income statement. A number of the Group’s operations have other long‑service benefits 
in the form of jubilee plans. These plans are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows with immediate recognition 
of actuarial gains and losses in the income statement.

The Group’s contributions to the defined contribution pension plans are charged to the income statement in the period to which the 
contributions relate.

Critical accounting estimates
The Group provides defined benefit pension plans as an employee benefit in certain territories. Determining the value of these plans requires 
several actuarial assumptions and estimates about discount rates, future salary increases and future pension increases. Due to the 
long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty.

Employee benefits consisted of the following as at 31 December:

Defined benefit plans:
Employee leaving indemnities
Pension plans
Long-service benefits (jubilee plans) and other benefits
Total defined benefit plans
Other employee benefits:
Annual leave
Other employee benefits
Total other employee benefits
Total employee benefits obligations

2021
€ million

78.9
6.2
12.1
97.2

9.7
123.8
133.5
230.7

2020
€ million

72.2
7.7
12.0
91.9

4.4
80.7
85.1
177.0

Other employee benefits primarily comprise employee bonuses which are linked to business and individual performance metrics.

Employees of Coca‑Cola HBC’s subsidiaries in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Serbia 
and Slovenia are entitled to employee leaving indemnities, generally based on each employee’s length of service, employment category 
and remuneration. These are unfunded plans where the Company meets the payment obligation as it falls due.

Coca‑Cola HBC’s subsidiaries in Austria, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland sponsor defined benefit pension plans. 
Of the three plans in the Republic of Ireland, two have plan assets, as do the two plans in Northern Ireland, and one plan out of the three in 
Switzerland. The Austrian plans do not have plan assets and the Company meets the payment obligation as it falls due. The defined benefit 
plans in Austria, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are closed to new members.

Coca‑Cola HBC provides long‑service benefits in the form of jubilee plans to its employees in Austria, Croatia, Nigeria, Poland, Serbia, 
Slovenia and Switzerland.

Defined benefit obligation by segment is as follows for the years ended 31 December:

2021

2020

Established

Developing

Emerging

€2.1m

€73.6m

€2.3m

€72.7m

€21.5m

Total €97.2m

€16.9m Total €91.9m

The average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 18 years and the total employer contributions expected to be paid in 2022 
are €10.4 million.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

185

The reconciliation of plan assets and plan liabilities for the years ended 31 December is as follows:

As at 1 January 2020
Current service cost
Past service cost
Administrative expenses
Curtailment/settlement
Interest income/(expense)
Actuarial losses
Total income/(expense) recognised in income statement
Loss from change in demographic assumptions
Loss from change in financial assumptions
Experience adjustments
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Total remeasurements recognised in other comprehensive income
Benefits paid
Employer’s contributions
Participant’s contributions
Net increase in defined benefit obligation from other movements
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2020
Current service cost
Past service cost
Administrative expenses
Curtailment/settlement
Interest income/(expense)
Actuarial gains
Total expense recognised in income statement
Gain from change in demographic assumptions
Gain from change in financial assumptions
Experience adjustments
Return on plan assets excluding interest income
Total remeasurements recognised in other comprehensive income
Benefits paid
Employer’s contributions
Participant’s contributions
Net increase in defined benefit obligation from other movements
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 December 2021

Plan assets
€ million
458.2
–
–
(0.2)
(3.2)
3.6
–
0.2
–
–
–
26.9
26.9
(24.8)
20.7
4.9
–
(4.8)
481.3
–
–
(0.3)
(16.4)
2.3
–
(14.4)
–
–
–
34.6
34.6
(23.1)
16.4
4.6
–
20.0
519.4

The effect of the asset ceiling on plan assets and net deficit for the years ended 31 December is as follows:

Fair value of plan assets at 1 January excluding asset ceiling
Opening unrecognised asset due to the asset ceiling
Change in asset ceiling recognised in other comprehensive income
Exchange rate gain
Fair value of plan assets at 31 December including asset ceiling

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Defined benefit obligations of funded plans
Present value of unfunded obligations
Unrecognised asset due to asset ceiling
Defined benefit obligations
Plus: Amounts recognised within non‑current assets (refer to Note 18)
Total defined benefit obligations

Plan liabilities
€ million
(532.9)
(9.9)
9.1
–
2.5
(5.6)
(0.4)
(4.3)
(6.1)
(35.0)
13.5
–
(27.6)
24.7
–
(4.9)
(0.3)
7.2
(538.1)
(10.8)
(1.6)
–
14.2
(4.0)
0.6
(1.6)
1.4
16.0
(2.4)
–
15.0
23.1
–
(4.6)
(0.7)
(19.4)
(526.3)

2021
€ million
519.4
(14.1)
(33.5)
(0.7)
471.1

2021
€ million
434.1
(519.4)
(85.3)
92.2
48.3
55.2
42.0
97.2

Net (deficit) /
surplus
€ million
(74.7)
(9.9)
9.1
(0.2)
(0.7)
(2.0)
(0.4)
(4.1)
(6.1)
(35.0)
13.5
26.9
(0.7)
(0.1)
20.7
–
(0.3)
2.4
(56.8)
(10.8)
(1.6)
(0.3)
(2.2)
(1.7)
0.6
(16.0)
1.4
16.0
(2.4)
34.6
49.6
–
16.4
–
(0.7)
0.6
(6.9)

2020
€ million
481.3
(2.3)
(11.8)
–
467.2

2020
€ million
452.6
(481.3)
(28.7)
85.5
14.1
70.9
21.0
91.9

186

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

21. Provisions and employee benefits continued
Funding levels are monitored, in conjunction with the agreed contribution rate. The funding level of the funded plans as at 31 December 2021 
was 109% (2020: 103%).

Five of the plans have funded status surplus totalling €42.0 million as at 31 December 2021 (2020: five plans, totalling €21.0 million) that 
is recognised as an asset on the basis that the Group has an unconditional right to future economic benefits either via a refund or a reduction 
in future contributions.

Defined benefit plan expense is included in employee costs and presented in cost of goods sold and operating expenses.

The assumptions (weighted average for the Group) used in computing the defined benefit obligation comprised the following for the years 
ended 31 December:

Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Rate of pension increase
Life expectancy for pensioners at the age of 65 in years:
Male
Female

2021
%
1.2
2.5
1.0

22
24

2020
%
0.7
2.2
0.8

22
24

Asset liability matching: Plan assets allocated to growth assets are monitored regularly to ensure they remain appropriate and in line with the 
Group’s long-term strategy to manage the plans. As the plans mature, the level of investment risk will be reduced by investing more in assets 
such as bonds that better match the liabilities.

Pension plan assets are invested in different asset classes in order to maintain a balance between risk and return. Investments are well 
diversified to limit the financial effect of the failure of any individual investment. Through its defined benefit plans the Group is exposed 
to a number of risks, as outlined below: 

•  Asset volatility: The liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if assets underperform 

this yield, a deficit will be created. The Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Swiss plans hold a significant proportion of growth assets 
(equities) which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long term while being subject to volatility and risk in the short term.

•  Changes in bond yields: A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an 

• 

increase in the value of the plans’ bond holdings. Conversely an increase in corporate bond yields will decrease the plan liabilities, although 
this will be partially offset by a decrease in the value of the plans’ bond holdings.
Inflation: The Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Swiss plans’ benefit obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead 
to higher liabilities (although, in most cases, caps on the level of inflationary increases are in place to protect against extreme inflation). 
The majority of the assets are either unaffected by or only loosely correlated with inflation, meaning that an increase in inflation will also 
increase the deficit.

•  Life expectancy: The majority of the pension plans’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life 

expectancy will result in an increase in the liabilities.

The sensitivity analysis presented below is based on a change in an individual assumption while all other assumptions remain constant.

Impact on defined benefit obligation as at
31 December 2021
Increase in 
assumption

Change in 
assumptions

Decrease in 
assumption

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Rate of pension increase

Life expectancy

50bps

50bps

50bps

1 year

8.2%

1.8%

5.2%

2.8%

9.4%

1.5%

4.9%

2.8%

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

187

Plan assets are invested as follows:

Assets category 2021 (%)

Assets category 2020 (%)

Equity securities – Eurozone
Equity securities – Non-Eurozone
Government bonds – Eurozone
Corporate bonds – Eurozone
Corporate bonds – Non-Eurozone
Real estate
Cash
Other

3%
22%
30%
10%
10%
11%
1%
13%

Equity securities – Eurozone
Equity securities – Non-Eurozone
Government bonds – Eurozone
Corporate bonds – Eurozone
Corporate bonds – Non-Eurozone
Real estate
Cash
Other

3%
25%
27%
4%
16%
11%
1%
13%

The assets of funded plans are generally held in separately administered trusts, either as specific assets or as a proportion of a general fund, 
or are insurance contracts. Plan assets held in trust are governed by local regulations and practice in each country. The category ‘Other’ mainly 
includes investments in funds holding a portfolio of assets. Plan assets relate predominantly to quoted financial instruments.

Equity securities were not invested in ordinary shares of the Company as at 31 December 2021 or 31 December 2020.

Defined contribution plans
The expense recognised in the income statement in 2021 for the defined contribution plans is €19.4 million (2020: €18.8 million). 
This is included in employee costs and recorded in cost of goods sold and operating expenses.

22. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities

Accounting policy
The Group offsets financial assets and financial liabilities to the net amount reported in the balance sheet when it currently has a legally 
enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and it intends to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability 
simultaneously. The legally enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and must be enforceable in the normal course 
of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or the counterparty.

The Group enters into derivative transactions under International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreements or 
other similar agreements. In general, under such agreements the counterparties can elect to settle as one single net amount the aggregated 
amounts owed by each counterparty on a single day with respect to all outstanding transactions of the same currency and the same type 
of derivative. In the event of default or early termination, all outstanding transactions under the agreement are terminated and subject to any 
set-off. These agreements do not meet all of the IAS 32 criteria for offsetting in the balance sheet as the Group does not have any current 
legally enforceable right to offset amounts since the right can only be applied if elected by both counterparties.

The financial assets and financial liabilities presented below are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting or similar agreements. 
The column ‘Net amount’ shows the impact on the Group’s balance sheet assuming all set‑off rights are exercised.

Financial liabilities offset against trade receivables mainly relate to accrued customer rebates.

188

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

22. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities continued

a) Financial assets
As at 31 December 2021

Derivative financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other financial assets (excluding loans to related parties 
and derivatives)
Trade receivables
Total 

As at 31 December 2020

Derivative financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other financial assets (excluding loans to related parties 
and derivatives)
Trade receivables
Total 

b) Financial liabilities
As at 31 December 2021

Derivative financial liabilities 
Trade payables
Total 

As at 31 December 2020

Derivative financial liabilities 
Trade payables
Total 

Gross amounts of
recognised
financial assets
€ million
48.2
782.8

Gross amounts of
recognised financial
liabilities set off in 
the balance sheet
€ million
–
–

Net amounts of 
financial assets
presented in the 
balance sheet
€ million
48.2
782.8

834.9
764.0
2,429.9

–
(58.5)
(58.5)

834.9
705.5
2,371.4

Gross amounts of
recognised
financial assets
€ million
16.2
1,215.8

Gross amounts of
recognised financial
liabilities set off in 
the balance sheet
€ million
–
–

Net amounts of 
financial assets
presented in the 
balance sheet
€ million
16.2
1,215.8

92.9
611.0
1,935.9

–
(52.3)
(52.3)

92.9
558.7
1,883.6

Gross amounts of
recognised
financial liabilities
€ million
14.6
736.8
751.4

Gross amounts of
recognised financial
assets set off in
the balance sheet
€ million
–
(58.5)
(58.5)

Net amounts of 
financial liabilities
presented in the
balance sheet
€ million
14.6
678.3
692.9

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
balance sheet

Financial
instruments
€ million
(8.1)
–

–
–
(8.1)

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
balance sheet

Financial
instruments
€ million
(0.7)
–

–
–
(0.7)

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
balance sheet

Financial
instruments
€ million
(8.1)
–
(8.1)

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
balance sheet

Net amount
€ million
40.1
782.8

834.9
705.5
2,363.3

Net amount
€ million
15.5
1,215.8

92.9
558.7
1,882.9

Net amount
€ million
6.5
678.3
684.8

Gross amounts of
recognised
financial liabilities
€ million
11.3
635.5
646.8

Gross amounts of
recognised financial
assets set off in
the balance sheet
€ million
–
(52.3)
(52.3)

Net amounts of 
financial liabilities
presented in the
balance sheet
€ million
11.3
583.2
594.5

Financial
instruments
€ million
(0.7)
–
(0.7)

Net amount
€ million
10.6
583.2
593.8

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

189

23. Business combinations

Accounting policy
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred is the fair value of any 
asset transferred, shares issued and liabilities assumed. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting 
from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed are measured 
initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest 
over the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition costs comprise costs incurred to effect a business 
combination, such as finder’s, advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees. Integration costs comprise 
direct incremental costs necessary for the acquiree to operate within the Group. All acquisition and integration‑related costs are 
expensed as incurred.

For each business combination, the Group elects to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Refer also to Note 2 for accounting policy regarding basis of consolidation.

On 31 October 2021, the Group acquired a self‑serve coffee vending business in Poland (the ‘Costa Express Business’). The acquisition 
was of a group of assets that constituted a business, which have been integrated into the Group’s operations in Poland. Consideration paid 
for the acquisition amounted to €5.6 million and is included in the line ‘Payments for business combinations’ of the consolidated cash 
flow statement. As a result of the above acquisition, other intangible assets of €3.1 million, goodwill of €1.0 million and property, plant and 
equipment of €1.3 million were recorded in the Group’s Developing segment (refer to Note 13 and Note 14 respectively). Acquisition‑related 
costs of €0.4 million were included in the 2021 operating expenses, as a result of the above acquisition (refer to Note 8).

In addition, acquisition and integration costs of €13.9 million incurred in 2021 regarding the acquisition of Coca‑Cola Bottling Company 
of Egypt S.A.E. (refer to Note 8 and Note 31) were included in operating expenses. 

24. Financial risk management and financial instruments

Accounting policies
Financial assets
On initial recognition, financial assets are recorded at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss 
(FVTPL), any directly attributable transaction costs. Transaction costs of financial assets at FVTPL are expensed.

Financial assets are classified into three categories:

a) Financial assets at amortised cost (debt instruments)

The classification of debt instruments at amortised cost depends on two criteria: a) the Group’s business model for managing assets and 
b) whether the instruments’ contractual cash flows represent solely payments for principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding 
(the ‘SPPI criterion‘). If both criteria are met, the financial assets of the Group are subsequently measured at amortised cost whereby any 
interest income is recognised using the effective interest method. This category includes trade receivables, treasury bills and time 
deposits. The accounting policy for trade receivables is described in Note 18. 

b) Financial assets through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

The Group also has investments in financial assets at FVOCI. These include equity investments that are not of a trading nature and which 
are subsequently recorded at fair value. The Group intends to hold these equity instruments for the foreseeable future and has irrevocably 
elected to classify them as FVOCI upon initial recognition. Subsequently, there is no recycling of gains or losses to profit or loss 
on derecognition.

c) Financial assets through profit or loss (FVTPL)

The Group also has investments in financial assets at FVTPL which are subsequently measured at fair value and where changes in fair value 
are recognised in the income statement. Financial assets at FVTPL mainly comprise money market funds.

For those financial assets that are not subsequently held at fair value, the Group assesses whether there is evidence of impairment at each 
balance sheet date.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, including currency, commodity and interest rate derivatives, to manage currency, 
commodity price and interest rate risk associated with the Group’s underlying business activities. The Group does not enter into 
derivative financial instruments for trading activity purposes.

All derivative financial instruments are initially recognised on the balance sheet at fair value and are subsequently remeasured at their fair 
value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognised at each reporting date either in the income statement 
or in equity, depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting as a cash flow hedge.

Embedded derivatives in financial host contracts are recorded at fair value through profit or loss together with the host contracts.

All derivative financial instruments that are not part of an effective hedging relationship (undesignated hedges) are classified as assets 
or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

190

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

24. Financial risk management and financial instruments continued

Accounting policies continued
Derivative financial instruments continued
At the inception of a hedge transaction, the Group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, 
as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking the derivative 
financial instrument designated as a hedging instrument to the specific asset, liability, firm commitment or forecast transaction. 
The Group has established a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risks of the hedging instruments are 
identical to the hedged risks component. The economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument is assessed 
on an ongoing basis. Ineffectiveness may arise if the timing or the notional value of the forecast transaction changes or if the credit risk 
changes, impacting the fair value movements of the hedging instruments. 

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments (both the intrinsic value and the aligned time value) that are designated and 
effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the income statement. Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled to the income statement as the related hedged asset 
acquired or liability assumed affects the income statement. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge 
accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecast 
transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred 
to the income statement. 

Derivatives embedded in non‑financial host contracts are accounted for as separate derivatives and recorded at fair value if: 

•  their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contracts; 
•  the host contracts are not designated as at fair value through profit or loss; and 
•  a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative meets the definition of a derivative.

These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. Reassessment only 
occurs if there is either a change in the terms of the contract that significantly modifies the cash flows that would otherwise be required, 
or a reclassification of a financial asset out of the fair value through profit or loss.

Regular purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade date, which is the day the Group commits to purchase or sell. 
The investments are recognised initially at fair value plus transaction costs, except in the case of FVTPL. For investments traded in active 
markets, fair value is determined by reference to stock exchange quoted bid prices. For other investments, fair value is estimated by 
reference to the current market value of similar instruments or by reference to the discounted cash flows of the underlying net assets.

Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign currency risk, commodity price risk and interest rate 
risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and capital risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the volatility of financial markets 
and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s cash flows. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain 
risk exposures. Risk management is carried out by Group Treasury in a controlled manner, consistent with the Board of Directors’ approved 
policies. Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close co‑operation with the Group’s subsidiaries. The Board 
of Directors has approved the Treasury Policy which provides the control framework for all treasury and treasury‑related transactions.

Market risk

a) Foreign currency risk
The Group is exposed to the effect of foreign currency risk on future transactions, recognised monetary assets and liabilities that are 
denominated in currencies other than the local entity’s functional currency, as well as net investments in foreign operations. Foreign currency 
forward, option and futures contracts are used to hedge a portion of the Group’s foreign currency risk. The majority of the foreign currency 
forward, option and futures contracts have maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. 

Management has set up a policy that requires Group companies to manage their foreign exchange risk against their functional currency. 
To manage their foreign exchange risk arising from future transactions and recognised monetary assets and liabilities, entities in the Group 
use foreign currency forward, option and future contracts transacted by Group Treasury. Group Treasury’s risk management policy is to 
hedge, on an average coverage ratio basis, between 25% and 80% of anticipated cash flows for the next 12 months by using a layer strategy, 
and 100% of balance sheet remeasurement risk in each major foreign currency for which hedging is applicable. Each subsidiary designates 
contracts with Group Treasury as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges, as appropriate. External foreign exchange contracts are designated 
at Group level as hedges of foreign exchange risk on specific monetary assets, monetary liabilities or future transactions on a gross basis. 
The impact of COVID-19 has been considered, in relation to the Group’s cash flow hedges, in determining that the hedged forecast cash 
flows remain highly probable for the next 12 months.

The following tables present details of the Group’s sensitivity to reasonably possible increases and decreases in the Euro and US Dollar 
against the relevant foreign currencies. In determining reasonable possible changes, the historical volatility over a 12-month period of the 
respective foreign currencies in relation to the Euro and the US Dollar has been considered. The sensitivity analysis determines the potential 
gains and losses in the income statement or equity arising from the Group’s foreign exchange positions as a result of the corresponding 
percentage increases and decreases in the Group’s main foreign currencies relative to the Euro and the US Dollar. The sensitivity analysis 
includes outstanding foreign-currency-denominated monetary items, external loans, and loans between operations within the Group where 
the denomination of the loan is in a currency other than the functional currency of the local entity.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

191

2021 exchange risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in the Euro against relevant other currencies

Nigerian Naira 
Russian Rouble 
UK Sterling
Ukrainian Hryvnia 
Other
Total

% historical
volatility over a
12-month period
16.03%
9.90%
5.23%
6.80%
–

Euro strengthens against
local currency

Euro weakens against
local currency

Loss/(gain) 
in income
statement
€ million
6.2
(0.7)
0.9
0.3
(0.2)
6.5

(Gain)/loss 
in equity
€ million
–
(0.2)
–
–
(1.5)
(1.7)

(Gain)/loss 
in income
statement
€ million
(8.5)
0.9
(1.0)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(9.0)

Loss/(gain) 
in equity
€ million
–
0.3
–
–
1.7
2.0

2021 exchange risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in the US Dollar against relevant other currencies

Euro
Nigerian Naira
Russian Rouble 
Other
Total 

% historical
volatility over a
12-month period
5.72%
5.89%
9.86%
–

US Dollar strengthens against
local currency

US Dollar weakens against
local currency

(Gain)/loss 
in income
statement
€ million
(1.8)
0.6
0.1
(0.4)
(1.5)

(Gain)/loss 
in equity
€ million
–
–
(3.2)
–
(3.2)

Loss/(gain) 
in income
statement
€ million
2.0
(0.5)
(0.1)
0.4
1.8

Loss/(gain) 
in equity
€ million
–
–
3.9
–
3.9

2020 exchange risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in the Euro against relevant other currencies

Nigerian Naira 
Russian Rouble 
UK Sterling
Ukrainian Hryvnia 
Other
Total

% historical
volatility over a
12-month period
12.39%
21.02%
8.91%
10.48%
–

Euro strengthens against
local currency

Euro weakens against
local currency

Loss/(gain) 
in income
statement
€ million
0.6
1.0
(0.2)
0.6
(1.2)
0.8

(Gain)/loss 
in equity
€ million
–
(0.7)
0.7
–
(3.2)
(3.2)

(Gain)/loss 
in income
statement
€ million
(0.8)
(1.4)
0.4
(0.7)
1.4
(1.1)

Loss/(gain) 
in equity
€ million
–
1.1
(0.9)
–
3.6
3.8

2020 exchange risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in the US Dollar against relevant other currencies

Euro
Nigerian Naira
Russian Rouble 
Other
Total 

% historical
volatility over a
12-month period
7.57%
13.23%
19.48%
–

US Dollar strengthens against
local currency

US Dollar weakens against
local currency

Loss/(gain) 
in income
statement
€ million
2.0
5.0
–
(0.2)
6.8

(Gain)/loss 
in equity
€ million
–
–
(3.9)
–
(3.9)

(Gain)/loss 
in income
statement
€ million
(2.3)
(6.6)
(0.1)
0.3
(8.7)

Loss/(gain) 
in equity
€ million
–
–
5.7
–
5.7

b) Commodity price risk
The Group is affected by the volatility of certain commodity prices (being mainly sugar, aluminium, aluminium premium, plastic and gas oil) 
in relation to certain raw materials necessary for the production of the Group’s products. 

Due to the significantly increased volatility of commodity prices, the Group’s Board of Directors has developed and enacted a risk 
management strategy regarding commodity price risk and its mitigation. Although the Group continues to contract prices with suppliers in 
advance, to reduce its exposure to the effect of short-term changes in the price of sugar, aluminium, aluminium premium, gas oil and plastic, 
the Group hedges the market price of sugar, aluminium, aluminium premium, plastic and gas oil using commodity swap contracts based on 
a rolling forecast for a period up to 36 months. Group Treasury’s risk management policy is to hedge a minimum of 25% and a maximum 
of 80% of commodity exposure for the next 12 months, with the exception of certain types of plastic for which lower compliance ratios apply.

The following table presents details of the Group’s income statement and equity sensitivity to increases and decreases in sugar, aluminium, 
aluminium premium, plastic and gas oil prices. The table does not show the sensitivity to the Group’s total underlying commodity exposure 
or the impact of changes in volumes that may arise from an increase or decrease in the respective commodity prices. The sensitivity analysis 
determines the potential effect on profit or loss and equity arising from the Group’s commodity swap contract positions as a result of the 
reasonably possible increases or decreases of the respective commodity prices.

192

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

24. Financial risk management and financial instruments continued
2021 commodity price risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in the price of relevant commodities

Sugar
Aluminium
Aluminium premium
Gas oil
Plastic
Total 

% historical
volatility over a
12-month period per
contract maturity
20.8%
24.1%
46.1%
31.3%
27.0%

Commodity price increases with
 all other variables held constant

Commodity price decreases with
 all other variables held constant

(Gain)/loss 
in income
statement
€ million
(0.4)
(0.8)
(0.2)
–
(25.7)
(27.1)

(Gain)/loss 
in equity
€ million
(22.6)
(19.8)
(3.0)
(5.6)
–
(51.0)

Loss/(gain) 
in income
statement
€ million
0.4
0.8
0.2
–
25.7
27.1

Loss/(gain) 
in equity
€ million
22.6
19.8
3.0
5.6
–
51.0

2020 commodity price risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in the price of relevant commodities

Sugar
Aluminium
Aluminium premium
Gas oil
Plastic
Total 

% historical
volatility over a
12-month period per
contract maturity
20.1%
16.6%
43.4%
59.8%
26.3%

Commodity price increases with
 all other variables held constant

Commodity price decreases with
 all other variables held constant

(Gain)/loss 
in income
statement
€ million
(0.2)
(0.4)
–
–
(8.9)
(9.5)

(Gain)/loss 
in equity
€ million
(13.1)
(6.7)
(0.7)
(5.6)
–
(26.1)

Loss/(gain) 
in income
statement
€ million
0.2
0.4
–
–
8.9
9.5

Loss/(gain) 
in equity
€ million
13.1
6.7
0.7
5.6
–
26.1

c) Interest rate risk
The sensitivity analysis in the following table has been determined based on exposure to interest rates of both derivative and non-derivative 
instruments existing at the balance sheet date and assuming constant foreign exchange rates. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is 
prepared assuming the amount of liability outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year. A 50 basis point increase 
or decrease for 2021 (2020: 50 basis point) represents management’s assessment of a reasonably possible change in interest rates.

Interest rate risk sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in interest rates

Increase in basis points
Decrease in basis points

Loss/(gain) in income statement

2021
€ million
0.2
(0.2)

2020
€ million
0.4
(0.4)

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligations under 
the contract or arrangement. The Group has limited concentration of credit risk across trade and financial counterparties. Credit policies 
are in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. 

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk in the event that counterparties fail to meet their obligations at 31 December 2021 in relation 
to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated on the balance sheet.

Under the credit policies, before accepting any new credit customers the Group investigates the potential customer’s credit quality, 
using either external agencies, in some cases bank references and/or historic experience, and defines credit limits for each customer. 
Customers that fail to meet the Group’s benchmark credit quality may transact with the Group only on a prepayment or cash basis. 
Customers are reviewed on an ongoing basis and credit limits are adjusted accordingly. There is no significant concentration of credit risk 
with regard to loans, trade and other receivables as the Group has a large number of customers who are geographically dispersed.

The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any single financial institution. The Group only undertakes investment 
and derivative transactions with banks and financial institutions that have a minimum credit rating of ‘BBB‑’ from Standard & Poor’s and ‘Baa3’ 
from Moody’s, unless the investment is in a country where the sovereign credit rating is below BBB‑/Baa3. The Group also uses credit default 
swaps of a counterparty in order to measure in a timelier way the creditworthiness of a counterparty and set up its counterparties in tiers in 
order to assign maximum exposure and tenor per tier. If the credit default swaps of a certain counterparty exceed 400 basis points the Group 
will stop trading derivatives with that counterparty and will try to cancel any deposits on a best-effort basis. In addition, the Group regularly 
makes use of time deposits, treasury bills and money market funds to invest excess cash balances and to diversify its counterparty risk. 
As at 31 December 2021, an amount of €423.9 million (2020: €795.5 million) is invested in time deposits, €6.2 million in treasury bills (2020: €nil) 
and €638.8 million (2020: €nil) in money market funds.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

193

Liquidity risk 
The Group actively manages liquidity risk to ensure there are sufficient funds available for any short-term and long-term commitments. 
Bank overdrafts and bank facilities, both committed and uncommitted, are used to manage this risk. 

The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash reserves and committed banking facilities, access to the debt and equity 
capital markets, and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows. In Note 25, the undrawn facilities that the Group has at its 
disposal to manage liquidity risk are discussed under the headings ‘Commercial paper programme’ and ‘Committed credit facilities’.

This has been an area of focus during the COVID‑19 pandemic; however, the Group maintains a healthy liquidity position and is able to meet 
its obligations as they fall due. As at 31 December 2021, the Group has net debt of €1.3 billion (refer to Note 25). There are no bond 
maturities until November 2024. In addition, the Group has an undrawn revolving credit facility of €800 million available, as well as €0.8 billion 
available of the €1.0 billion commercial paper facility.

The following tables detail the remaining contractual maturities for financial liabilities. The tables include both interest and principal undiscounted 
cash flows, assuming that interest rates remain constant from 31 December 2021.

Borrowings 
Derivative liabilities 
Trade and other payables (excluding other tax & social 
security and contract liabilities)
Leases
As at 31 December 2021

Borrowings 
Derivative liabilities 
Trade and other payables (excluding other tax & social 
security and contract liabilities)
Leases
As at 31 December 2020

Capital risk

Up to
one year
€ million
365.2
11.6

1,748.0
58.9
2,183.7

Up to
one year
€ million
283.3
10.0

1,447.4
63.4
1,804.1

One to
two years
€ million
48.4
3.0

0.4
43.2
95.0

One to
two years
€ million
98.2
1.3

0.3
50.7
150.5

Two to
five years
€ million
707.3
–

1.1
62.9
771.3

Two to
five years
€ million
714.4
–

1.0
71.0
786.4

Over
five years
€ million
1,875.2
–

4.1
29.6
1,908.9

Over
five years
€ million
1,889.8
–

4.9
35.5
1,930.2

Total
€ million
2,996.1
14.6

1,753.6
194.6
4,958.9

Total
€ million
2,985.7
11.3

1,453.6
220.6
4,671.2

The Group monitors its financial capacity and credit ratings by reference to a number of key financial ratios, including net debt to comparable 
adjusted EBITDA which provides a framework within which the Group‘s capital base is managed. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided 
by comparable adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to operating profit the depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, the 
amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, the employee performance share costs and other non-cash items, if any. Comparable 
adjusted EBITDA refers to adjusted EBITDA excluding restructuring expenses, acquisition and integration costs and the unrealised gains 
or losses resulting from the mark-to-market valuation of derivatives and embedded derivatives related to commodity hedging.

Refer to Note 25 for the definition of net debt.

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and to maintain an optimal 
capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may increase or decrease debt, issue or buy back shares, adjust the amount 
of dividends paid to shareholders, or return capital to shareholders.

The Group’s goal is to maintain a conservative financial profile. This is evidenced by the credit ratings maintained with Standard & Poor’s 
and Moody’s, which were reaffirmed in 2021.
Rating agency
Standard and Poor’s
Moody’s

Publication date
April 2021
May 2021

Long-term debt
 BBB+
 Baa1

Outlook
Stable
Stable

Short-term debt
A2
P2

The Group’s medium‑ to long‑term target is to maintain the net debt to comparable adjusted EBITDA ratio within a 1.5 to 2.0 range.

194

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

24. Financial risk management and financial instruments continued
The ratios as at 31 December were as follows:

Net debt (refer to Note 25)
Operating profit
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, including right-of-use assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Employee performance shares
Adjusted EBITDA 
Other restructuring expenses (primarily redundancy costs)
Unrealised (gain)/loss on commodity derivatives
Acquisition and integration costs
Total comparable adjusted EBITDA 
Net debt/comparable adjusted EBITDA ratio 

2021
€ million
1,319.7
799.3
336.3
1.0
14.9
1,151.5
21.0
(3.8)
14.3
1,183.0
1.12

The reconciliation of other restructuring expenses to total restructuring expenses for the years ended 31 December was as follows:

Total restructuring expenses included in operating expenses (refer to Note 8)
Total restructuring expenses included in share of results of integral equity method investments
Less: Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Other restructuring expenses (primarily redundancy costs)

2021
€ million
21.2
–
(0.2)
21.0

2020
€ million
1,616.8
660.7
388.1
0.9
9.5
1,059.2
10.0
1.6
–
1,070.8
1.51

2020
€ million
9.8
0.2
–
10.0

Hedging activity
The carrying amounts of the derivative financial instruments are included in the lines ‘Other financial assets’ and ‘Other financial liabilities’ 
of the consolidated balance sheet.

a) Cash flow hedges
The impact of the hedging instruments on the consolidated balance sheet was:

As at 31 December 2021
Contracts with positive fair values

Non‑current
Commodity swap contracts
Current
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

Contracts with negative fair values

Non‑current
Commodity swap contracts
Current
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

Notional amount
€ million
182.6
26.8
26.8
155.8
48.3
107.5

Carrying amount
€ million
40.4
9.0
9.0
31.4
1.3
30.1

Period of
maturity date

Jan 23-Nov 23

Jan 22-Aug 22
Jan 22-Dec 22

59.3
2.5
2.5
56.8
37.9
18.9

(1.2)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(1.1)
(0.6)
(0.5)

Jan 23-Nov 23

Jan 22-Dec 22
Jan 22-Nov 22

As at 31 December 2020
Contracts with positive fair values

Non‑current
Commodity swap contracts
Current
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

Contracts with negative fair values

Non‑current
Commodity swap contracts
Current
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

195

Notional amount
€ million
145.9
27.7
27.7
118.2
62.1
56.1

74.2
0.5
0.5
73.7
44.0
29.7

Carrying amount
€ million
9.4
2.3
2.3
7.1
1.1
6.0

Period of
maturity date

Jan 22-Nov 22

Jan 21-Oct 21
Jan 21-Dec 21

(3.3)
–
–
(3.3)
(1.0)
(2.3)

Jan 22-Nov 22

Jan 21-Jun 21
Jan 21-Dec 21

The impact on the hedging reserve as a result of applying cash flow hedge accounting was:

Opening balance 1 January 2020
Net gain of cash flow hedges

Change in fair value of hedging 
instruments recognised in OCI
Reclassified to profit or loss
Cost of hedging recognised in OCI
Reclassified to inventory cost
Appropriation of reserves

Closing balance 31 December 2020
Net gain of cash flow hedges

Change in fair value of hedging 
instruments recognised in OCI
Reclassified to profit or loss

Cost of hedging recognised in OCI
Reclassified to inventory cost
Closing balance 31 December 2021

Spot component of 
foreign currency 
forward contracts
€ million
(3.6)
19.0

Intrinsic value of 
foreign currency 
option contracts
€ million
0.7
0.1

Cost of hedging 
reserve of currency
derivatives
€ million
(0.6)
–

Commodity swap 
contracts
€ million
0.2
(4.1)

Interest rate
swap contracts
€ million
(40.2)
7.7

19.0
–
–
(13.0)
(4.0)
(1.6)
1.0

1.0
–
–
(0.8)
(1.4)

0.1
–
–
(0.5)
(0.3)
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(2.2)
3.2
0.3
0.7
–

–
–
(2.7)
2.4
0.4

(4.1)
–
–
10.4
–
6.5
60.8

60.8
–
–
(25.6)
41.7

–
7.7
–
–
–
(32.5)
7.7

–
7.7
–
–
(24.8)

Total
€ million
(43.5)
22.7

15.0
7.7
(2.2)
0.1
(4.0)
(26.9)
69.5

61.8
7.7
(2.7)
(24.0)
15.9

An amount of €4.0 million was reclassified from ‘Hedging reserve’ to ‘Other reserves’ during 2020, as a result of a change in the classification 
of Multon (refer to Note 15).

The effect of the cash flow hedges in the consolidated income statement was:

Net amount reclassified from other comprehensive income to cost of goods sold
Net amount reclassified from other comprehensive income to finance costs
Total

2021
Loss/(gain)
€ million
–
7.7
7.7

2020
Loss/(gain)
€ million
–
7.7
7.7

There was no significant ineffectiveness on the cash flow hedges during the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.

196

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

24. Financial risk management and financial instruments continued

b) Undesignated hedges
The fair values of derivative financial instruments as at 31 December which economically hedge the Group’s risks and for which hedge 
accounting has not been applied were:

As at 31 December 2021
Contracts with positive fair values

Current
Embedded derivatives
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

Contracts with negative fair values

Non‑current
Foreign currency future contracts
Commodity swap contracts
Current
Foreign currency future contracts
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

As at 31 December 2020
Contracts with positive fair values

Non‑current
Embedded derivatives
Current
Foreign currency forward contracts
Foreign currency future contracts
Commodity swap contracts

Contracts with negative fair values

Non‑current
Commodity swap contracts
Current
Foreign currency forward contracts
Commodity swap contracts

The effect of the undesignated hedges in the consolidated income statement was:

Net amount recognised in cost of goods sold
Net amount recognised in operating expenses
Total

Notional amount
€ million
203.2
203.2
4.9
165.3
33.0

Carrying amount
€ million
7.8
7.8
0.1
1.1
6.6

Period of
maturity date

Jan 22-Aug 22
Jan 22-Nov 22
Jan 22-Dec 22

431.3
33.4
13.9
19.5
397.9
94.7
246.5
56.7

Notional amount
€ million
191.7
16.1
16.1
175.6
62.9
110.0
2.7

241.2
9.2
9.2
232.0
198.6
33.4

(13.4)
(2.9)
(0.6)
(2.3)
(10.5)
(3.3)
(2.6)
(4.6)

Carrying amount
€ million
6.8
0.4
0.4
6.4
1.3
4.9
0.2

(8.0)
(1.3)
(1.3)
(6.7)
(2.2)
(4.5)

Jan 23
Jan 23-Nov 23

Apr 22-Oct 22
Jan 22-Nov 22
Jan 22-Nov 22

Period of
maturity date

Jan21-Jun21

Jan21-Sep21
Jan21-Mar21
Jan21-Dec21

Jan22-Nov22

Jan21-Sep21
Jan21-Dec21

2021
Gain
€ million
(14.1)
(4.4)
(18.5)

2020
Loss/(gain)
€ million
15.1
(1.2)
13.9

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

197

Financial instruments’ categories
Categories of financial instruments as at 31 December were as follows (in € million):

2021

Assets
Investments including loans 
to related parties
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total 

Debt financial 
assets at 
amortised cost

204.9
–
863.3
782.8
1,851.0

Derivatives 
designated as 
hedging 
instruments

–
40.4
–
–
40.4

Assets at
FVTPL

638.8
7.8
–
–
646.6

Analysis of total assets

Equity financial 
assets at FVOCI

Total current and 
non-current

Current

Non-current

3.6
–
–
–
3.6

847.3
48.2
863.3
782.8
2,541.6

839.7
39.2
862.2
782.8
2,523.9

7.6
9.0
1.1
–
17.7

Analysis of total liabilities

Liabilities 
Trade and other payables (excluding other tax & 
social security and contract liabilities)
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Total 

2020

Liabilities held at 
amortised cost

Liabilities at
FVTPL

Derivatives 
designated as 
hedging 
instruments

Total current and 
non-current

Current

Non-current

1,753.6
2,937.4
–
4,691.0

–
–
13.4
13.4

–
–
1.2
1.2

1,753.6
2,937.4
14.6
4,705.6

1,748.0
381.7
11.6
2,141.3

5.6
2,555.7
3.0
2,564.3

Assets
Investments including loans 
to related parties
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total 

Debt financial
assets at
amortised cost

Assets at
FVTPL

Derivatives 
designated as 
hedging
instruments

100.8
–
689.8
1,215.8
2,006.4

–
6.8
–
–
6.8

–
9.4
–
–
9.4

Analysis of total assets

Equity financial 
assets at FVOCI

Total current and 
non-current

Current

Non-current

3.6
–
–
–
3.6

104.4
16.2
689.8
1,215.8
2,026.2

93.1
13.5
688.4
1,215.8
2,010.8

11.3
2.7
1.4
–
15.4

Analysis of total liabilities

Liabilities 
Trade and other payables (excluding other tax & 
social security and contract liabilities)
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Total 

Liabilities held at 
amortised cost

Liabilities at
FVTPL

Derivatives 
designated as 
hedging
instruments

Total current and 
non-current

Current

Non-current

1,453.6
2,925.5
–
4,379.1

–
–
8.0
8.0

–
–
3.3
3.3

1,453.6
2,925.5
11.3
4,390.4

1,447.4
315.2
10.0
1,772.6

6.2
2,610.3
1.3
2,617.8

198

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

24. Financial risk management and financial instruments continued

Interest rate swap contracts
The Group entered into forward starting swap contracts of €500.0 million in 2014 to hedge the interest rate risk related to its Euro-denominated 
forecast issuance of fixed rate debt in March 2016. In August 2015, the Group entered into additional forward starting swap contracts 
of €100.0 million. In March 2016 the forward starting swap contracts were settled and at the same time a new note was issued. The accumulated 
loss of €55.4 million recorded in other comprehensive income is being amortised to the income statement over the term of the new note 
(refer to Note 25).

The Group entered into swaption contracts of €350.0 million in 2018 and €1,050.0 million in 2019 to hedge the interest rate risk related to 
its Euro‑denominated forecast issuance of fixed rate debt in 2019, and formally designated these contracts as cash flow hedges. In May and 
November 2019, the swaption contracts were settled and, at the same time, new notes were issued. The accumulated loss of €9.6 million 
recorded in other comprehensive income is being amortised to the income statement over the relevant period. 

Embedded derivatives
During 2015, the Group recognised embedded derivatives whose risks and economic characteristics were not considered to be closely 
related to the commodity contract in which they were embedded. The fair value of the embedded derivatives as at 31 December 2021 
amounted to a financial asset of €0.1 million (2020: €0.4 million).

Fair values of financial assets and liabilities
For financial instruments such as cash, deposits, debtors and creditors, investments, loans payable to related parties, short-term borrowings 
(excluding the current portion of bonds and notes payable) and other financial liabilities (other than bonds and notes payable), carrying values 
are a reasonable approximation of the fair values. According to the fair value hierarchy, the financial instruments measured at fair value are 
classified as follows:

Level 1
The fair value of FVOCI listed equity securities as well as FVTPL securities is based on quoted market prices at the reported date. The fair value 
of bonds is based on quoted market prices at the reported date.

Level 2
The fair value of foreign currency forward, option and futures contracts, commodity swap contracts, bonds and notes payable, interest rate 
swap contracts, forward starting swap contracts and embedded foreign currency derivatives is determined by using valuation techniques. 
These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data. The fair value of the foreign currency forward, option and futures 
contracts, commodity swap contracts, embedded foreign currency derivatives and cross-currency swap contracts is calculated by reference 
to quoted forward exchange, deposit rates and forward rate curves of the underlying commodity at the reported date for contracts with 
similar maturity dates. The fair value of interest rate option contracts is calculated by reference to the Black‑Scholes valuation model and 
implied volatilities. The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is determined as the difference in the present value of the future interest 
cash inflows and outflows based on observable yield curves.

Level 3
The fair value of FVOCI unlisted equity securities as well as certain undesignated derivatives and foreign currency futures contracts is 
determined through the use of estimated discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques. These valuation techniques estimate the fair 
value of undesignated derivatives using settlement and forward prices received from counterparty banks and subscription-based publications, 
and the fair value of foreign currency futures contracts by using adjusted quoted prices.

Any transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the date of the event or change in circumstances 
that caused the transfer.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

199

The following table sets out the fair value hierarchy levels into which fair value measurements are categorised for assets and liabilities 
measured at fair value as at 31 December 2021:

Financial assets at FVTPL

Foreign currency forward contracts
Embedded derivatives
Commodity swap contracts
Money market funds

Derivative financial assets used for hedging
Cash flow hedges

Foreign currency forward contracts 
Commodity swap contracts

Assets at FVOCI

Equity securities 
Total financial assets 
Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Foreign currency forward contracts 
Foreign currency futures contracts
Commodity swap contracts 

Derivative financial liabilities used for hedging
Cash flow hedges

Foreign currency forward contracts 
Commodity swap contracts

Total financial liabilities 

Level 1
€ million

–
–
–
638.8

–
–

0.7
639.5

–
–
–

–
–
–

Level 2
€ million

Level 3
€ million

1.1
0.1
0.6
–

1.3
39.1

–
42.2

(2.6)
–
–

(0.6)
(0.6)
(3.8)

–
–
6.0
–

–
–

2.9
8.9

–
(3.9)
(6.9)

–
–
(10.8)

Total
€ million

1.1
0.1
6.6
638.8

1.3
39.1

3.6
690.6

(2.6)
(3.9)
(6.9)

(0.6)
(0.6)
(14.6)

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 in the year. 

The following table provides the fair value hierarchy levels into which fair value measurements are categorised for assets and liabilities 
measured at fair value as at 31 December 2020:

Level 1
€ million

Level 2
€ million

Level 3
€ million

Total
€ million

Financial assets at FVTPL

Foreign currency forward contracts
Foreign currency futures contracts
Embedded derivatives
Commodity swap contracts

Derivative financial assets used for hedging
Cash flow hedges

Foreign currency forward contracts 
Commodity swap contracts

Assets at FVOCI

Equity securities 
Total financial assets 
Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Foreign currency forward contracts 
Commodity swap contracts 

Derivative financial liabilities used for hedging
Cash flow hedges

Foreign currency forward contracts 
Commodity swap contracts

Total financial liabilities 

–
–
–
–

–
–

0.8
0.8

–
–

–
–
–

1.3
–
0.4
0.2

1.1
8.3

–
11.3

(2.2)
–

(1.0)
(2.3)
(5.5)

–
4.9
–
–

–
–

2.8
7.7

–
(5.8)

–
–
(5.8)

1.3
4.9
0.4
0.2

1.1
8.3

3.6
19.8

(2.2)
(5.8)

(1.0)
(2.3)
(11.3)

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 in 2020. During 2020, the Group reclassified foreign currency derivatives relating 
to the Nigerian Naira from Level 2 to Level 3. This reclassification resulted from the use of a more relevant valuation technique which 
incorporated greater use of the unobservable inputs and more appropriately approximated their fair values. The fair value of these 
derivatives as at 31 December 2020 amounted to a financial asset of €4.9 million.

200

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25. Net debt

Accounting policy
Borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value net of transaction costs incurred.

After initial recognition, all interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Amortised cost is calculated using 
the effective interest rate method whereby any discount, premium or transaction costs associated with a borrowing are amortised to the 
income statement over the borrowing period.

Refer also to Note 16 for accounting policy on leases.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts 
of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of change in value. Bank overdrafts are classified as short‑term borrowings in the balance 
sheet and for the purpose of the cash flow statement. Time deposits and treasury bills which do not meet the definition of cash and cash 
equivalents are classified as short-term investments at amortised cost. Money market funds are classified as short-term investments 
at fair value through profit or loss. 

Net debt is defined as current borrowings plus non-current borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, and certain other financial assets.

Net debt for the year ended 31 December comprised:

Current borrowings
Non-current borrowings
Less: Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets at amortised cost
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Less: Other financial assets
Net debt

2021
€ million
381.7
2,555.7
(782.8)
(196.1)
(638.8)
(834.9)
1,319.7

2020
€ million
315.2
2,610.3
(1,215.8)
(92.9)
–
(92.9)
1,616.8

The financial assets at amortised cost include time deposits amounting to €189.9 million (31 December 2020: €92.9 million) as well as 
Nigerian treasury bills of €6.2 million (31 December 2020: €nil). The financial assets at fair value through profit and loss in 2021 relate 
to money market funds. The line item ‘Other financial assets’ of the consolidated balance sheet includes derivative financial instruments 
of €39.2 million (31 December 2020: €13.5 million) and related party loans receivable of €4.8 million (31 December 2020: €0.2 million).

a) Borrowings
The Group held the following borrowings as at 31 December:

Commercial paper
Loans payable to related parties (refer to Note 27)
Other borrowings

Obligations under leases falling due within one year
Total borrowings falling due within one year
Borrowings falling due within one to two years

Loans payable to related parties (refer to Note 27)

Borrowings falling due within two to five years

Bonds, bills and unsecured notes

Borrowings falling due in more than five years

Bonds, bills and unsecured notes

Other borrowings

Obligations under leases falling due in more than one year
Total borrowings falling due after one year
Total borrowings

2021
€ million
235.0
58.1
37.7
330.8
50.9
381.7

5.1

598.5

1,787.2
55.5
2,446.3
109.4
2,555.7
2,937.4

2020
€ million
200.0
29.8
30.6
260.4
54.8
315.2

56.5

597.9

1,785.5
41.0
2,480.9
129.4
2,610.3
2,925.5

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

201

Reconciliation of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities:

Balance at 1 January 2020
Cash flows
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayments of borrowings
Principal repayments of lease obligations
Interest paid
Proceeds from/(payments for) settlement 
of derivatives regarding financing activities
Total cash flows
Leases increase
Effect of changes in exchange rates
Other non-cash movements
Balance at 31 December 2020
Cash flows
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayments of borrowings
Principal repayments of lease obligations
Interest paid
Proceeds from/(payments for) settlement 
of derivatives regarding financing activities
Total cash flows
Leases increase
Effect of changes in exchange rates
Other non-cash movements
Balance at 31 December 2021

Borrowings

Leases

Due within
one year
€ million
705.5

Due in more than 
one year
€ million
2,408.2

Due within
one year
€ million
56.3

Due in more than 
one year
€ million
154.7

Derivative assets/ 
(liabilities)

Total

€ million
–

€ million
3,324.7

113.8
(619.6)
–
(53.3)

–
(559.1)
–
(3.3)
117.3
260.4

77.0
(102.6)
–
(36.2)

–
(61.8)
–
0.2
132.0
330.8

98.0
(36.2)
–
(0.4)

–
61.4
–
–
11.3
2,480.9

52.3
(31.2)
–
–

–
21.1
–
0.2
(55.9)
2,446.3

–
–
(58.7)
(11.0)

–
(69.7)
5.1
(3.1)
66.2
54.8

–
–
(63.1)
(9.3)

–
(72.4)
0.8
0.4
67.3
50.9

–
–
–
–

–
–
48.5
(6.6)
(67.2)
129.4

–
–
–
–

–
–
41.2
1.0
(62.2)
109.4

–
–
–
–

(1.1)
(1.1)
–
–
1.1
–

–
–
–
–

4.9
4.9
–
–
(2.6)
2.3

211.8
(655.8)
(58.7)
(64.7)

(1.1)
(568.5)
53.6
(13.0)
128.7
2,925.5

129.3
(133.8)
(63.1)
(45.5)

4.9
(108.2)
42.0
1.8
78.6
2,939.7

The ‘Other non-cash movements’ primarily include transfers from long-term to short-term liabilities and interest incurred. Also, 
‘Other non‑cash movements’ in 2020 are impacted by the change in classification of Multon (refer to Note 15), which resulted in an increase 
in borrowings for the Group.

Commercial paper programme 
In October 2013, the Group established a €1.0 billion Euro commercial paper programme (the ‘CP programme’) which was updated in 
September 2014, in May 2017 and in May 2020 to further diversify its short-term funding sources. The Euro-commercial paper notes may 
be issued either as non‑interest‑bearing notes sold at a discount or as interest‑bearing notes at a fixed or floating rate. All commercial paper 
issued under the CP programme must be repaid within 7 to 364 days. The CP programme has been granted the Short Term Euro Paper 
label (‘STEP’) and the commercial paper is issued through Coca‑Cola HBC’s fully owned subsidiary Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. and is fully, 
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Coca‑Cola HBC AG. The outstanding amount under the CP programme as at 31 December 
2021 was €235.0 million (2020: €200.0 million).

Committed credit facilities
In April 2019, the Group updated its then-existing €500.0 million syndicated revolving credit facility, which was set to expire in June 2021. 
The updated syndicated revolving credit facility has been increased to €800.0 million and has been extended to April 2024 with the option 
to be extended for up to two more years until April 2026. In March 2020, the Company exercised its extension option and the facility was 
extended to April 2025. In April 2021, the Company exercised its second option to further extend the maturity of the syndicated loan facility 
to April 2026. This facility can be used for general corporate purposes and carries a floating interest rate over EURIBOR. No amounts have 
been drawn under the syndicated revolving credit facility since inception. The borrower in the syndicated revolving credit facility is Coca-Cola 
HBC’s fully owned subsidiary Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. and any amounts drawn under the facility are fully, unconditionally and irrevocably 
guaranteed by Coca‑Cola HBC AG.

In December 2019, the Group established a loan facility of US$85.0 million to finance the purchase of production equipment by the Group’s 
subsidiary in Nigeria. The facility has been drawn down by Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) over the course of 2020 and 2021 and matures 
in 2027. The obligations under this facility are guaranteed by Coca‑Cola HBC AG. As at 31 December 2021, the outstanding liability amounted 
to €63.2 million (2020: €48.2 million).

202

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25. Net debt continued

Euro medium‑term note programme
In June 2013, the Group established a new €3.0 billion Euro medium-term note programme (the ‘EMTN programme’). The EMTN programme 
was updated in September 2014, September 2015, April 2019 (when it was increased to €5.0 billion), April 2020 and September 2021. 
Notes are issued under the EMTN programme through Coca‑Cola HBC’s 100%‑owned subsidiary Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. and are fully, 
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Coca‑Cola HBC AG.

In March 2016, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. completed the issue of a €600 million Euro‑denominated fixed rate bond maturing in November 
2024. The coupon rate of the bond is 1.875% which, including the amortisation of the loss on the forward starting swap contracts over the 
term of the fixed rate bond, results in an effective interest rate of 2.99%. The net proceeds of the issue were used to partially repay €214.6 
million of the 4.25%, €600 million seven-year fixed rate notes due in November 2016. The remaining €385.4 million of these notes was repaid 
in November 2016 upon maturity.

In May 2019, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. completed the issue of a €700 million Euro‑denominated fixed rate bond maturing in May 2027 
with a coupon rate of 1%, and the issue of a €600 million Euro-denominated fixed rate bond maturing in May 2031 with a coupon rate of 
1.625%. The net proceeds of the new issue were used to partially repay €236.6 million of the 2.375%, €800 million seven-year fixed rate 
bond due in June 2020, while the remaining €563.4 million was repaid in June 2020 upon its maturity.

In November 2019, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. completed the issue of a €500 million Euro‑denominated fixed rate bond maturing 
in November 2029 with a coupon rate of 0.625%.

As at 31 December 2021, a total of €2.4 billion in notes issued under the EMTN programme were outstanding.

Summary of notes outstanding as at 31 December

Notes
€600 million
€700 million
€600 million
€500 million
Total

Start date
10 March 2016
14 May 2019
14 May 2019
21 November 2019

Maturity date
11 November 2024
14 May 2027
14 May 2031
21 November 2029

Fixed coupon
1.875%
1.000%
1.625%
0.625%

Book Value
2021
€ million
598.5
696.5
596.0
494.7
2,385.7

2020
€ million
597.9
695.9
595.6
494.0
2,383.4

Fair Value

2021
€ million
631.8
717.8
640.7
496.2
2,486.5

2020
€ million
648.2
741.5
678.2
518.3
2,586.2

The weighted average effective interest rate of the Euro‑denominated fixed rate bonds is 1.69% and the weighted average maturity is 6.3 years. 
The fair values are within Level 1 of the value hierarchy.

None of the Group’s debt facilities are subject to any financial covenants that would impact the Group’s liquidity or access to capital.

Total borrowings at 31 December, were held in the following currencies:

Euro
US Dollar
Russian Rouble
Nigerian Naira
Swiss Franc
Bulgarian Lev
Czech Koruna
UK Sterling
Polish Zloty
Romanian Leu
Hungarian Forint
Belarusian Rouble
Bosnian Mark
Croatian Kuna
Other
Total borrowings

Current

2021
€ million
289.5
13.7
57.6
7.5
4.6
2.2
1.5
2.1
0.8
0.9
0.6
–
0.4
0.1
0.2
381.7

2020
€ million
251.8
13.0
24.4
6.3
4.4
5.4
3.5
1.8
1.1
1.6
0.5
–
0.3
0.9
0.2
315.2

Non-current
2021
€ million
2,438.8
73.5
5.0
15.5
4.4
5.0
5.3
4.4
0.8
0.7
0.4
0.8
0.3
–
0.8
2,555.7

2020
€ million
2,444.2
59.6
61.3
11.5
5.8
8.9
7.3
5.3
1.0
1.9
0.5
0.7
0.6
0.9
0.8
2,610.3

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

203

The carrying amounts of interest‑bearing borrowings held at fixed and floating interest rate as at 31 December 2021, were as follows:

Euro
US Dollar
Russian Rouble 
Nigerian Naira
Swiss Franc
Bulgarian Lev
Czech Koruna
UK Sterling
Polish Zloty
Romanian Leu
Hungarian Forint
Belarusian Rouble
Bosnian Mark
Croatian Kuna
Other
Total interest-bearing borrowings

b) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December comprise the following:

Cash at bank, in transit and in hand
Short-term deposits
Total cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are held in the following currencies:

Euro 
Nigerian Naira 
Polish Zloty
Russian Rouble 
US Dollar 
Swiss Franc 
Ukrainian Hryvnia 
Hungarian Forint
Moldovan Leu
Romanian Leu 
Belarusian Rouble 
Serbian Dinar 
Bosnian Mark
UK Sterling
Czech Koruna
Croatian Kuna
Other 
Total cash and cash equivalents 

Fixed
interest rate
€ million
2,693.3
83.2
8.5
23.0
9.0
7.2
6.8
1.1
1.6
–
1.0
0.8
0.7
0.1
1.0
2,837.3

Floating
interest rate
€ million
35.0
4.0
54.1
–
–
–
–
5.4
–
1.6
–
–
–
–
–
100.1

2021
€ million
548.8
234.0
782.8

2021
€ million
518.4
161.4
28.1
9.5
8.4
7.3
7.2
6.5
6.5
6.0
5.8
5.8
3.3
2.2
0.8
0.7
4.9
782.8

Total
€ million
2,728.3
87.2
62.6
23.0
9.0
7.2
6.8
6.5
1.6
1.6
1.0
0.8
0.7
0.1
1.0
2,937.4

2020
€ million
513.2
702.6
1,215.8

2020
€ million
1,020.9
102.0
7.3
8.3
8.2
8.2
15.6
3.6
6.3
9.3
2.7
9.9
4.8
2.0
0.4
2.5
3.8
1,215.8

As at 31 December 2021, time deposits of €189.9 million (2020: €92.9 million), which do not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents, 
and investment in Nigerian treasury bills of €6.2 million (2020: €nil), which relate to the outstanding balance held for the repayment of Nigerian 
Bottling Company former minority shareholders following the 2011 acquisition of non‑controlling interests, are recorded as other financial assets.

Cash and cash equivalents of €161.4 million (2020: €102.0 million) equivalent in Nigerian Naira include an amount of €8.9 million 
(2020: €11.0 million) which relates to the outstanding balance held for the repayment of Nigerian Bottling Company former minority 
shareholders, following the 2011 acquisition of non-controlling interests.

The amount of dividends payable to the Company by its operating subsidiaries is subject to, among other restrictions, general limitations 
imposed by the corporate laws and exchange control restrictions of the jurisdictions where those subsidiaries are organised and operate. 
Also, there are fund transfer restrictions in certain countries in which we operate, in particular Belarus, Nigeria, Serbia and Ukraine, but these 
restrictions do not have a material impact on the Group’s liquidity, as the amounts of cash and cash equivalents held in such countries are 
generally retained for capital expenditure, working capital and dividend distribution purposes. Intra‑group dividends paid by certain of our 
subsidiaries are also subject to withholding taxes.

204

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26. Equity

Accounting policies
Share capital
Coca‑Cola HBC has only one class of shares, ordinary shares. When new shares are issued, they are recorded in share capital at their par 
value. The excess of the issue price over the par value is recorded in the share premium reserve. Incremental external costs directly 
attributable to the issue of new shares or to the process of returning capital to shareholders are recorded in equity as a deduction, net 
of tax, in the share premium reserve.

Dividends
Dividends are recorded in the Group’s consolidated financial statements, against the relevant equity component, in the period in which 
they are approved by the Group’s shareholders.

a) Share capital, share premium and Group reorganisation reserve

Balance as at 1 January 2020
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options (refer to Note 28) 
Dividends 
Balance as at 31 December 2020
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options (refer to Note 28) 
Dividends 
Balance as at 31 December 2021

Number of
shares
(authorised
and issued)
369,930,157
582,440
–
370,512,597
1,282,821
–
371,795,418

Share
capital
€ million
2,010.8
3.6
–
2,014.4
7.9
–
2,022.3

Share
premium
€ million
3,545.3
4.0
(227.9)
3,321.4
11.7
(235.8)
3,097.3

Group
reorganisation
reserve
€ million
(6,472.1)

–
(6,472.1)
–
–
(6,472.1)

The Group reorganisation reserve relates to the impact from adjusting share capital, share premium and treasury shares to reflect the 
respective statutory amounts of Coca‑Cola HBC on 25 April 2013, together with the transaction costs incurred by the latter, relating 
primarily to the re-domiciliation of the Group and its admission to listing in the premium segment of the London Stock Exchange, following 
successful completion of the voluntary share exchange offer (refer also to Note 1). These transactions were treated as a reorganisation 
of an existing entity that has not changed the substance of the reporting entity.

In 2021, the share capital of Coca‑Cola HBC increased by the issue of 1,282,821 (2020: 582,440) new ordinary shares following the exercise 
of stock options pursuant to the Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s employees’ stock option plan. Total proceeds from the issuance of the shares under 
the stock option plan amounted to €19.6 million (2020: €7.6 million).

Following the above changes, on 31 December 2021 the share capital of the Group amounted to €2,022.3 million and comprised 
371,795,418 shares with a nominal value of CHF 6.70 each.

b) Dividends
On 16 June 2020, the shareholders of Coca‑Cola HBC AG at the Annual General Meeting approved a dividend distribution of €0.62 per share. 
The total dividend amounted to €227.9 million and was paid on 28 July 2020. Of this, an amount of €2.2 million related to shares held by the Group.

The shareholders of Coca‑Cola HBC AG approved a dividend distribution of €0.64 per share at the Annual General Meeting held on 22 June 
2021. The total dividend amounted to €235.8 million and was paid on 3 August 2021. Of this, an amount of €2.2 million related to shares held 
by the Group.

The Board of Directors of Coca‑Cola HBC AG has proposed a €0.71 dividend per share in respect of 2021. If approved by the shareholders 
of Coca‑Cola HBC AG, this dividend will be paid in 2022.

c) Treasury shares and reserves
The reserves of the Group as at 31 December were as follows:

Treasury shares 
Exchange equalisation reserve 
Other reserves

Hedging reserve, net 
Tax-free reserve 
Statutory reserves 
Stock option and performance share reserve 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income reserve, net
Other 

Total other reserves 
Total reserves 

2021
€ million
(146.6)
(1,154.0)

9.9
163.8
28.3
86.3
0.6
21.3
310.2
(990.4)

2020
€ million
(155.5)
(1,242.1)

(27.5)
163.8
28.4
80.1
0.6
21.3
266.7
(1,130.9)

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

205

Treasury shares
Treasury shares held by the Group represent shares acquired following approval of share buy-back programmes, forfeited shares under the 
equity compensation plan operated by the Group, as well as shares representing the initial ordinary shares of Coca‑Cola HBC acquired from 
Kar‑Tess Holding. 

An amount of €8.9 million in 2021 (2020: €14.3 million) relates to treasury shares provided to employees in connection with vested 
performance share awards under the Group’s employee incentive scheme, which was reflected as an appropriation of reserves between 
‘Treasury shares’ and ‘Other reserves’, more specifically the ‘Stock option and performance share reserve’ in the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity.

As at 31 December 2021, 5,894,583 (2020: 6,189,415) treasury shares were held by the Group.

Exchange equalisation reserve
The exchange equalisation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements 
of Group entities with functional currencies other than the Euro.

Other reserves
Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve reflects changes in the fair values of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, net of the deferred tax related 
to such balances.

Tax‑free and statutory reserves
The tax-free reserve includes investment amounts exempt from tax according to incentive legislation, other tax-free income or income 
taxed at source. Statutory reserves are particular to the various countries in which the Group operates. The amount of statutory reserves 
of the parent entity, Coca‑Cola HBC AG, is €nil. 

Stock option and performance share reserve
The stock option and performance share reserve represents the cumulative charge to the income statement for employee stock option 
and performance share awards less the vested performance share awards.

Other
Other reserves are particular to the various countries in which the Group operates and include shares held for the Group’s employee share 
purchase plan, which is an equity compensation plan in which eligible employees may participate, as well as the Group’s share of changes 
in other reserves of equity method investments.

27. Related party transactions

a) The Coca-Cola Company
As at 31 December 2021, The Coca‑Cola Company indirectly owned 21.0% (2020: 23.0%) of the issued share capital of Coca‑Cola HBC. 
The Coca‑Cola Company considers Coca‑Cola HBC to be a ‘key bottler’ and has entered into bottlers’ agreements with Coca‑Cola HBC 
in respect of each of the Group’s territories. All the bottlers’ agreements entered into by The Coca‑Cola Company and Coca‑Cola HBC are 
Standard International Bottlers’ (‘SIB’) agreements. The terms of the bottlers’ agreements grant Coca‑Cola HBC the right to produce and 
the exclusive right to sell and distribute the beverages of The Coca‑Cola Company in each of the countries in which the Group operates. 
Consequently, Coca‑Cola HBC is obliged to purchase all concentrate for The Coca‑Cola Company’s beverages from The Coca‑Cola 
Company, or its designee, in the ordinary course of business. On 10 October 2012, The Coca-Cola Company agreed to extend the term 
of the bottlers’ agreements for a further 10 years until 2023.

The Coca-Cola Company owns or has applied for the trademarks that identify its beverages in each of the countries in which the Group 
operates. The Coca‑Cola Company has authorised Coca‑Cola HBC and certain of its subsidiaries to use the trademark ‘Coca‑Cola’ in their 
corporate names.

206

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

27. Related party transactions continued
The below table summarises transactions with The Coca‑Cola Company and its subsidiaries:

Purchases of concentrate, finished products and other items
Net contributions received for marketing and promotional incentives
Sales of finished goods and raw materials
Other income
Other expenses 

2021
€ million
1,598.8
83.1
4.5
2.8
4.2

2020
€ million
1,374.6
90.7
3.5
6.3
5.6

The Coca‑Cola Company makes discretionary marketing contributions to Coca‑Cola HBC’s operating subsidiaries. The participation in shared 
marketing agreements is at The Coca-Cola Company’s discretion and, where co-operative arrangements are entered into, marketing 
expenses are shared. Such arrangements include the development of marketing programmes to promote The Coca-Cola Company’s 
beverages. Contributions received from The Coca-Cola Company for marketing and promotional incentives during the year amounted to 
€83.1 million (2020: €90.7 million): contributions made by The Coca‑Cola Company to Coca‑Cola HBC for price support and marketing 
and promotional campaigns in respect of specific customers in 2021 totalled €52.6 million (2020: €63.9 million), while contributions made 
by The Coca‑Cola Company to Coca‑Cola HBC for general marketing programmes in 2021 totalled €30.5 million (2020: €26.8 million). 
The Coca‑Cola Company has also customarily made additional payments for marketing and advertising directly to suppliers as part of the 
shared marketing arrangements. The proportion of direct and indirect payments, made at The Coca-Cola Company’s discretion, will not 
necessarily be the same from year to year. 

As at 31 December 2021, the Group had a total amount due from The Coca‑Cola Company of €52.8 million (2020: €40.9 million), and a total 
amount due to The Coca‑Cola Company of €223.1 million (2020: €196.4 million). The Group paid a total consideration of €5.6 million for the 
acquisition of the Costa Express Business (refer to Note 23).

b) Frigoglass S.A. (‘Frigoglass’), Kar-Tess Holding and AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc
Truad Verwaltungs AG currently indirectly owns 48.6% of Frigoglass and 99.3% of AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc and also indirectly controls 
Kar‑Tess Holding, which holds approximately 23.0% (2020: 23.0%) of Coca‑Cola HBC’s total issued share capital.

The below table summarises transactions with the above entities:

Frigoglass & subsidiaries
Purchases of coolers, cooler parts, glass bottles, crowns and raw and other materials
Maintenance and other expenses
AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc
Purchases of finished goods and other items
Other expenses

2021
€ million
117.6
28.6

9.3
0.1

2020
€ million
92.7
21.1

5.1
0.7

Frigoglass, a company listed on the Athens Exchange, is a manufacturer of coolers, cooler parts, glass bottles, crowns and plastics.

Frigoglass has a controlling interest in Frigoglass Industries (Nigeria) Limited, a company in which the Group has a 23.9% effective interest, 
through its investment in Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd.

The Group entered into a supply agreement with Frigoglass for the purchase of cooling equipment in 1999. The supply agreement was 
extended in 2004, 2008, 2013, 2018 and, most recently, in 2021, on substantially similar terms. The current agreement expires on 
31 December 2025. 

As at 31 December 2021, Coca‑Cola HBC owed €14.9 million (2020: €11.8 million) to and was owed €0.8 million (2020: €0.8 million) 
by Frigoglass and its subsidiaries. During 2021, the Group received dividends of €1.4 million (2020: €nil) from Frigoglass Industries (Nigeria) 
Limited, which are included in the line ‘Net receipts from non-integral equity method investments’ in the consolidated cash flow statement.

As at 31 December 2021, the Group owed €0.9 million (2020: €1.8 million) and had a lease liability of €6.0 million (2020: €nil) to AG Leventis 
(Nigeria) Plc.

Capital commitments to Frigoglass and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2021 amounted to €33.5 million (€14.1 million as at 31 December 
2020) including the Group’s share of its joint ventures‘ capital commitments to Frigoglass.

c) Other related parties
The below table summarises transactions with other related parties:

Purchases
Other expenses

2021
€ million
1.5
15.1

2020
€ million
1.8
16.4

During 2021, the Group incurred subsequent expenditure for fixed assets of €1.5 million (2020: €1.8 million) from other related parties. 
Furthermore, during 2021, the Group incurred expenses of €15.1 million (2020: €16.4 million) mainly related to maintenance services for 
cold drink equipment and installations of coolers, fountains, vending and merchandising equipment from other related parties. 

As at 31 December 2021, the Group had a total amount due to other related parties of €0.6 million (2020: €1.9 million) and a total amount 
of loans receivable from other related parties of €0.9 million (2020: €nil).

During 2021, the Group received dividends of €0.5 million from BevService S.r.l. (2020: €1.3 million), which are included in the line ’Net receipts 
from non-integral equity method investments’ in the consolidated cash flow statement.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

207

d) Joint ventures
During 2021, the Group purchased €5.2 million of finished goods (2020: €10.9 million) from joint ventures. In addition, during 2021 the Group 
recorded sales of finished goods and raw materials of €4.8 million (2020: €2.8 million) to joint ventures. Furthermore, the Group recorded 
other income of €16.2 million (2020: €10.2 million) from joint ventures and other expenses of €13.4 million (2020: €11.5 million) including 
€7.3 million (2020: €5.6 million) of interest charges from loans with joint ventures.

As at 31 December 2021, the Group owed €149.8 million including loans payable of €63.2 million (2020: €159.6 million including loans payable 
of €86.3 million) to and was owed €13.9 million including loans receivable of €7.1 million (2020: €13.1 million including loans receivable of 
€7.0 million) by joint ventures. During the full year ended 31 December 2021, the Group received dividends and capital returns of €47.8 million 
from integral joint ventures (2020: dividends of €27.1 million), which are included in the line ’Net receipts from integral equity method 
investments’ in the consolidated cash flow statement.

e) Directors and senior management
Bruno Pietracci and Henrique Braun have been elected to the Board of Coca‑Cola HBC following a proposal made by The Coca‑Cola 
Company. There have been no transactions between Coca‑Cola HBC and the Directors and senior management except for remuneration 
(refer to Note 8).

28. Share‑based payments

Accounting policies
Stock option and performance share award plan
Coca‑Cola HBC provides equity‑settled share‑based payments to its senior managers in the form of an employee stock option and 
performance share award plan (the ‘Plan’).

Stock options under the Plan are measured at fair value at the date of grant. Fair value reflects the parameters of the compensation plan, 
the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility, the dividend yield and the early exercise experience under the Plan. Expected volatility 
is determined by calculating the historical volatility of Coca‑Cola HBC’s share price over previous years. The fair value determined at the 
grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. 

The Plan offers a specified number of performance share awards that vest three years after grant. The fair value is determined at 
the grant date and reflects the parameters of the compensation plan, the dividend yield and the closing share price on the date of grant. 
The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. At the end of each reporting 
period the Group revises its estimates of the number of shares that are expected to vest based on non-market conditions, and 
recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognised is the grant date fair value of the unmodified 
award, provided the original vesting terms of the award are met. An additional expense, measured as at the date of modification, 
is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share‑based payment transaction, or is otherwise beneficial 
to the employee.

Employee Share Purchase Plan
The Group operates an employee share purchase plan (‘ESPP’), an equity compensation plan in which eligible employees can participate. 
The Group makes contributions to the plan for participating employees and recognises expenses over the vesting period of the 
contributions.

The charge included in employee costs regarding share‑based payments for the years ended 31 December is analysed as follows:

Performance share awards 
Employee Share Purchase Plan 
Total share-based payments charge 

2021
€ million
14.6
5.5
20.1

2020
€ million
10.0
5.5
15.5

Terms and conditions
Stock option and performance share award plan
Based on Plan rules, senior managers are granted awards of stock options based on performance, potentiality and level of responsibility. 
Options are granted at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s shares trading on the London Stock Exchange on the 
day of the grant. Options vest in one-third increments each year for three years and can be exercised for up to 10 years from the date 
of award. When the options are exercised, the proceeds received by the Group, net of any transaction costs, are credited to share capital 
(at the nominal value) and share premium. The Group has not issued any new stock options since 2014.

Since 2015, performance shares are the primary long-term award. Senior managers are granted performance share awards, which have 
a three‑year vesting period and are linked to Group‑specific key performance indicators. The closing price of the Company’s shares trading 
on the London Stock Exchange on the day of the grant is used to determine the number of performance share awards granted. In 2018, 
the Group modified the performance share plan, in order for eligible employees to receive upon vesting, additional to the specific number 
of shares, the value of dividends corresponding to the years from grant till vest date, subject to the approval of the Remuneration Committee.

208

COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

28. Share‑based payments continued
Employee Share Purchase Plan
The Employee Share Purchase Plan is administered by a Plan Administrator. Under the terms of this plan, employees have the opportunity 
to invest 1% to 15% of their salary in ordinary Coca‑Cola HBC shares by contributing to the plan through a payroll deduction. Employee 
deductions are used monthly to purchase ordinary Coca‑Cola HBC shares in the open market (London Stock Exchange).

Coca‑Cola HBC will match employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s salary. Employer matching cash contributions 
vest one year after the grant, at which time they are used to purchase matching shares on the open market that are immediately vested. 
Dividends received in respect of shares held under this plan are used to purchase additional shares at the time of dividend distribution. Shares 
are held under the Plan Administrator. For employees resident in Greece, Coca‑Cola HBC matches the employees’ contribution with an annual 
employer contribution of up to 5% of the employees’ salary that vests annually in December of each year.

Stock option activity
The outstanding stock options are fully vested and are exercisable until 2026.

A summary of stock option activity in 2021 under all grants is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December
A summary of stock option activity in 2020 under all grants is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Exercised
Expired
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December
1. For convenience purposes, the prices are translated at the closing exchange rate.

Number
of stock
options
2021
3,621,676
(1,282,821)
2,338,855
2,338,855

Number
of stock
options
2020
4,204,144
(582,440)
(28)
3,621,676
3,621,676

Weighted1
average
exercise price
2021 (EUR)
15.97
15.66
18.08
18.08

Weighted1
average
exercise price
2020 (EUR)
16.45
12.53
17.09
15.97
15.97

Weighted
average
exercise price
2021 (GBP)
14.49
13.17
15.21
15.21

Weighted
average
exercise price
2020 (GBP)
14.05
11.37
15.50
14.49
14.49

Total proceeds from the issuance of the shares under the stock option plan in 2021 amounted to €19.6 million (2020: €7.6 million).

The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding at 31 December 2021 was 2.5 years (2020: 3.2 years).

Performance shares activity
A summary of performance shares activity is as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted2
Vested
Forfeited/Cancelled
Outstanding at 31 December
2. Includes dividend equivalent shares.

Number of
performance
shares
2021
2,294,478
835,477
(294,832)
(359,756)
2,475,367

Number of
performance
shares
2020
1,894,023
1,138,829
(468,818)
(269,556)
2,294,478

The weighted average remaining contractual life of performance shares outstanding at 31 December 2021 was 1.3 years (2020: 1.5 years).

The fair value for the 2021 performance share plan is £23.80 per share (2020: £14.94). Relevant inputs into the valuation are as follows:

Weighted average share price 
Dividend yield 
Weighted average exercise period 

2021
£23.80
nil
3.0 years

2020
£14.94
nil
3.0 years

29. Contingencies
In relation to the Greek Competition Authority’s decision of 25 January 2002, one of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A.’s competitors 
had filed a lawsuit against Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. claiming damages in an amount of €7.7 million. The court of first 
instance heard the case on 21 January 2009 and subsequently rejected the lawsuit. The plaintiff appealed the judgement and on 9 December 
2013 the Athens Court of Appeals rejected the plaintiff’s appeal. On 19 April 2014, the same plaintiff filed a new lawsuit against Coca-Cola 
Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. (following the spin‑off, Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C.) claiming payment of €7.5 million as compensation 
for losses and moral damages for alleged anti‑competitive commercial practices of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. between 
1994 and 2013. On 21 December 2018, the plaintiff served their withdrawal from the lawsuit.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

209

However, on 20 June 2019 the same plaintiff filed a new lawsuit against Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. claiming payment of €10.1 million as 
compensation for losses and moral damages again for alleged anti‑competitive commercial practices of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling 
Company S.A. for the same period between 1994 and 2013. On 16 July 2021, the Athens Multimember Court of First Instance issued its 
judgment number 1929/2021 (hereinafter the ‘Judgment’), which adjudicates that Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. is obliged to pay to the 
plaintiff an amount of circa €0.9 million plus interest as of 31 December 2003. Both Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. and the plaintiff have 
appealed against this decision to the court of appeals. Both appeals have been scheduled to be heard on 19 January 2023. Management 
believes that any liability to the Group that may arise as a result of these pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on 
the results of operations, cash flows, or the financial position of the Group taken as a whole.

With respect to the ongoing investigation of the Greek Competition Commission initiated on 6 September 2016, regarding Coca‑Cola HBC 
Greece S.A.I.C.’s operations in certain commercial practices in the non-alcoholic beverages market, the Rapporteur of the Greek 
Competition Commission appointed for this case issued her Statement of Objections on 5 July 2021. According to this Statement of 
Objections, Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. has allegedly breached Article 2 of Law 3959/2011 and Article 102 of ‘Treaty on the Functioning 
of the European Union‘ (‘TFEU‘) in the Greek on-premise market for the sale of cola and non-cola beverages. In particular, according to this 
Statement of Objections, during the period 2015‑2020, Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. allegedly undertook a series of anti‑competitive 
practices in the relevant market, thereby excluding competitors and limiting their growth possibilities. The Statement of Objections 
recommends that the Greek Competition Commission should impose a fine upon Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C., and that the latter is 
required to omit the allegedly anti-competitive practices in the future. The Statement of Objections is not binding on the Greek Competition 
Commission, which will decide on the case after it has taken into consideration all evidence, as well as the arguments put forward by all the 
parties involved. Coca‑Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. has vigorously defended its commercial practices, in rebuttal of the allegations set out in 
the Statement of Objections. The hearing of the case, before the plenary session of the Greek Competition Commission, was concluded 
on 29 November 2021 and the supplementary briefs of the parties were submitted on 16 December 2021. At this stage, it is difficult to 
predict with certainty the outcome of the hearing and the timing of the decision by the Greek Competition Commission.

In 1992, our subsidiary Nigerian Bottling Company (‘NBC’) acquired a manufacturing facility in Nigeria from Vacunak, a Nigerian company. 
In 1994, Vacunak filed a lawsuit against NBC, alleging that a representative of NBC had orally agreed to rescind the sale agreement and instead 
enter into a lease agreement with Vacunak. As part of its lawsuit, Vacunak sought compensation for rent and loss of business opportunities. 
NBC discontinued all use of the facility in 1995. On 19 August 2013, NBC received the written judgment of the Nigerian court of first instance 
issued on 28 June 2012 providing for damages of approximately €17.2 million. NBC has filed an appeal against the judgment. Based on advice 
from NBC’s outside legal counsel, we believe that it is unlikely that NBC will suffer material financial losses from this case. We have consequently 
not provided for any losses in relation to this case.

In May 2021, the European Commission sent CCH a questionnaire as part of a preliminary investigation into a possible infringement by a CCH 
subsidiary, Coca-Cola European Partners, and The Coca-Cola Company of EU competition rules through the granting of conditional rebates 
to ’off‑trade’ customers capable of foreclosing competition from other suppliers. CCH’s subsidiary will vigorously defend its commercial 
practices and is actively co-operating with the European Commission. The fact that the European Commission is carrying out a preliminary 
investigation does not mean that it will open formal proceedings. It is not possible to predict how long the investigation will take and its 
ultimate outcome.

The tax filings of the Group and its subsidiaries are routinely subjected to audit by tax authorities in most of the jurisdictions in which the Group 
conducts business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes. The Group provides for additional tax in relation to the outcome 
of such tax assessments, to the extent that a liability is probable and estimable.

The Group is also involved in various other legal proceedings. Management believes that any liability to the Group that may arise as a result 
of these pending legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows, or the financial position 
of the Group taken as a whole.

30. Commitments

Capital commitments
As at 31 December 2021, the Group had capital commitments for property, plant and equipment amounting to €166.1 million 
(2020: €115.4 million). Of this, €9.0 million are related to the Group’s share of the commitments arising from joint ventures (2020: €3.0 million).

Capital commitments for 2021 include total future minimum lease payments under leases not yet commenced to which the Group was 
committed at 31 December 2021 of €18.1 million (2020: €11.9 million).

31. Post balance sheet events

a) Acquisition of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Egypt S.A.E. 
On 12 August 2021, the Group entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire approximately 52.7% of Coca‑Cola Bottling 
Company of Egypt S.A.E. (‘CCBCE’), the bottling partner of The Coca‑Cola Company (‘TCCC’) in Egypt, from MAC Beverages Limited 
and certain of its affiliated entities (‘MBL acquisition’). The MBL acquisition was completed on 13 January 2022 and resulted in the Group 
obtaining control over CCBCE.

The acquisition of CCBCE expands the Group’s existing footprint on the African continent and further increases its exposure to high‑growth 
markets, as it provides access to one of the largest non-alcoholic ready-to-drink markets by volume in Africa. In addition, sharing of the Group’s 
proven capabilities, experience and best practices with CCBCE is expected to unlock growth opportunities, creating value for all stakeholders.

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COCA-COLA HBC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

31. Post balance sheet events continued
The operating results and assets and liabilities of CCBCE will be consolidated from 14 January 2022.

The fair value of the consideration for the MBL acquisition consists of €264.9 million, which has already been transferred, and an additional 
payment that is to be determined, following discussions and conditions agreed between the Group and MBL, based on CCBCE’s past 
performance, net financial position and working capital movement.

As part of the MBL acquisition completion, a convertible loan which had been granted to CCBCE from a wholly‑owned affiliate of TCCC, 
one of its major shareholders, was also transferred to the Group for a consideration of €19.1 million. The consideration was equal to the 
outstanding principal amount of the convertible loan and any unpaid interest at the time of its transfer. The loan is convertible at its maturity 
in March 2022 into new CCBCE shares at fair market value and was eliminated upon consolidation of CCBCE.

Details of the MBL acquisition with regard to provisionally determined fair values of the net assets acquired, non‑controlling interests and 
goodwill are as follows:

Franchise agreements
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade, other receivables and assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Net deferred tax liabilities
Net identifiable assets acquired
Less: Non‑controlling interests
Add: Goodwill arising on acquisitions
Net assets acquired 

Fair Value
€ million
367.7
315.3
59.2
65.2
15.9
(217.0)
(127.4)
(121.9)
357.0
(169.0)
76.9
264.9

The table above excludes the additional payment that may adjust the provisionally determined fair values of the net assets acquired, 
non-controlling interests and goodwill.

Fair values on acquisition are provisional due to the timing of the transaction and will be finalised within 12 months of the acquisition date. 
The goodwill is attributable to CCBCE’s strong market position and growth potential. The line ‘Borrowings’ in the above table includes the 
convertible loan as well as third-party loans of €122.7 million, which have been repaid and replaced with intra-group borrowings. The Group 
has chosen to recognise the non‑controlling interests at their proportionate share of the fair value of CCBCE’s net identifiable assets acquired.

On 12 August 2021, the Group entered into an additional sale and purchase agreement to acquire approximately 42% of Coca‑Cola Bottling 
Company of Egypt S.A.E. (‘CCBCE’), from a wholly‑owned affiliate of TCCC (‘TCCC acquisition’). The TCCC acquisition was completed 
on 25 January 2022.

The fair value of the consideration paid for the TCCC acquisition amounted to €108.9 million. The transaction was treated as separate to 
the MBL acquisition, considering that whilst the transactions above were entered into at the same time and in contemplation of each other, 
they are separate from a commercial and contractual perspective and, as such, they are treated as two separate transactions. The TCCC 
acquisition was accordingly accounted for as an equity transaction.

Following the completion of both the transactions, the Group holds a 94.7% interest in CCBCE.

b) Other subsequent events
Τhe events involving Ukraine and Russia during the first quarter of 2022 have, among other things, resulted in increased volatility in currency 
markets causing the Russian Rouble and the Ukrainian Hryvnia to depreciate significantly against some major currencies. As of 11 March 
2022, the Russian Rouble and the Ukrainian Hryvnia had depreciated by approximately 72% and 8% respectively against the Euro, compared 
to the 31 December 2021 exchange rates.

On 8 March 2022, The Coca-Cola Company (‘TCCC’) announced that it is suspending its business in Russia. At the time of publication, 
the Group is working closely with TCCC to implement this decision.

The Group is currently assessing the financial effect of the above on its Russia and Ukraine operations. No impact to the Group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern has been identified because of this event.

The 2021 operating profit from Ukraine and Russia (including share of results of Multon joint venture, our Russian juice business) represented 
approximately 2% and 18% respectively of the Group’s consolidated operating profit, while non-current assets represented approximately 
1% and 9% respectively of the Group’s total non-current assets as at 31 December 2021.

Management is continuously monitoring developments in the area to ensure timely actions and initiatives are undertaken to minimise any 
adverse impact to the Group.

On 15 March 2022, the Remuneration Committee granted 1,220,231 performance share awards under the performance share plan, which 
have a three-year vesting period.

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211

Swiss 
Statutory 
Reporting

Contents

Swiss Statutory Reporting

212 Report of the statutory auditor on Coca-Cola 

HBC AG’s consolidated financial statements

216 Report of the statutory auditor on Coca-Cola 

HBC AG’s financial statements

219 Coca-Cola HBC AG’s financial statements
232 Report of the statutory auditor on the Statutory 

Remuneration Report

233 Statutory Remuneration Report

212

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting

Report of the statutory auditor 
to the General Meeting of 
Coca‑Cola HBC AG 
Steinhausen (Zug)

Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements

Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Coca‑Cola HBC AG and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated 
income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2021, the consolidated balance 
sheet as at 31 December 2021 and the consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash flow statement for the year then 
ended, including the notes to the consolidated financial statements and a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements (pages 154 to 210) give a true and fair view of the consolidated 
financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2021 and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the 
year then ended in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and 
comply with Swiss law.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law, International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and Swiss Auditing Standards. 
Our responsibilities under those provisions and standards are further described in the “Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
consolidated financial statements” section of our report.

We are independent of the Group in accordance with the provisions of Swiss law and the requirements of the Swiss audit profession, as well 
as the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) of the International Ethics 
Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Our audit approach

Overview
Overall Group materiality:
Audit scope

Key audit matters

€ 36.7 million
We conducted full scope audit procedures on the financial information of 15 subsidiaries and one joint 
venture in 14 countries spread across all of the Group’s reportable segments. We also conducted 
procedures around specific account balances and transactions and analytical review procedures for other 
subsidiaries and Group functions. Our audit scope addressed 85% of consolidated net sales revenue, 84% 
of consolidated profit before tax and 87% of consolidated total assets of the Group.
As key audit matters the following areas of focus have been identified:

•  Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment assessment
•  Uncertain tax positions

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. Our audit opinion aims to provide reasonable assurance that the 
consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered 
material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis 
of the consolidated financial statements.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall Group materiality 
for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us 
to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and in aggregate, on the consolidated financial statements as a whole.
Overall Group materiality
Benchmark applied
Rationale for the materiality 
benchmark applied

€ 36’700’000
Profit before tax
We chose profit before tax as the benchmark because, in our view, it is the benchmark against which 
the performance of the Group is most commonly measured, and it is a generally accepted benchmark. 

We agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee that we would report to them misstatements above € 1.5 million identified during our audit 
as well as any misstatements below that amount which, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

213

Audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the 
Group operates.

The Group operates through its trading subsidiaries in 27 European countries and in Nigeria, as set out in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated 
financial statements. The processing of the accounting records for these subsidiaries is largely centralised in a shared services centre in 
Bulgaria, except for the subsidiaries in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia and North Macedonia, which process their accounting records locally. 
The Group also operates centralised treasury functions in the Netherlands and in Greece and a centralised sourcing function in the 
Netherlands for the procurement of key raw materials.

Based on the significance to the consolidated financial statements and in light of the key audit matters as noted below, we identified 
15 subsidiaries and one joint venture in 14 countries spread across all of the Group’s reportable segments (including the trading subsidiaries 
in Russia, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, and Switzerland) which, based on our scoping analysis, required a full scope audit of their financial 
information. In addition, audit procedures were performed with respect to the centralised treasury functions by the group engagement team 
in Greece and with respect to the centralised procurement function by the component audit team in the Netherlands. The group 
engagement team also performed analytical review and other procedures on balances and transactions of subsidiaries not covered by the 
procedures described above.

As the Swiss statutory auditor, we issued group audit instructions to PwC Greece, who has the responsibility as the group audit engagement 
team for the Company’s reporting requirements for the London Stock Exchange. These instructions covered the scope of our group audit 
to enable us to fulfil our responsibilities under Swiss law. As the ultimate group engagement team, we had ongoing interactions with the group 
engagement team in Greece to be continuously updated and to monitor their progress and results of their procedures. We reviewed the 
instructions which PwC Greece issued to component audit teams regarding centralised audit procedures performed at the shared services 
centres in Bulgaria and Greece and shared audit comfort with component teams as it relates to IT general controls, cybersecurity risks and 
the upgrade of the Group’s ERP system. We reviewed working papers and undertook additional interactions as considered necessary 
depending on the significance of the component, accounting and audit matters. The Group consolidation, financial statement disclosures 
and a number of areas of significant judgement and estimates, including goodwill and intangible assets and the Group’s overall going concern 
assessment, were audited by the group engagement team together with PwC Greece.

Due to the travel and other restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group engagement team held frequent 
virtual meetings to oversee the work performed by the group and component audit teams. As the ultimate group engagement team, we held 
remote meetings and discussions with the management of the trading subsidiaries in Russia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland and the 
management of the joint venture in Russia to discuss business performance and outlook, matters relating to the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic, regulation and taxation, and any specific accounting and auditing matters identified, including fraud and internal controls.

Based on the above, the subsidiaries and joint venture which were in the scope for the purposes of the group audit accounted for 85% 
of consolidated net sales revenue, 84% of consolidated profit before tax and 87% of consolidated total assets of the Group. This, together 
with the additional procedures performed by us as group engagement team, provided us with sufficient appropriate evidence for our audit 
opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements 
as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

214

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets impairment assessment
Key audit matter
Refer to Note 13 Intangible Assets including goodwill.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (franchise agreements 
and trademarks) as at 31 December 2021 amount to €1,759.3 million 
and €269.6 million, respectively.

The above amounts have been allocated to individual cash-generating 
units (CGUs), which in accordance with International Accounting 
Standard (IAS) 36 require the performance of an impairment 
assessment at least annually, or whenever there is an indication of 
impairment. The impairment assessment involves the determination 
of the recoverable amount of the CGU, being the higher of the 
value-in-use and the fair value less costs to sell.

This area was a key matter for our audit due to the size of the goodwill 
and indefinite-lived intangible assets balances and because the 
determination of whether elements of goodwill and of indefinite-lived 
intangible assets are impaired involves complex and subjective 
estimates and judgements made by management about the future 
results of the CGUs. These estimates and judgements include 
assumptions surrounding revenue growth rates, costs, foreign 
exchange rates and discount rates.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic volatility, 
competitor activity and regulatory/fiscal developments could 
adversely affect each CGU and potentially the carrying amount 
of goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets.

Management has identified the Italy CGU to be sensitive to possible 
changes in the assumptions used, which could result in the calculated 
recoverable amount being lower in future periods than the carrying 
value of the CGU. Additional sensitivity disclosure has been included 
in the consolidated financial statements in respect of this CGU.

No impairment charge was recorded in 2021.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We evaluated the appropriateness of management’s identification 
of the Group’s CGUs, related control activities and the process by 
which management prepared the CGUs’ value-in-use calculations.

We tested the mathematical accuracy of the CGUs’ value-in-use 
calculations and compared the cash flow projections included therein 
to the financial budgets approved by the Board of Directors, covering 
a one-year period and management’s projections for the subsequent 
four years. In addition, we assessed the reliability of the cash flow 
projections by comparing key elements of the prior year projections 
with actual results.

We challenged management’s cash flow projections in relation to 
the assumptions applied to the value‑in‑use calculations focusing 
on future performance in light of the gradual recovery from the 
COVID-19 pandemic with respect to short-term and long-term 
revenue growth rates and the level of costs.

With the support of our valuation specialists, we assessed the 
appropriateness of certain assumptions including discount, annual 
revenue growth, perpetuity revenue growth and foreign exchange 
rates.We also evaluated management’s assessment of the potential 
effect of climate change to the cost of water.

We performed our independent sensitivity analyses on the key drivers 
of the value-in-use calculations for the CGUs with significant balances 
of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. 

As a result of our work, we found that the determination by 
management that no impairment was required for goodwill and 
indefinite-lived intangible assets was supported by assumptions 
within reasonable ranges.

We assessed the appropriateness and completeness of the related 
disclosures in Note 13, as regards to goodwill and indefinite-lived 
intangible assets, and considered them to be reasonable.

Uncertain tax positions
Key audit matter
Refer to Note 10 Taxation and Note 29 Contingencies.

The Group operates in numerous tax jurisdictions and is subject to 
periodic tax inspections by local tax authorities, in the normal course 
of business, on a range of tax matters in relation to corporate tax, 
transfer pricing and indirect taxes.

As at 31 December 2021, the Group has current tax liabilities 
of €80.1 million, which include €52.6 million of provisions for tax 
uncertainties.

The impact of changes in local tax regulations and ongoing 
inspections by local tax authorities could materially impact the 
amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements. 

Where the amount of tax payable is uncertain, the Group establishes 
provisions based on management’s estimates with respect to 
the likelihood of material tax exposures and the probable amount 
of the liability.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
In order to understand and evaluate management’s judgements, 
we considered the status of current tax authority inspections 
and enquiries, the outcome of previous tax authority inspections, 
judgemental positions taken in tax returns and current year estimates 
as well as recent developments in the tax jurisdictions in which the 
Group operates.

We challenged management’s key assumptions, particularly in cases 
where there had been significant developments with tax authorities.

Our component audit teams, through the use of tax specialists with 
local knowledge and relevant expertise, assessed the tax positions 
taken by the subsidiary in scope, in the context of applying local tax 
laws and evaluating the local tax assessments. Additionally, with our 
group engagement team tax specialists, we further evaluated 
management’s judgements in respect of estimates of tax exposures 
and contingencies in order to assess the adequacy of the Group’s tax 
provisions.

We consider this a key audit matter given the level of judgements and 
uncertainty involved in estimating tax provisions and the complexity 
of dealing with tax rules and regulations in numerous jurisdictions.

We held virtual meetings with local management to discuss the 
individual tax position of the in-scope subsidiaries and with the group 
engagement team tax specialist for the Group’s overall tax exposure.

From the evidence obtained we consider the provisions in relation 
to uncertain tax positions as at 31 December 2021 to be reasonable. 
We also assessed the related disclosures provided in Notes 10 and 29 
to the consolidated financial statements and concluded that these 
are appropriate.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

215

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a key audit matter last year, continued to be an area of focus in light of uncertainty over 
the effective containment of the pandemic and any potential impact to the Group. The audit procedures performed did not identify any 
significant impact on the control environment, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote working, the recoverability of trade 
receivables or management’s assessment of the going concern basis of accounting. Having considered the gradual recovery from the 
COVID-19 pandemic and the audit effort required in 2021 and to the date of this audit report, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
is no longer included as a key audit matter.

Other information in the annual report
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information in the annual report. The other information comprises all information included 
in the annual report, but does not include the consolidated financial statements, the stand-alone financial statements and the remuneration 
report of Coca-Cola HBC AG and our auditor’s reports thereon.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information in the annual report and we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information in the annual report 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there 
is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors for the consolidated financial statements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance 
with IFRS and the provisions of Swiss law, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors determines is necessary to enable the 
preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board 
of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Swiss law, ISAs and Swiss Auditing Standards will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or 
in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated 
financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements is located at the website of EXPERT-suisse: 
http://expertsuisse.ch/en/audit-report-for-public-companies. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists 
which has been designed for the preparation of consolidated financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Sandra Boehm Uglow
Audit Expert
Auditor In Charge

Zurich, 23 March 2022

Mei Ling Ow
Audit Expert

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG is a member of the global PricewaterhouseCoopers network of firms, each of which is a separate 
and independent legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

216

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Report of the statutory auditor 
to the General Meeting of 
Coca‑Cola HBC AG 
Steinhausen (Zug)

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Coca‑Cola HBC AG (the Company), which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 December 2021, 
statement of income, cash flow statement and notes for the year then ended, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements (pages 219 to 230) as at 31 December 2021 comply with Swiss law and the Company’s 
articles of incorporation. 

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those provisions 
and standards are further described in the “Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements” section of our report.

We are independent of the entity in accordance with the provisions of Swiss law and the requirements of the Swiss audit profession and 
we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Our audit approach

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. Our audit opinion aims to provide reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements are free from material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if, 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the 
financial statements.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the 
scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually 
and in aggregate, on the financial statements as a whole.
Overall materiality
Benchmark applied
Rationale for the materiality 
benchmark applied

CHF 32’300’000
Net assets
We chose net assets as the benchmark because, in our view, it is the benchmark which reflects the actual 
substance of the entity. This is a generally accepted benchmark for ultimate holding companies.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

217

Audit scope
We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, 
we considered where subjective judgements were made; for example, in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making 
assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management 
override of internal controls, including among other matters consideration of whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk 
of material misstatement due to fraud.

We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a 
whole, taking into account the structure of the entity, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the entity operates.

Report on key audit matters based on the circular 1/2015 of the Federal Audit 
Oversight Authority
We have determined that there are no key audit matters to communicate in our report.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors for the financial statements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the provisions of Swiss law and the 
Company’s articles of incorporation, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation 
of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Directors 
either intends to liquidate the entity or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located at the website of EXPERT‑suisse: 
http://expertsuisse.ch/en/audit‑report‑for‑public‑companies. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

218

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control system exists 
which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

We further confirm that the proposed appropriation of reserves complies with Swiss law and the Company’s articles of incorporation. 
We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Sandra Boehm Uglow
Audit Expert
Auditor In Charge

Zurich, 23 March 2022

Enclosures:

Mei Ling Ow
Audit Expert

•  Financial statements (balance sheet, statement of income, cash flow statement and notes) 
•  Proposed appropriation of reserves

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG is a member of the global PricewaterhouseCoopers network of firms, each of which is a separate 
and independent legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Steinhausen (Zug)
Balance sheet

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term receivables from direct and indirect participations
Receivables from related parties
Short-term receivables from third parties
Total current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Property, plant and equipment (incl. right-of-use assets)
Total non-current assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade payables due to third parties
Short-term liabilities to direct and indirect participations
Short-term lease liabilities
Accrued expenses
Total short-term liabilities
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities to indirect participations
Long-term lease liabilities
Provisions
Total long-term liabilities
Share capital
Legal capital reserves

Reserves from capital contributions
Reserves for treasury shares

Retained earnings

Results carried forward
Loss for the year

Treasury shares
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

219

Note

2.1
1
1

2.2

2.3

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.7
2.8

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
2,026
12,047
338
1,491
15,902
6,710,376
4,936
6,715,312
6,731,214

1,713
3,149
704
47,743
53,309
204,482
2,127
15,987
222,596
2,491,029

2020
1,880
13,948
1,677
1,223
18,728
6,966,457
1,875
6,968,332
6,987,060

1,192
4,140
397
28,735
34,464
223,668
507
10,519
234,694
2,482,434

3,982,078
85,298

4,229,620
85,298

18,260
(33,852)
(87,504)
6,455,309
6,731,214

42,803
(24,543)
(97,710)
6,717,902
6,987,060

220

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Steinhausen (Zug)
Statement of income

Dividend income
Other operating income
Total operating income

Employee costs
Other operating expenses
Write down of investments
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment (incl. right-of-use assets)
Total operating expenses

Operating loss

Finance costs

Loss before tax
Direct taxes

Loss for the year

Note

2.9 

2.10 
2.11 
2.2 

Year ended 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
256,081
38,320
294,401

(48,278)
(16,585)
(256,081)
(743)
(321,687)

2020
247,408
23,938
271,346

(27,428)
(13,114)
(247,408)
(565)
(288,515)

(27,286)

(17,169)

(6,403)

(7,199)

(33,689)
(163)

(24,368)
(175)

(33,852)

(24,543)

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Steinhausen (Zug)
Cash flow statement

Loss for the year
Depreciation property, plant and equipment
Finance costs
Write down of investments
Net change related to employee performance share plan

Decrease/(increase) in receivables 
Decrease in investments in subsidiaries
Decrease in short-term liabilities (excl. financial liabilities) 
Increase/(decrease) in accrued expenses
Increase in provisions
Proceeds from dividends received from subsidiaries
Tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities

Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment
Cash outflow from investing activities

Principal repayments of lease obligations
Proceeds from long-term financial liabilities
Repayments of long-term financial liabilities
Dividends paid to owners of the Company
Proceeds from shares issued to employees exercising stock options
Interest paid
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Movement in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of changes in exchange rates
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

221

Note

2.2

2.2

2.2

Year ended 31 December

CHF thousands

2021
(33,852)
743
6,403
256,081
22,376

251,751
2,972
(256,081)
(631)
12,416
160
256,081
(181)
266,487

(1,471)
(1,471)

(405)
5,708
(24,894)
(260,250)
21,303
(6,244)
(264,782)
234

1,880
234
(88)
2,026

2020
(24,543)
565
7,199
247,408
12,633

243,262
(572)
(247,408)
(1,977)
(2,449)
35
247,408
(220)
238,079

(106)
(106)

(421)
16,139
(8,748)
(244,737)
8,162
(6,558)
(236,163)
1,810

48
1,810
22
1,880

222

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Notes to the Financial Statements of Coca-Cola HBC AG, 
Steinhausen (Zug)

Introduction
Coca‑Cola HBC AG (‘the Company’) was incorporated on 19 September 2012 by Kar‑Tess Holding. On 11 October 2012, the Company 
announced a voluntary share exchange offer to acquire all outstanding ordinary registered shares and all American depositary shares 
of Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A., Maroussi (GR) (‘CCHBC SA’). As a result of the successful completion of this offer, on 25 April 
2013 the Company acquired 96.85% of the issued CCHBC SA shares, including shares represented by American depositary shares, and 
became the new parent company of the Group (the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries). On 17 June 2013, the Company 
completed its statutory buy‑out of the remaining shares of CCHBC SA that it did not acquire upon completion of its voluntary share 
exchange offer.

1. Accounting principles

Accounting principles applied in the preparation of the financial statements
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of commercial accounting as set out in the Swiss Code of 
Obligations (Art. 957 to 963b CO). From 1 January 2021, the Company has prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) in accordance with Art. 963b CO due to a requirement 
from the Athens Exchange, its primary listing in the EU. In accordance with Art. 961 para 2. CO, the Company is presenting a cash flow 
statement. Significant accounting and valuation principles are described below: 

Dividend income
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

Other operating income
The Company provides management services to its principal subsidiaries and acts as guarantor to its principal subsidiary, Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. The income from these services is recognised in the accounting period in which the service is provided.

Exchange rate differences
The accounting records of the Company are maintained in Euros and translated to Swiss francs (CHF) for presentation purposes. Except for 
investments in subsidiaries, property, plant and equipment, long-term liabilities and equity, which are translated at historical rates, all assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into CHF using the closing exchange rate as at 31 December 2021. Income 
and expenses are translated into CHF at the average exchange rate of the reporting year except for dividend income and related write down 
of investments (see Note 2.2) which are valued at the transaction date exchange rate. Net unrealised exchange losses are recorded in the 
income statement, while net unrealised gains are deferred within accrued expenses.

Exchange rates
EUR
USD
GBP

Balance sheet as at

Income statement for the year ended

31 December 2021
1.04
0.91
1.23

31 December 2020
1.08
0.88
1.19

31 December 2021
1.08
–
–

 31 December 2020
1.07
–
–

Leasing disclosures
Management has applied an economic-view approach to the disclosure of lease contracts considering the underlying usage rights. 
Right-of-use assets are presented within property, plant and equipment and depreciated over their useful life. The short- and long-term 
lease liabilities are adjusted for interest and lease payments.

Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at historical cost and evaluated for impairment if identified triggering events occur.

Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets are included within property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation is calculated on the basis of the following useful lives and in accordance with the following methods:
Property, plant and equipment
Leasehold improvement (building)
Leasehold improvement (office infrastructure)
Building infrastructure

Useful life
20 years
10 years
12 years
Shorter of useful 
life and lease term
8 years
7 years
4 years
3 years

Method
5% linear
10% linear
8.33% linear

Linear
12.5% linear
14.29% linear
25% linear
33.33% linear

Right-of-use buildings and Company cars
Furniture and fixtures, office equipment and other tangible fixed assets
Telephony infrastructure
Communication equipment, computers and PCs
Tablets

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

223

1. Accounting principles continued

Treasury shares
Treasury shares are recognised at acquisition cost and deducted from shareholders’ equity at the time of acquisition. If treasury shares 
are sold, the gain or loss arising is recognised in the income statement as finance income or finance cost as appropriate. 

Receivables from related parties
As at 31 December 2021 receivables from related parties are disclosed separate from short-term receivables from third parties. 
Comparative figures have been reclassified where necessary to conform with changes in presentation in the current year. More specifically, 
receivables from related parties of CHF 1,677 thousand have been reclassified from ‘Short‑term receivables from third parties’ to ‘Receivables 
from related parties’.

2. Information relating to the balance sheet and statement of income

2.1 Short‑term receivables from direct and indirect participations
The short-term receivables from direct and indirect participations do not bear interest.

Name of participation
Coca‑Cola Holdings II B.V., Amsterdam
CCB Management Services GmbH, Vienna
Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V., Amsterdam
Coca‑Cola Holdings B.V., Amsterdam
Coca‑Cola Hellenic Business Service Organisation, Sofia
Short-term receivables from direct and indirect participations

2.2 Investments in subsidiaries

Direct subsidiary
Coca‑Cola HBC Holdings B.V., Amsterdam1
Write down of investment 
Investments in subsidiaries

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
14
11,221
606
11
195
12,047

2020
–
13,177
668
–
103
13,948

Share of capital
100%

Share of votes
100%

100%

100%

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
6,966,457
(256,081)
6,710,376

2020
7,213,865
(247,408)
6,966,457

1.  Coca‑Cola HBC Holdings B.V., Amsterdam was incorporated on 26 June 2013.

In 2015 the Company adopted a practice of reducing the value of its investment in Coca‑Cola HBC Holdings B.V. by an amount equal 
to the dividend received from that subsidiary. The amount of the write down in 2021 is equal to the dividend received in August 2021 from 
Coca‑Cola HBC Holdings B.V. of CHF 256,081 thousand (2020: CHF 247,408 thousand).

The principal direct and indirect participations of the Company are disclosed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

2.3 Short‑term liabilities to direct and indirect participations and accrued expenses
The short‑term liabilities to the direct and indirect participations do not bear interest except for the liability to Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V., 
which is interest-bearing.

Name of participation
CCB Management Services GmbH, Vienna
Coca‑Cola Hellenic Business Service Organisation, Sofia
Coca‑Cola HBC Switzerland
Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V., Amsterdam
Coca‑Cola HBC Northern Ireland Ltd., Lisburn
Coca‑Cola HBC Services MEPE, Athens
Total short-term liabilities to direct and indirect participations

Accrued expenses
Direct taxes
Management incentive plan and Performance Share Plan for own employees
Employee-related costs (social security & insurance, payroll taxes)
Provision for acquiring treasury shares to satisfy subsidiaries’ Performance Share Plan rights
Other accrued expenses
Net unrealised gains from foreign currency translation 
Total accrued expenses

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
1,724
74
4
1,338
–
9
3,149

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
188
15,871
4,553
7,542
7,291
12,298
47,743

2020
2,469
16
–
1,633
6
16
4,140

2020
215
7,097
3,779
4,293
6,360
6,991
28,735

224

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Following the publication of circular letter 37a by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration in May 2018, the Company has recognised a provision 
of CHF 13,563 thousand (2020: CHF 7,848 thousand) that relates to the Company’s employees Performance Share Plan, of which CHF 6,975 
thousand (2020: CHF 3,672 thousand) is short term and is disclosed in the line item Management Incentive Plan and Performance Share Plan 
for own employees; while CHF 6,588 thousand (2020: CHF 4,176 thousand) is long term and disclosed in Note 2.5, ‘Provisions’. The provision 
for acquiring treasury shares to satisfy subsidiaries’ Performance Share Plan rights amounts to CHF 16,117 thousand (2020: CHF 10,152 
thousand) of which CHF 7,542 thousand (2020: CHF 4,293 thousand) is short term and disclosed in accrued expenses while CHF 8,575 
thousand (2020: CHF 5,859 thousand) is long term and disclosed in Note 2.5, ‘Provisions’.

2.4 Long‑term interest‑bearing liabilities

Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V., Amsterdam
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
204,482
204,482

2020
223,668
223,668

Long‑term interest‑bearing liabilities comprise loans from Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. received in 2019, 2020 and 2021 for CHF 184,637 
thousand (2020: CHF 207,577 thousand) maturing on 8 November 2024; and CHF 19,845 thousand (2020: CHF 16,091 thousand) maturing 
21 November 2029.

2.5 Provisions

Long-term Incentive Plan
Provision for acquiring treasury shares to satisfy subsidiaries’ Performance Share Plan rights (refer to Note 2.3)
Performance Share Plan Coca‑Cola HBC AG employees (refer to Note 2.3)
Provision for social security costs of Performance Share Plan
Provisions

As at 31 December
CHF thousands

2021
330
8,575
6,588
494
15,987

2020
171
5,859
4,176
313
10,519

2.6 Share capital

Share capital as at 1 January 2020
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options
Share capital as at 31 December 2020

Share capital as at 1 January 2021
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options
Share capital as at 31 December 2021

Number of shares

Nominal value

Total

369,930,157
582,440
370,512,597

CHF
6,70
6,70
6,70

CHF thousands
2,478,532
3,902
2,482,434

Number of shares

Nominal value

Total

370,512,597
1,282,821
371,795,418

CHF
6,70
6,70
6,70

CHF thousands
2,482,434
8,595
2,491,029

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

225

2. Information relating to the balance sheet and statement of income continued

2.7 Treasury shares
The number of treasury shares held by Coca‑Cola HBC AG and its subsidiaries qualifying under article 659b of the Swiss Code of Obligations 
and their movements are as follows:

Treasury shares (held by subsidiaries)

Total treasury shares as at 31 December 2020

Number of shares

3,430,135

Acquisition cost
per share
CHF
 24,8673 

Total
CHF thousands
85,298

Total treasury shares as at 31 December 2021

3,430,135

 24,8673 

85,298

Treasury shares held by the Company

Treasury shares held by the Company as at 1 January 2020
Vested PSP shares1
Treasury shares held by the Company as at 31 December 2020

Treasury shares held by the Company as at 1 January 2021
Vested PSP shares2
Treasury shares held by the Company as at 31 December 2021

Number of shares

Acquisition cost
per share

3,228,098
(468,818)
2,759,280

2,759,280
(294,832)
2,464,448

CHF
 35,3599 
35,0561 
35,4115 

35,4115 
34,6160 
35,5066 

Total

CHF thousands
(114,145)
16,435
(97,710)

(97,710)
10,206
(87,504)

1.  In March 2020, following the vesting of the 2017 PSP plan, 468,818 treasury shares were transferred to relevant participants.
2.  In April 2021, following the vesting of the 2018 PSP plan, 294,832 treasury shares were transferred to relevant participants.

2.8 Shareholders’ equity

Balance as at 1 January 2020
Shares issued to employees exercising 
stock options
Dividends
Vested PSP shares
Loss for the year
Balance as at 31 December 2020

Balance as at 1 January 2021
Shares issued to employees exercising 
stock options
Dividends2
Vested PSP shares
Loss for the year
Balance as at 31 December 2021

Share capital

Legal capital reserves
Reserves
from capital 
contributions

Reserves for 
treasury
shares1

Retained earnings/
(accumulated 
losses)

Treasury shares

Total

2,478,532

4,470,097

85,298

42,803

(114,145)

6,962,585

CHF thousands

3,902
–
–
–
2,482,434

4,260
(244,737)
–
–
4,229,620

–
–
–
–
85,298

–
–
–
(24,543)
18,260

–
–
16,435
–
(97,710)

8,162
(244,737)
16,435
(24,543)
6,717,902

2,482,434

4,229,620

85,298

18,260

(97,710)

6,717,902

8,595
–
–
–
2,491,029

12,708
(260,250)
–
–
3,982,078

–
–
–
–
85,298

–
–
–
(33,852)
(15,592)

–
–
10,206
–
(87,504)

21,303
(260,250)
10,206
(33,852)
6,455,309

1.  Represents the book value of treasury shares held by subsidiaries.
2.  On 22 June 2021 the shareholders of the Company at the Annual General Meeting approved the distribution of a gross dividend of €0.64 (2020: €0.62) on each ordinary registered 

share. The dividend was paid on 3 August 2021 and amounted to CHF 260,250 thousand (2020: CHF 244,737 thousand paid 28 July 2020).

226

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

2.9 Other operating income

Management fees
Guarantee fee
Total other operating income

2021

2020

CHF thousands

35,488
2,832
38,320

20,971
2,967
23,938

Management fees relate to service income earned from services provided to the Company’s direct and indirect participations, where 
of CHF 3,431 thousand is true‑up from prior year.

Guarantee fee is the income the Company receives for the services provided as guarantor to Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. and Nigerian 
Bottling Company Ltd.

2.10 Employee costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pensions and employee benefits
Total employee costs

2021

2020

CHF thousands

21,422
3,172
23,684
48,278

12,858
2,853
11,717
27,428

Pension and employee benefits mainly include Performance Share Plan expenses for CCHBC AG employees in the amount of CHF 18,999 
thousand (2020: CHF 6,458 thousand). Refer to Note 2.3 for more information.

2.11 Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses amounting to CHF 16,585 thousand for 2021 (2020: CHF 13,114 thousand) mainly include CHF 14,352 thousand 
(2020: CHF 11,323 thousand) for management fees to CCB Management Services GmbH, whereof CHF 1,121 thousand is true‑up from 
prior year.

3. Other information

3.1 Net release of hidden reserves
No hidden reserves were released for the years ended 31 December 2021 or 31 December 2020.

3.2 Number of employees
In 2021 and 2020, on an annual average basis, the number of full-time-equivalent employees did not exceed 50.

3.3 Contingent liabilities
Euro medium‑term note programmes
In June 2013, the Group established a new €3.0bn Euro medium-term note programme (the ‘EMTN programme’). The EMTN programme 
was updated in September 2014, September 2015 and April 2019, when it was increased to €5.0bn. The EMTN programme was further 
updated in April 2020 and September 2021. Notes are issued under the EMTN programme through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary 
Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V., a private limited liability company established under the laws of the Netherlands, and are fully, unconditionally 
and irrevocably guaranteed by the Company.

In March 2016, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. issued €600m, 1.875%, Euro‑denominated notes due in November 2024, which are guaranteed 
by the Company.

In May 2019, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. issued €700m, 1%, Euro‑denominated notes due in May 2027 and also issued €600m, 1.625%, 
Euro-denominated notes due in May 2031, both of which are guaranteed by the Company.

In November 2019, Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. completed the issue of a €500m Euro‑denominated fixed rate bond maturing in November 
2029 with a coupon rate of 0.625%, which is guaranteed by the Company.

As at 31 December 2021, a total of €2.4bn (2020: €2.4bn) in notes issued under the EMTN programme were outstanding. 

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

227

3. Other information continued
Committed credit facilities
In April 2019, the Group updated its then-existing €500.0m syndicated revolving credit facility (the ‘RCF’), which was set to expire in June 
2021. The updated RCF was increased to €800.0m and extended to April 2024 with the option to be further extended for up to two years until 
April 2026. Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. exercised its extension option and the RCF has been extended to April 2026. The RCF can be used 
for general corporate purposes and carries floating interest rates. No amounts have been drawn under the RCF since its inception. The 
borrower under the RCF is the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. and any amounts drawn under the RCF are 
fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by the Company.

Commercial paper programme 
In October 2013 the Group established a new €1.0bn Euro commercial paper programme (the ‘ECP Programme’). The ECP Programme was 
updated in September 2014, May 2017 and May 2020. Notes are issued under the ECP Programme by Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. and 
guaranteed by the Company. The outstanding amount under the ECP Programme was €235m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: €200m).

Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd 
In December 2019 the Group established an amortising loan facility of US dollar 85m with maturity in December 2027. The purpose of the 
facility is to finance the purchase of production equipment by Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd., the Group’s subsidiary in Nigeria. Over the 
course of 2020 and 2021, the facility has been drawn down for approximately US dollar 78m. The obligations under this facility are guaranteed 
by the Company.

Credit support provider
On 18 July 2013, the Company signed as credit support provider to J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Credit Suisse International, Credit Suisse AG, 
ING Bank N.V., Societe Generale, Merrill Lynch International and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for 
the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreements.1

On 24 July 2013, the Company signed as credit support provider to the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, in favour of Coca‑Cola 
HBC Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 8 August 2013, the Company signed as credit support provider to Citibank N.A. in favour of CCHBC Bulgaria AD for the obligations as 
defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 8 August 2013, the Company signed as credit support provider to Citibank N.A. in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for the 
obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 24 June 2014, the Company signed as credit support provider to Intesa Sanpaolo S.pA. in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for the 
obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 5 October 2015, the Company signed as credit support provider to Macquarie Bank International Limited in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 22 June 2016, the Company signed as credit support provider to UniCredit Bank AG in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for the 
obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 31 August 2016, the Company signed as credit support provider to BNP Paribas in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for the 
obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 1 November 2017, the Company signed as credit support provider to Goldman Sachs Global International in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 22 December 2017, the Company signed as credit support provider to Citigroup Global Markets Limited in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 14 February 2018, the Company signed as credit support provider to Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 25 March 2019, the Company signed as credit support provider to Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 1 July 2019, the Company signed as credit support provider to Credit Suisse Securities, Sociedad de Valores, S.A. in favour of Coca-Cola 
HBC Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 10 July 2019, the Company signed as credit support provider to Macquarie Bank Limited (London Branch) in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 12 November 2019, the Company signed as credit support provider to UBS AG in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for the 
obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 2 November 2020, the Company signed as credit support provider to J.P. Morgan AG in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC Finance B.V. for the 
obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

On 13 November 2020, the Company signed as credit support provider to Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE in favour of Coca‑Cola HBC 
Finance B.V. for the obligations as defined in the ISDA Master Agreement.1

1.  The ISDA (International Swap Dealers Association) Master Agreement is a standardised form issued by the International Swap Dealers Association Inc. to be used for credit 

support transactions.

228

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

3.4 Significant shareholders
As at 31 December 2021 and 2020, there were two shareholders exceeding the threshold of 5% voting rights in the Company’s share capital.
Percentage of 
outstanding share 
capital2
23.4%
23.3%
23.4%
21.4%

Total Kar‑Tess Holding
Total Kar‑Tess Holding
Total shareholdings related to The Coca-Cola Company
Total shareholdings related to The Coca-Cola Company

Percentage of 
issued share 
capital1
23.0%
23.0%
23.0%
21.0%

Number of shares
85,355,019
85,355,019
85,112,078
78,252,731

Date
31.12.2020 
31.12.2021 
31.12.2020 
31.12.2021 

1.  Basis: total issued share capital including treasury shares. Share basis 371,795,418 as at 31 December 2021 (2020: 370,512,597).
2.  Basis: total issued share capital excluding treasury shares. Share basis 365,900,835 as at 31 December 2021 (2020: 364,323,182).

3.5 Shareholdings, conversion and option rights
The table below sets out a comparison of the interests in the Company’s total issued share capital that the members of the Board of Directors 
(‘Directors’) and Executive Leadership Team hold (all of which, unless otherwise stated, are beneficial interests or are interests of a person 
connected with a Director or a member of the Executive Leadership Team) and the interests in the Company’s share capital.
31 December 2020
Percentage of 
issued share
capital 

31 December 2021
Percentage of 
issued share 
capital1

Percentage of 
outstanding
share capital2

Percentage of 
outstanding
share capital 

Number of
shares

Number of
shares

Directors
Anastassis G. David3
Zoran Bogdanovic
Charlotte J. Boyle
Henrique Braun4
Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha
Anna Diamantopoulou
William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Reto Francioni
Anastasios I. Leventis5
Christo Leventis6
Alexandra Papalexopoulou
Bruno Pietracci7
José Octavio Reyes8
Alfredo Rivera9
Ryan Rudolph

Executive Leadership Team
Minas Agelidis
Mourad Ajarti 
Ben Almanzar10
Jan Gustavsson 
Michael Imellos11
Nikos Kalaitzidakis
Naya Kalogeraki
Martin Marcel 
Spyros Mello12
Vitaliy Novikov
Sean O’Neill
Sanda Parezanovic
Barbara Tönz13

Footnotes are presented at the end of Note 3.5.

–
193,729
1,017
–
–
–
10,000
7,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Number of
shares

50,112
12,496
636
169,298
–
44,286
49,127
102,403
37,055
29,818
3,132
80,442
3,020

–
0.05%
0.00%
–
–
–
0.00%
0.00%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
0.05%
0.00%
–
–
–
0.00%
0.00%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Percentage of 
issued share
capital1

Percentage of 
outstanding
share capital2

0.01%
0.00%
0.00%
0.05%
–
0.01%
0.01%
0.03%
0.01%
0.01%
0.00%
0.02%
0.00%

0.01%
0.00%
0.00%
0.05%
–
0.01%
0.01%
0.03%
0.01%
0.01%
0.00%
0.02%
0.00%

–
144,113
1,017
–
–
–
10,000
7,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Number of
shares

42,492
10,716
–
144,343
156,970
35,409
35,864
82,212
–
30,797
1,805
68,817
–

–
0.04%
0.00%
–
–
–
0.00%
0.00%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
0.04%
0.00%
–
–
–
0.00%
0.00%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Percentage of 
issued share
capital 

Percentage of 
outstanding
share capital

0.01%
0.00%
–
0.04%
0.04%
0.01%
0.01%
0.02%
–
0.01%
0.00%
0.02%
–

0.01%
0.00%
–
0.04%
0.04%
0.01%
0.01%
0.02%
–
0.01%
0.00%
0.02%
–

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

229

3. Other information continued
The following table sets out information regarding the stock options and performance shares held by members of the Executive Leadership 
Team as at 31 December 2021:

Zoran Bogdanovic14
Minas Agelidis
Mourad Ajarti 
Ben Almanzar10 
Jan Gustavsson 
Michael Imellos10 
Nikos Kalaitzidakis
Naya Kalogeraki
Martin Marcel 
Spyros Mello12
Vitaliy Novikov
Sean O’Neill 
Sanda Parezanovic
Barbara Tönz13 

Stock options (ESOP)

Number of
stock options
162,477
–
–
–
302,658
–
11,680
47,784
38,151
–
15,927
–
30,794
–

Already vested
162,477
–
–
–
302,658
–
11,680
47,784
38,151
–
15,927
–
30,794
–

Vesting at the
end of 2021
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Performance shares (PSP)
Unvested and subject 
to performance 
conditions
327,430
63,427
36,329
45,192
85,483
81,564
64,995
92,099
73,791
37,300
53,966
43,945
68,034
–

Granted in 2021
97,206
19,093
13,928
45,192
25,169
28,009
19,139
37,728
21,722
11,006
18,902
12,473
20,032
–

Vested
48,829
6,046
–
–
12,790
14,239
6,825
10,494
11,046
5,541
7,100
–
9,897
–

1.  Basis: total issued share capital including treasury shares. Share basis 371,795,418 as at 31 December 2021 (2020: 370,512,597).
2.  Basis: total issued share capital excluding treasury shares. Share basis 365,900,835 as at 31 December 2021 (2020: 364,323,182).
3.  Anastassis G. David is a beneficiary of:

(a) a private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 85,355,019 shares held by Kar‑Tess Holding and
(b) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest 
with respect to 832,268 shares held by Ari Holdings Limited.

4.  Mr. Henrique Braun was appointed to the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021.
5.  Anastasios I. Leventis is a beneficiary of:

(a) a private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 85,355,019 shares held by Kar‑Tess Holding and 
(b) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest 
with respect to 286,880 shares held by its trustee, Selene Treuhand AG and
(c) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Avgie Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 2,138,277 shares held by Carlcan Holding Limited.

6.  Christo Leventis is a beneficiary of:

(a) a private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 85,355,019 shares held by Kar‑Tess Holding and
(b) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Anastasios George Leventis, that has an indirect interest 
with respect to 482,228 shares held by its trustee, Selene Treuhand AG and
(c) a further private discretionary trust, for the primary benefit of present and future members of the family of the late Avgie Leventis, that has an indirect interest with respect 
to 2,138,277 shares held by Carlcan Holding Limited.

7.  Mr. Bruno Pietracci was appointed to the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021.
8.  Mr. Jose Octavio Reyes retired from the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021.
9.  Mr. Alfredo Riveria retired from the Borad of Directors on 22 June 2021.
10.  Mr. Ben Almanzar joined the Executive Leadership Team on 1 February 2021.
11.  Mr. Michael Imellos’ employment ceased on 30 June 2021.
12.  Mr. Spyros Mello joined the Executive Leadership Team on 1 November 2021.
13.  Mrs. Barbara Tönz joined the Executive Leadership Team on 1 May 2021.
14.  The Remuneration Committee determined at its meeting in 15 March 2022 that, in line with the terms of the PSP, PSP awards granted to Zoran Bogdanovic in 2019 vested over 

in aggregate 69,759 shares (including the dividend equivalent shares paid on PSP shares that vested in 2022).

230

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

3.6 Fees paid to the auditor
The audit and other fees paid to the auditor are disclosed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

3.7 Conditional capital
On 25 April 2013, the shareholders’ meeting agreed to the creation of conditional capital in the maximum amount of CHF 245,601 thousand, 
through issuance of a maximum of 36,657 thousand fully paid‑in registered shares with a par value of CHF 6.70 each upon exercise of options 
issued to members of the Board of Directors, members of the management, employees or advisers of the Company, its subsidiaries and 
other affiliated companies. The share capital of CHF 2,491,029 thousand as disclosed in the balance sheet differs from the share capital in 
the commercial register of CHF 2,482,434 thousand as per 31 December 2021 due to the exercise of management options in the course 
of financial year 2021.

Conditional capital
Agreed conditional capital as per shareholders’ meeting on 25 April 2013
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options up until 31 December 2016
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options in 2017
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options in 2018
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options in 2019
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options in 2020
Remaining conditional capital as at 31 December 2020
Shares issued to employees exercising stock options in 2021
Remaining conditional capital as at 31 December 2021

Number of shares
36,656,843
(3,149,493)
(4,122,401)
(1,064,190)
(1,352,731)
(582,440)
26,385,588
(1,282,821)
25,102,767

Book value per 
share CHF
6.70 
6.70 
6.70 
6.70 
6.70 
6.70 
6.70
6.70 
6.70

Total CHF
thousand
245,601
(21,102)
(27,620)
(7,130)
(9,063)
(3,902)
176,784
(8,595)
168,189

4. Subsequent events
The subsequent events in relation to financial year ended 31 December 2021 are disclosed in Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

231

Proposed appropriation of reserves/declaration of dividend

1. Total available reserves
Available reserves
Balance brought forward from previous years
Net loss for the year
Total accumulated losses to be carried forward

Reserves from capital contributions before distribution

Total available reserves

CHF thousands
18,260
(33,852)
(15,592)

3,982,078

3,966,486

2. Proposed declaration of dividend from reserves
The Board of Directors proposes to declare a gross dividend of €0.71 on each ordinary registered share with a par value of CHF 6.70 from 
the general capital contribution reserve. Own shares held directly by the Company are not entitled to dividends. The total aggregate amount 
of the dividends shall be capped at an amount of CHF 300,000 thousand (the ‘Cap’), and thus will reduce the general capital contribution 
reserve of CHF 3,982,078 thousand, as shown in the financial statements as at 31 December 2021, by a maximum of CHF 300,000 thousand. 
To the extent that the dividend calculated on €0.71 per share would exceed the Cap on the day of the Annual General Meeting, due to the 
exchange rate determined by the Board of Directors in its reasonable opinion, the Euro per share amount of the dividend shall be reduced 
on a pro‑rata basis so that the aggregate amount of all dividends paid does not exceed the Cap. Payment of the dividend shall be made 
at such time and with such record date as shall be determined by the Annual General Meeting and the Board of Directors.

3. Proposed appropriation of reserves/declaration of dividend
Variant 1: Dividend of €0.71 at current exchange rate

As at 31 December 2021
Reserves from capital contributions before distribution
Proposed dividend of €0.711
Reserves from capital contributions after distribution

Variant 2: Dividend if Cap is triggered

As of 31 December 2021
Reserves from capital contributions before distribution
(Maximum) dividend if cap is triggered2
(Minimum) reserves from capital contributions after distribution

1.  Illustrative at an exchange rate of CHF 1.07 per EUR. Assumes that the shares entitled to a dividend amount to 369,330,970.
2.  Dividend is capped at a total aggregate amount of CHF 300,000 thousand.

CHF thousands
3,982,078
(280,581)
3,701,497

CHF thousands
3,982,078
(300,000)
3,682,078

232

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Report of the statutory auditor 
to the General Meeting of 
Coca-Cola HBC AG 
Steinhausen (Zug)

Report of the statutory auditor to the General Meeting 
on the remuneration report 2021
We have audited the remuneration report of Coca-Cola HBC AG for the year ended 31 December 2021. The audit was limited to the information 
according to articles 14–16 of the Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Stock Exchange Listed Companies (Ordinance) on pages 
233 to 236 of the remuneration report.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and overall fair presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with Swiss 
law and the Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Stock Exchange Listed Companies (Ordinance). The Board of Directors is also 
responsible for designing the remuneration system and defining individual remuneration packages.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report. We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss Auditing Standards. 
Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the remuneration report complies with Swiss law and articles 14–16 of the Ordinance.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence on the disclosures made in the remuneration report with regard to 
compensation, loans and credits in accordance with articles 14–16 of the Ordinance. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s 
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatements in the remuneration report, whether due to fraud or error. 
This audit also includes evaluating the reasonableness of the methods applied to value components of remuneration, as well as assessing 
the overall presentation of the remuneration report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Coca-Cola HBC AG for the year ended 31 December 2021 complies with Swiss law and articles 
14–16 of the Ordinance.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Sandra Boehm Uglow
Audit Expert
Auditor In Charge

Zurich, 23 March 2022

Mei Ling Ow
Audit Expert

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

233

Statutory Remuneration Report

Additional disclosures regarding the Statutory Remuneration Report
The section below is in line with the Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed Stock Companies, which requires disclosure 
of the elements of compensation paid to the Company’s Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership Team (formerly known as the 
Operating Committee). The amounts relate to the calendar years of 2021 and 2020. In the information presented below, the exchange rate 
used for conversion of 2021 remuneration data from Euro to CHF is 1/1.0833 and the exchange rate used for conversion of 2020 
remuneration data from Euro to CHF is 1/1.0689.

As the Company is headquartered in Switzerland, it is required for statutory purposes to present compensation data for two consecutive 
years, 2021 and 2020. The applicable methodology used to calculate the value of stock option and performance shares follows Swiss Standards. 
In 2021 and 2020, the fair value of performance shares from the 2021 and 2020 grants is calculated based on the performance share awards 
that are expected to vest. Below is the relevant information for Swiss statutory purposes.

The Statutory Remuneration Report should be read in conjunction with the Directors’ remuneration report presented in the Integrated 
Annual Report as the qualitative aspects of remuneration policy are described therein.

Remuneration for acting members of governing bodies
The Company’s Directors believe that the level of remuneration offered to Directors and the members of the Executive Leadership Team 
should reflect their experience and responsibility as determined by, among other factors, a comparison with similar multinational companies 
and should be sufficient to attract and retain high-calibre Directors who will lead the Group successfully. In line with the Group’s commitment 
to maximise shareholder value, its policy is to link a significant proportion of remuneration for its Executive Leadership Team to the performance 
of the business through short- and long-term incentives. Therefore, the Executive Leadership Team members’ financial interests are closely 
aligned with those of the Company’s shareholders through the equity-related long-term compensation plan.

The total remuneration of the Directors and members of the Executive Leadership Team of the Company, including performance share 
grants, during 2021 amounted to CHF 27.6m (2020: CHF 22.4m). Out of this, the amount relating to the expected value of performance 
share awards granted in relation to 2021 was CHF 5.5m (2020: CHF 4.5m). Pension and post‑employment benefits for Directors and the 
Executive Leadership Team of the Company during 2021 amounted to CHF 1.0m (2020: CHF 0.9m).

234

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Remuneration of the Board of Directors

Anastassis G. David
Zoran Bogdanovic2
Charlotte J. Boyle
Henrique Braun3
Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha4
Anna Diamantopoulou5
William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Reto Francioni6
Anastasios I. Leventis
Christo Leventis
Alexandra Papalexopoulou 
Bruno Pietracci7
José Octavio Reyes8
Alfredo Rivera9
Ryan Rudolph10
Total Board of Directors

Fees
79,623
–
98,472
39,811
95,330
98,472
110,930
115,588
92,189
79,623
95,330
42,953
42,953
39,811
79,623
1,110,708

Cash and
non-cash
benefits1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2021 CHF

Cash
performance 
incentives
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Pension and 
post-employment 
benefits
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total fair value of 
stock options at 
the date granted
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total 
compensation
79,623
–
98,472
39,811
95,330
98,472
110,930
115,588
92,189
79,623
95,330
42,953
42,953
39,811
79,623
1,110,708

1.  Cash and non‑cash benefits consist of cost‑of‑living allowance, housing support, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Private Medical Insurance Relocation Expenses, Home Trip Allowance, 

lump sum expenses and similar allowances.

2.  Zoran Bogdanovic’s compensation was based on his role as CEO, member of the Executive Leadership Team, and his employment agreement. Zoran Bogdanovic was not entitled 

and did not receive additional compensation as a Director.

3.  Henrique Braun was appointed to the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group has applied a half‑year period fee of CHF 39,811. On top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 3,237 

in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation

4.  For Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha, on top of her fees, the Group paid CHF 7,752 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
5.  For Anna Diamantopoulou, on top of her fees, the Group paid CHF 8,008 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
6.  For Reto Francioni, on top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 6,932 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
7.  Bruno Pietracci was appointed to the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group has applied a half‑year period fee of CHF 42,953. On top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 3,493 

in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.

8.  José Octavio Reyes retired from the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group has applied a half‑year period base fee of CHF 42,953. On top of his fees, the Group paid 

CHF 2,436 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.

9.  Alfredo Rivera retired from the Board of Directors on 22 June 2021. The Group has applied a half‑year period base fee of CHF 39,811.
10.  For Ryan Rudolph, on top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 6,475 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive plans, nor do they receive any retirement benefits.

 
INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

235

Remuneration of the Board of Directors

Anastassis G. David
Zoran Bogdanovic2
Charlotte J. Boyle
Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha3
Anna Diamantopoulou4
William W. (Bill) Douglas III
Reto Francioni5
Anastasios I. Leventis
Christo Leventis
Alexandra Papalexopoulou6
José Octavio Reyes7
Alfredo Rivera
Ryan Rudolph8
John P. Sechi9
Total Board of Directors

Fees
78,564
–
94,063
94,063
48,582
109,455
114,052
90,963
78,564
98,713
84,764
78,564
78,564
47,032
1,095,943

Cash and
non-cash
benefits1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2020 CHF

Cash
performance 
incentives
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Pension and 
post-employment 
benefits
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total fair value of 
performance shares 
at the date granted
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total 
compensation
78,564
–
94,063
94,063
48,582
109,455
114,052
90,963
78,564
98,713
84,764
78,564
78,564
47,032
1,095,943

1.  Allowances consist of cost of living allowance, housing support, employee share purchase plan, private medical insurance, relocation expenses, home trip allowance, lump sum 

expenses and similar allowances.

2.  Zoran Bogdanovic’s compensation was based on his role as CEO, member of the Executive Leadership Team, and his employment agreement. Zoran Bogdanovic was not entitled 

and did not receive additional compensation as a Director.

3.  For Olusola (Sola) David‑Borha, on top of her fees, the Group paid CHF 7,625 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
4.  Anna Diamantopoulou was appointed to the Board of Directors on 16 June 2020. The Group has applied a half‑year period fee of CHF 48,582. On top of her fees, the Group paid 

CHF 3,939 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.

5.  For Reto Francioni, on top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 8,230 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
6.  For Alexandra Papalexopoulou, on top of her fees, the Group paid CHF 3,488 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
7.  For José Octavio Reyes, on top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 4,763 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
8.  For Ryan Rudolph, on top of his fees, the Group paid CHF 6,369 in social security contributions as required by Swiss legislation.
9.  John P. Sechi retired from the Board of Directors on 16 June 2020. The Group has applied a half‑year period base fee of CHF 47,032.

Non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive plans, nor do they receive any retirement benefits.

 
 
236

COCA-COLA HBC

Swiss statutory reporting continued

Remuneration of the Executive Leadership Team
The total remuneration paid to or accrued for the Executive Leadership Team for 2021 amounted to CHF 26.4m.

Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer
Other current members6
Former members7
Total Executive Leadership Team

2021 CHF

Base salary1
873,862
4,745,415
581,082
6,200,359

Cash 
and non-cash
benefits2
956,346
6,881,649
281,445
8,119,440

Annual bonus 
accrual3
992,326
4,324,931
263,227
5,580,484

Pension and 
post-employment 
benefits4
150,796
814,544
51,623
1,016,963

Total fair value of 
performance shares 
at the date granted5
1,553,290
3,973,231
-
5,526,521

Total
remuneration
4,526,620
20,739,770
1,177,377
26,443,767

1.  Base salary includes non‑compete payments in 2021 to former members of the Executive Leadership Team.
2.  Cash and non-cash benefits consist of cost-of-living allowance, housing support, schooling, employee share purchase plan, private medical insurance, relocation expenses, home 

trip allowance, employer social security contributions, lump sum expenses, all paid and unpaid sign-on bonus, equalisation amounts and similar allowances.

3.  The annual bonus accrual for 2021 includes the accrued Management Incentive Plan (MIP) payout, receivable early in 2022 for the 2021 business performance, including amount 

deferred in shares, employer social security contribution and gross‑up for the tax benefit, of CHF 5,580,484. The monetary value that was paid in 2021 under the MIP reflecting the 
2020 business performance is approx. CHF 2,139,756.

4.  Members of the Executive Leadership Team participate in the pension plan of their employing entity, as appropriate.
5.  Values under long-term incentives represent the fair value of performance shares that are expected to vest for the 2021 grant in order to comply with Swiss reporting guidelines.
6.  Ben Almanzar was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer on 1 February 2021. Barbara Tönz was appointed to the role of Chief Customer and Commercial Officer on 1 May 

2021. Spyros Mello was appointed to the role of Strategy and Transformation Director on 1 November 2021.

7.  Michalis Imellos’ s employment ceased on 30 June 2021.

The total remuneration paid to or accrued for the Executive Leadership Team for 2020 amounted to CHF 21.3m.

Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer
Other members5
Total Executive Leadership Team

2020 CHF

Base salary
844,431
5,216,319
6,060,750

Cash
and non-cash
benefits1
730,070
5,926,381
6,656,451

Cash
performance
incentives2
611,368
2,548,950
3,160,318

Pension and 
post-employment 
benefits3
150,885
751,594
902,479

Total fair value of 
performance shares 
at the date granted4
1,532,642
2,972,080
4,504,722

Total
remuneration
3,869,396
17,415,324
21,284,720

1.  Cash and non-cash benefits consist of cost-of-living allowance, housing support, schooling, employee share purchase plan, private medical insurance, relocation expenses, home 

trip allowance, employer social security contributions, lump sum expenses and similar allowances.

2.  The cash performance incentives represent the monetary value that was paid under MIP in 2020 reflecting the 2019 business performance.
3.  Members of the Executive Leadership Team participate in the pension plan of their employing entity, as appropriate.
4.  Values under long-term incentives represent the fair value of performance shares that are expected to vest for the 2020 grant in order to comply with Swiss reporting guidelines.
5.  Naya Kalogeraki was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer on 1 September 2020. Vitaliy Novikov was appointed to the role of Group Commercial & Customer Director 

on 1 September 2020. Alain Brouhard’s employment ceased on 30 June 2020.

Credits and loans granted to governing bodies
In 2021, similar to 2020, there were no credits or loans granted to active or former members of the Company’s Board of Directors, members 
of the Executive Leadership Team or to any related persons. There are no outstanding credits or loans.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

237

Definitions and reconciliations of 
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)

1. Comparable APMs1
In discussing the performance of the Group, ‘comparable’ measures are used, which are calculated by deducting from the directly reconcilable 
IFRS measures the impact of the Group’s restructuring costs, the mark-to-market valuation of the commodity hedging activity, acquisition 
and integration costs and certain other tax items, which are collectively considered as items impacting comparability, due to their nature. 
More specifically, the following items are considered as items that impact comparability:

1. Restructuring costs
Restructuring costs comprise costs arising from significant changes in the way the Group conducts business, such as significant supply chain 
infrastructure changes, outsourcing of activities and centralisation of processes. These costs are included within the income statement line 
‘Operating expenses’. However, they are excluded from the comparable results so that the users can obtain a better understanding of the 
Group’s operating and financial performance achieved from underlying activity.

2. Commodity hedging
The Group has entered into certain commodity derivative transactions in order to hedge its exposure to commodity price risk. Although 
these transactions are economic hedging activities that aim to manage our exposure to sugar, aluminium, gas oil and plastics price volatility, 
hedge accounting has not been applied in all cases. In addition, the Group recognises certain derivatives embedded within commodity 
purchase contracts that have been accounted for as stand-alone derivatives and do not qualify for hedge accounting. The fair value gains 
and losses on the derivatives and embedded derivatives are immediately recognised in the income statement in the cost of goods sold and 
operating expenses line items. The Group’s comparable results exclude the gains or losses resulting from the mark-to-market valuation 
of those derivatives to which hedge accounting has not been applied (primarily plastics) and embedded derivatives. These gains or losses 
are reflected in the comparable results in the period when the underlying transactions occur, to match the profit or loss to that of the 
corresponding underlying transactions. We believe this adjustment provides useful information related to the impact of our economic risk 
management activities.

3. Acquisition and integration costs
Acquisition costs comprise costs incurred to effect a business combination such as finder’s, advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other 
professional or consulting fees as well as changes in the fair value of contingent consideration recorded in the income statement. Integration 
costs comprise direct incremental costs necessary for the acquiree to operate within the Group. These costs are included within the income 
statement line ‘Operating expenses’. However, to the extent that they relate to business combinations that have completed or are expected 
to be completed, they are excluded from the comparable results so that users can obtain a better understanding of the Group’s operating 
and financial performance achieved from underlying activity.

4. Other tax items
Other tax items represent the tax impact of (a) changes in income tax rates affecting the opening balance of deferred tax arising during 
the year and (b) certain tax‑related matters selected based on their nature. Both (a) and (b) are excluded from comparable after‑tax results 
so that users can obtain a better understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance.

1.  Comparable APMs refer to comparable cost of goods sold, comparable gross profit, comparable operating expenses, comparable EBIT, comparable EBIT margin, comparable 

Adjusted EBITDA, comparable tax, comparable net profit and comparable EPS.

The Group discloses comparable performance measures to enable users to focus on the underlying performance of the business on a basis 
which is common to both periods for which these measures are presented.

238

COCA-COLA HBC

Alternative performance measures continued

The reconciliation of comparable measures to the directly related measures calculated in accordance with IFRS is as follows:

Reconciliation of comparable financial indicators (numbers in € million except per share data)
2021

As reported
Restructuring costs
Commodity hedging
Acquisition and integration costs
Other tax items
Comparable

As reported
Restructuring costs
Commodity hedging
Other tax items3
Comparable

Figures are rounded.

Cost of
goods sold
(4,570)
–
(4)
–
–
(4,574)

Cost of
goods sold
(3,810)
–
2
–
(3,809)

Gross profit
2,598
–
(4)
–
–
(2,594)

Gross profit
2,322
–
2
–
2,323

Operating 
expenses
(1,833)
21
–
14
–
(1,798)

Operating 
expenses
(1,682)
10
–
–
(1,672)

EBIT
799
21
(4)
14
–
831

2020

EBIT2
661
10
2
–
672

Adjusted 
EBITDA
1,152
21
(4)
14
–
1,183

Adjusted 
EBITDA
1,059
10
2
–
1,071

Tax
(187)
(5)
1
–
3
(188)

Tax
(179)
(2)
–
7
(174)

Net profit1
547
17
(3)
14
3
578

Net profit1
415
8
1
7
431

EPS (€)
1.499
0.045
(0.008)
0.039
0.009
1.584

EPS (€)
1.140
0.022
0.004
0.019
1.185

1.  Net profit and comparable net profit refer to net profit and comparable net profit respectively after tax attributable to owners of the parent.
2.  EBIT for 2020 includes €0.2 million from restructuring within share of results of integral equity method investments.
3.  Other tax items for 2020 include €7.2 million regarding net impact from the settlement of the transfer pricing audit for years 2011-2019 in Nigeria (detailed in the ‘Other supplementary 

information’ section).

Reconciliation of comparable EBIT per reportable segment (numbers in € million)

EBIT
Restructuring costs
Commodity hedging
Acquisition costs
Comparable EBIT

EBIT4
Restructuring costs
Commodity hedging
Comparable EBIT

Figures are rounded.

Established
286
15
(3)
3
301

Established
203
6
–
209

2021

Developing
105
3
(4)
3
107

2020

Developing
97
4
1
102

Emerging
409
3
3
8
424

Emerging
360
1
–
361

Consolidated
799
21
(4)
14
831

Consolidated
661
10
2
672

4.  EBIT for 2020 includes €0.2 million from restructuring within share of results of integral equity method investments.

2. FX‑neutral APMs
The Group also evaluates its operating and financial performance on an FX-neutral basis (i.e. without giving effect to the impact of variation 
of foreign currency exchange rates from year to year). FX-neutral APMs are calculated by adjusting prior year amounts for the impact of 
exchange rates applicable to the current year. FX-neutral measures enable users to focus on the performance of the business on a basis 
which is not affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to the Group’s operating activities from year to year. 
The most common FX‑neutral measures used by the Group are:

1. FX-neutral net sales revenue and FX-neutral net sales revenue per unit case 

FX-neutral net sales revenue and FX-neutral net sales revenue per unit case are calculated by adjusting prior year net sales revenue for 
the impact of changes in exchange rates applicable in the current year.

2. FX-neutral comparable input costs per unit case 

FX-neutral comparable input costs per unit case is calculated by adjusting prior year commodity costs, and more specifically sugar, resin, 
aluminium and fuel commodity costs, excluding commodity hedging as described above; and other raw materials costs for the impact 
of changes in exchange rates applicable in the current year.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

239

The calculations of the FX-neutral APMs and their reconciliation to the most directly related measures calculated in accordance with IFRS 
is as follows:

Reconciliation of FX-neutral net sales revenue per unit case (numbers in € million unless otherwise stated)

Net sales revenue
Currency impact
FX-neutral net sales revenue
Volume (m unit cases)
FX-neutral net sales revenue per unit case (€)

Net sales revenue
Currency impact
FX-neutral net sales revenue
Volume (m unit cases)
FX-neutral net sales revenue per unit case (€)

Figures are rounded.

Established
2,479
–
2,479
590
4.20

Established
2,175
1
2,176
537
4.05

2021

Developing
1,366
–
1,366
416
3.29

2020

Developing
1,171
(14)
1,157
412
2.81

Reconciliation of FX-neutral input costs per unit case (numbers in € million unless otherwise stated)

Input costs
Commodity hedging
Comparable input costs
Currency impact
FX-neutral comparable input costs (€)
Volume (m unit cases)
FX-neutral comparable input costs per unit case (€)

Figures are rounded.

3. Other APMs

Emerging
3,324
–
3,324
1,407
2.36

Emerging
2,786
(124)
2,662
1,187
2.24

2021
1,955
4
1,959
–
1,959
2,413
0.81

Consolidated
7,168
–
7,168
2,413
2.97

Consolidated
6,132
(137)
5,995
2,136
2.81

2020
1,554
(2)
1,553
10
1,562
2,136
0.73

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to operating profit the depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, the 
amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, the employee share option and performance share costs, and items, if any, reported in the 
line ‘Other non‑cash items’ of the consolidated cash flow statement. Adjusted EBITDA is intended to provide useful information to analyse 
the Group’s operating performance excluding the impact of operating non-cash items as defined above. The Group also uses comparable 
Adjusted EBITDA, which is calculated by deducting from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of the Group’s restructuring costs, acquisition and 
integration costs and the mark‑to‑market valuation of the commodity hedging activity. Comparable Adjusted EBITDA is intended to measure 
the level of financial leverage of the Group by comparing comparable Adjusted EBITDA to Net debt.

Adjusted EBITDA and comparable Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of profitability and liquidity under IFRS and have limitations, some 
of which are as follows: Adjusted EBITDA and comparable Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, 
for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; Adjusted EBITDA and comparable Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash 
requirements for, our working capital needs; although depreciation and amortisation are non‑cash charges, the assets being depreciated 
and amortised will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA and comparable Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash 
requirements for such replacements. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA and comparable Adjusted EBITDA should not be 
considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us and should be used only as supplementary APMs.

Free cash flow
Free cash flow is an APM used by the Group and defined as cash generated by operating activities after payments for purchases of property, 
plant and equipment net of proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and including principal repayments of lease obligations. 
Free cash flow is intended to measure the cash generation from the Group’s business, based on operating activities, including the efficient 
use of working capital and taking into account its net payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment. 

The Group considers the purchase and disposal of property, plant and equipment as ultimately non-discretionary since ongoing investment 
in plant, machinery, technology and marketing equipment, including coolers, is required to support day-to-day operations and the Group’s 
growth prospects. The Group presents free cash flow because it believes the measure assists users of the financial statements in understanding 
the Group’s cash-generating performance as well as the availability for interest payments, dividend distribution and own retention. The free 
cash flow measure is used by management for its own planning and reporting purposes since it provides information on operating cash flows, 
working capital changes and net capital expenditure that local managers are most directly able to influence.

Free cash flow is not a measure of cash generation under IFRS and has limitations, some of which are as follows: free cash flow does not 
represent the Group’s residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures since the Group has debt payment obligations that are not 
deducted from the measure; free cash flow does not deduct cash flows used by the Group in other investing and financing activities and free 
cash flow does not deduct certain items settled in cash. Other companies in the industry in which the Group operates may calculate free cash 
flow differently, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

240

COCA-COLA HBC

Alternative performance measures continued

3. Other APMs continued

Capital expenditure
The Group uses capital expenditure as an APM to ensure that its cash spending is in line with its overall strategy for the use of cash. Capital 
expenditure is defined as payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment plus principal repayments of lease obligations less 
proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment.

The following table illustrates how Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and capital expenditure are calculated:

Operating profit (EBIT)
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, including right-of-use assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Employee performance shares
Adjusted EBITDA

Share of results of integral equity method investments
Gain on disposals of non-current assets
Cash generated from working capital movements
Tax paid
Net cash from operating activities

Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment1 
Principal repayments of lease obligations
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
Capital expenditure

Net cash from operating activities
Capital expenditure
Free cash flow

Figures are rounded.

2021
€ million
799
336
1
15
1,152

(34)
(28)
196
(142)
1,142

(514)
(63)
36
(541)

1,142
(541)
601

2020
€ million
661
388
1
10
1,059

(21)
(1)
108
(183)
962

(419)
(59)
13
(465)

962
(465)
497

1.  Payments for purchases of property, plant and equipment for 2021 include €7.1 million (2020: €nil) relating to repayment of borrowings undertaken to finance the purchase 

of production equipment by the Group’s subsidiary in Nigeria, classified as ‘Repayments of borrowings’ in the condensed consolidated cash flow statement.

Net debt
Net debt is an APM used by management to evaluate the Group’s capital structure and leverage. Net debt is defined as current borrowings 
plus non-current borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and financial assets (time deposits, treasury bills and money market funds), 
as illustrated below:

Current borrowings
Non-current borrowings
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt

Figures are rounded.

As at 31 December

2021
€ million
382
2,556
(835)
(783)
1,320

2020
€ million
315
2,610
(93)
(1,216)
1,617

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

241

Other supplementary information

Effective May 2020, following a re-organisation of Multon‘s structure, the joint arrangement was reclassified from a joint operation to a joint 
venture. The table below depicts the Group’s growth including the relevant performance of Multon as a joint operation in the current year 
(‘like‑for‑like’), compared to the prior year:

2021 vs 2020

Growth (%)
Established
Developing
Emerging
Total Group

2021 vs 2020

Growth (%)
Established
Developing
Emerging
Total Group

Volume

FX-neutral

Reported

Net sales revenue per unit case

Total CCH
9.9
0.8
18.6
13.0

Total CCH 
like-for-like
9.9
0.8
20.4
14.0

Total CCH
3.7
17.0
5.3
5.8

Total CCH 
like-for-like
3.7
17.0
5.6
5.8

Total CCH
3.8
15.7
0.6
3.5

Net sales revenue

FX-neutral

Reported

Total CCH
13.9
18.0
24.9
19.6

Total CCH 
like-for-like
13.9
18.0
27.1
20.6

Total CCH
14.0
16.6
19.3
16.9

Total CCH 
like-for-like
3.8
15.7
0.9
3.4

Total CCH 
like-for-like
14.0
16.6
21.5
17.9

In August 2020, Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (’NBC’), the Group’s subsidiary in Nigeria, settled the additional tax assessed by the Nigerian 
tax authorities (’FIRS’) following the completion of their income tax audit for the years 2005-2019 and transfer pricing (’TP’) audit for the years 
2011-2019. The net impact to the Tax line item in the income statement, following the utilisation of provisions for uncertain tax positions, 
was €16.5 million, out of which €7.2 million was attributable to the results of the TP audit. This additional tax charge of €16.5 million resulted 
in a 2.8pp increase of the Group‘s effective tax rate on a reported basis, for 2020.

NBC was audited by the FIRS with respect to TP for the first time since the inception of the TP rules and principles in the country. The TP 
audit focused on the transactions between NBC and The Coca‑Cola Company Group entities (’TCCC’) over a 9‑year period (2011‑2019). 
The FIRS challenged the prices of concentrate purchased from and the charges for services provided by TCCC to NBC. As a result, the FIRS 
adjusted NBC’s profitability, increasing its taxable base accordingly. The TP audit concluded with a settlement between FIRS and NBC.

This increase of NBC’s taxable base over this 9‑year period amounted to €195 million and resulted in the elimination of accumulated capital 
allowances of €183 million. In addition, to the extent that the available capital allowances were not sufficient to offset the full impact of the tax 
adjustment in a certain year, a tax payment was required to be made. Following the settlement, the total tax assessed by the FIRS amounted 
to €62.7 million, of which €7.6 million was settled in cash and €55.1 million was settled through the elimination of the deferred tax asset 
relating to the available capital allowances.

The FIRS applied Nigerian TP rules and principles to assess tax on a portion of the income earned by TCCC from its transactions with NBC 
which, the FIRS determined, should have been subject to taxation in Nigeria. The outcome of the TP audit and the additional related tax that 
was assessed by the FIRS was therefore not associated with the operations of NBC. Consequently, we consider that the income statement 
impact of this TP audit (net income statement charge of €7.2 million after the utilisation of provisions for uncertain tax positions) distorted 
users’ understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance for 2020 and we therefore excluded it from the comparable after-tax 
results, by reporting it under ‘Other tax matters’ for comparability purposes. Having adjusted for this TP audit charge, the Group’s effective 
tax rate on a comparable basis was 28.7% for 2020.

242

COCA-COLA HBC

Assurance statement

Independent assurance statement for the 2021 Integrated Annual Report

To the management and stakeholders of Coca‑Cola HBC AG:
denkstatt GmbH was commissioned by Coca‑Cola HBC AG (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) to provide independent third‑party 
assurance for the printed and downloadable pdf versions of the Company’s 2021 Integrated Annual Report (hereinafter referred to as 
“the Report”) in accordance with the AA1000 Assurance Standard. We have reviewed sustainability‑related data and content in the Report. 
Financial data were not reviewed as part of this engagement. The assurance engagement covered the nature and extent of the Company’s 
application of the principles of inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact, as described in the AA1000 Series of Standards 
(AA1000AP, 2018). The application level of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards (2016, core option) was verified. 

denkstatt is an independent professional services company. Our team of experts has extensive professional experience of assurance 
engagements related to non-financial information and sustainability management, meaning it is qualified to conduct this independent 
assurance engagement. denkstatt has implemented a certified quality and environmental management system which complies with the 
requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, and accordingly maintains a comprehensive quality control system.

Management responsibilities
The Company’s management (Management) is responsible for preparing the Report, statements within it and related online content. 
Management is also responsible for identifying stakeholders and material issues, defining commitments with respect to sustainability 
performance, and establishing and maintaining appropriate performance management and internal control systems, from which reported 
information is derived.

Additionally, Management is responsible for establishing data collection and internal control systems to ensure reliable reporting, for 
specifying acceptable reporting criteria and for selecting data to be collected for the purposes of the Report. Management responsibilities 
also extend to preparing the Report in accordance with the GRI Standards.

Assurance provider’s responsibilities
Our responsibilities are to:

•  express our conclusions and make recommendations regarding the nature and extent of the Company’s adherence to the AA1000 

Accountability Principles (2018), and

•  express our conclusions on the reliability of the information in the Report, and whether it is in accordance with the criteria in the GRI 

Universal Standards (2016).

We did not perform any tasks or services for the Company or other clients in 2021 which would lead to a conflict of interest. We were not 
responsible for the preparation of any part of the Report.

Scope of assurance, standards and criteria used
We have fulfilled our responsibilities to provide appropriate assurance that the information in the Report is free from material misstatements. 
We planned and carried out our work based on the GRI Standards and the AA1000 Series of Standards. We used the criteria in AA1000AS 
(AA1000 Assurance Standard v3) to perform a Type 2 engagement and to provide high level of assurance regarding the nature and extent 
of the Company’s adherence to the principles of impact, inclusivity, materiality, and responsiveness. The core option was selected as the 
application level for the GRI Universal Standards (2016) and verified accordingly.

Methodology, approach, limitations and scope of work
We planned and carried out our work in order to obtain all evidence, information and explanations that we considered necessary to fulfil 
our responsibilities. We completed a wide range of activities in order to gather necessary evidence, including: 

•  Gathering information regarding the Company’s adherence to the principles of impact, inclusivity, materiality, sustainability context, 

completeness and responsiveness as required by GRI and AA1000, and conducting interviews with members of the executive 
management, staff from the People and Culture Department, the Legal Affairs Department, the Commercial Department, the Supply 
Chain Department (including the Procurement team, the Product Quality, Safety and Environment team, the Fleet team and the Cold 
Drink Equipment team) and the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Department as well as managers from other Group functions. 
In particular, we verified the management commitment to the above‑mentioned principles, and whether they are embedded at market 
level, as well as whether systems and procedures are in place to support compliance with these principles.

•  Key topics in the interviews conducted at Group level related to the materiality analysis, i.e. health and nutrition, responsible marketing, 
employee wellbeing and engagement, vehicle fleets, corporate governance, business ethics and anti-corruption, sourcing, energy and 
climate change, cold drink equipment (coolers), TCFD & climate risk assessment, packaging, recycling and waste management, water 
stewardship, the World Without Waste initiative, #YouthEmpowered and other community programmes, human rights and diversity, 
business risks and opportunities, and social impact.

•  Conducting interviews at country headquarters in Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Nigeria and Russia in order to assure that the 

information required for the engagement was complete.

•  Performing audits in nine bottling plants, the majority of which were located in emerging markets: Minsk (Belarus), Zagreb (Croatia), 

Nicosia (Cyprus), Aigio (Greece), Nogara (Italy), Abuja (Nigeria), Maiduguri (Nigeria), Samara (Russia) and Vladivostok (Russia).

•  Making enquiries and conducting spot checks to assess the implementation of Company policies (at plant, market and Group level).
•  Making enquiries and conducting spot checks regarding necessary documentation for assessing the current data collection systems, 

and the procedures in place to ensure reliable and consistent reporting from the plants to Group level.

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

243

•  Verifying all three inventory scopes (Scope 1, 2 and 3) as defined by the GHG Protocol (Corporate Standard), including progress against 

emission reduction targets, reported changes in emissions compared with the baseline years (2010 and 2017) and the figures for absolute 
emissions and emissions intensity in 2021.

•  Verifying the GRI content index, which was published in a separate section of the Company website, to ensure consistency with the 

requirements of the GRI Standards (core option).

•  Conducting additional interviews with four external stakeholders representing different stakeholder groups (i.e., business partners, 

suppliers, and non-governmental organisations) at the annual stakeholder forum in autumn 2021.

The scope of assurance covers all information relevant to sustainability in the Report and focuses on Company systems and activities during 
the reporting period. Conversely, the following chapters were not covered in the sustainability assurance process:

•  Financial Statements and Swiss Statutory Reporting.

Due to the Covid‑19 pandemic, in‑person audits were conducted in the following countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Russia. 
Other audits and interviews were conducted virtually, by using video conferencing solutions to facilitate virtual tours of manufacturing plants.

Conclusions
On the basis of our work, we found nothing to suggest that the information in the 2021 Integrated Annual Report or in the 2021 GRI content 
index is inaccurate or contains material misstatements. Any errors or misstatements identified during the engagement were corrected prior 
to the Report being published.

Positive developments
•  Sustainability is deeply embedded in the Company culture. This is evident in well-structured, easily accessible guidelines which ensure 
proper implementation of Company‑wide standards, e.g., the Code of Business Conduct, the Inclusion and Diversity Policy, and the 
Mission 2025 Guidebook. It is also reflected in the organisational structure and across all functions, with a clear set of responsibilities 
for sustainability strategy, from factory‑level to senior management.

•  The Company demonstrates a very strong commitment to its goals. Most operations have a strong track record of collecting and 

documenting sustainability data. Data traceability has significantly improved over recent years, due to well-structured monitoring and 
reporting processes at plant, market, and Group level, as well as specialised software.

•  The Company fully understands the links between business risks and sustainability issues. An excellent risk management system has been 

developed in recent years. The detailed quantitative analysis of climate-related water risks performed by the Company in 2021, using 
established tools, can be considered an example of good practice. Procedures for identifying and mitigating risks comprehensively cover 
sustainability-related risks, e.g., by integrating the climate risk management process in enterprise risk management in line with TCFD 
recommendations. Specific plans for further progress in aligning with TCFD recommendations in the coming years, such as further 
quantitative climate risk assessments, demonstrate clear commitment to the issue.

•  The Company has made great progress over the last year on increasing the number of suppliers that undergo environmental, social, and 
corporate governance (ESG) assessment using EcoVadis and other tools. In order to further increase positive developments along the 
value chain, supplier-specific dialogues on sustainability-related expectations and areas for improvement should be implemented, as well 
as monitoring for actions taken.
In 2021 the Company further improved reporting procedures in respect of breaches of the Code of Business Conduct, such as discrimination. 
This included special training programmes. These efforts are reflected in the development of reporting and in the measures implemented.

• 

•  The Company has put great effort into developing the #YouthEmpowered programme by increasing numbers of participants as well as 
establishing a data monitoring and reporting system with a high level of maturity. #YouthEmpowered is the flagship social programme 
of the Company’s Mission 2025 sustainability commitments. It aims to support young people and increase their employability by providing 
modular education opportunities in soft and/or business skills. In 2022 the Company will further refine the #YouthEmpowered programme 
with regard to the curriculum and training intensity.

•  The deployment of Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) programmes throughout the Group is a highly positive, impactful development in the 

area of health and safety.

Findings and conclusions regarding adherence to the AA1000 principles of inclusivity, 
materiality, responsiveness, impact, and specific performance‑related information:

Inclusivity
•  Group level: The Company has implemented a comprehensive and efficient stakeholder engagement process at Group level. 

Its cornerstones are the annual internal and external materiality survey and the Annual Stakeholder Forum (held online in 2021).

•  Market and plant level: Stakeholder engagement activities at market and plant level are in greater evidence – and, especially during the 

Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in new approaches to stakeholder engagement (e.g., virtual stakeholder forums). The Company is well aware 
of stakeholder concerns, and it consistently integrates the views of stakeholders at all levels.

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COCA-COLA HBC

Assurance statement continued

Materiality
•  Group level: A robust process for defining topics material to the Company is in place. The materiality assessment process considers 

stakeholder expectations with regard to relevant topics. Moreover, the Company considers its impact on society and the environment 
in the materiality assessment, as required by the GRI Standards. The material topics identified during the assessment in 2021 provided 
the basis for the sustainability strategy and reporting.

•  Market and plant level: As various markets are publishing sustainability reports in combination with socio‑economic impact studies, 

formalised processes for carrying out the materiality assessment have been more strongly implemented throughout the organisation. 
Our recommendation is to continue with the ‘double materiality’ concept as well as work to combine the two perspectives – financial 
materiality, and environmental and social materiality – with a risks and opportunities assessment from both the financial and 
non‑financial perspectives.

Responsiveness
•  The Company demonstrated a proactive, fast, and professional response to the health and safety challenges that arose due to the 

pandemic, in order to protect employees and business partners.

•  Specific measures were taken to provide support for employees during the pandemic, including support for emotional, mental, 

and physical wellbeing, e.g., through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

•  External stakeholders were also supported, e.g., by focussing the #YouthEmpowered programme on HORECA workers, or donating 
products and financial contributions to emergency relief during the Covid-19-related lockdown. New formats are being developed 
to adapt the #YouthEmpowered programme to the pandemic and the progress of digitalisation.

Impact
•  Group level: The Company has robust processes in place for understanding, assessing, and managing its impacts, including risk 

management and strategy development.

•  Market level: Sound socio‑economic impact studies are conducted in individual markets, on a maximum three‑year local cycle, to measure 
the organisational impact on communities. Results from these studies are summarised at Group level to disclose the organisation’s impact 
on stakeholders, the society and on the Company itself.

•  As part of the Mission 2025 strategy, the Company has published a strong set of commitments with a long-term perspective, covering 
a wide range of environmental and social impact areas along the value chain. In particular, the Company’s commitment to NetZeroby40 
demonstrates its ambitious environmental roadmap.

Additional conclusions and recommendations
•  The Company demonstrates excellent engagement and know-how in relation to packaging waste management. This competence, 

combined with a structured approach, reflects ambitious targets in this area. However, efforts need to be increased, since the Company’s 
2025 targets for use of recycled PET and/or PET from renewables, as well as packaging collection for recycling, do not currently appear 
to be within reach.

•  The product portfolio is under development, with the integration of new product and service segments such as coffee drinks, snacks, 

and premium spirits. The majority of the social and environmental impacts of these new segments have already been included in the scope 
of ESG assessment, and we recommend further assessment and even stronger integration into the Company’s sustainability 
management approach.

•  The Company has begun work to include biodiversity topics in its strategy. The newly released biodiversity statement is a very positive 
development. In order to make a greater impact, we recommend that the Company continues working on the strong implementation 
and integration of biodiversity in its strategy. 

•  Since implementation of the 2020 Green Fleet Program the Company has made great progress on transitioning to use of alternative 

vehicles. To make progress in future towards net-zero transport emissions, we recommend integrating medium and heavy-duty vehicles 
(trucks) into the Green Fleet roadmap and increasing collaboration in this area with third-party carriers.

•  The Company should further strengthen workplace accountability practices within its operations, especially in developing markets, 

focusing on third-party contractors.

Willibald Kaltenbrunner
Lead Auditor

denkstatt GmbH
Advisory for Sustainable Development

Vienna, 9 March 2022

Shareholder information

We take great pride in being regarded as a transparent and 
accessible company in all our communications with investment 
communities around the world. We engage with key financial 
audiences, including institutional investors, sell-side analysts 
and financial journalists, as well as our Company’s shareholders. 
The investor relations department manages the interaction 
with these audiences by attending ad hoc meetings and investor 
conferences throughout the year, in addition to the regular meetings 
and presentations held at the time of our results announcements.

Geographic concentration (%)

North America
Western Europe
UK
Nordic
Asia
Other

30%
23%
33%
5%
1%
8%

Listings
Coca‑Cola HBC AG (LSE: CCH) was admitted to the premium listing 
segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading 
on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities 
on 29 April 2013. With effect from 29 April 2013, Coca‑Cola HBC 
AG’s shares are also admitted on the Athens Exchange (ATHEX: 
EEE). Coca‑Cola HBC AG has been included as a constituent of the 
FTSE 100 and FTSE All-Share Indices from 20 September 2013.

London Stock Exchange 
Ticker symbol: CCH 
ISIN: CH019 825 1305 
SEDOL: B9895B7 
Reuters: CCH.L 
Bloomberg: CCH LN

Athens Exchange 
Ticker symbol: EEE 
ISIN: CH019 825 1305 
Reuters: EEEr.AT 
Bloomberg: EEE GA

Credit rating
Standard & Poor’s: L/T BBB+, S/T A2, stable outlook 
Moody’s: L/T Baa1, S/T P2, stable outlook

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

245

Share price performance
LSE: CCH
In £ per share
Close
High
Low
Market capitalisation (£ million)

ATHEX: EEE
In € per share
Close
High
Low
Market capitalisation (€ million)

Source: Bloomberg

2021

2020

2019

25.55
27.84
21.60
9.348

23.77
28.83
14.94
8,660

25.65
30.74
22.99
9,318

2021

2020

2018

30.26
32.80
24.18
11,071

26.42
34.24
16.99
9,625

30.17
35.09
26.93
10,960

Share capital
In 2021, the share capital of Coca‑Cola HBC increased by the issue 
of 1,282,821 new ordinary shares following the exercise of stock 
options pursuant to the Group’s employee stock option plan.

Total proceeds from the issuance of the shares under the stock 
option plan amounted to €19.6 million.

Following the above changes, and including 5,894,583 ordinary 
shares held as treasury shares, on 31 December 2021 the share 
capital of the Group amounted to €2,022.3 million and comprised 
371,795,418 shares with a nominal value of CHF 6.70 each.

Major shareholders
The principal shareholders of the Group are Kar‑Tess Holding 
(a Luxembourg company), which holds approximately 23%, and 
The Coca‑Cola Company, which indirectly holds approximately 21% 
of the Group’s issued share capital.

Dividends
For 2022, the Board of Directors has proposed a €0.71 dividend per 
share a 10.9% increase from previous year and increased dividend 
pay-out ratio target to 40-50%, previously 35-45%.

This compares with a dividend payment of €0.64 per share in 2021. 
For more information on our dividend policy and dividend history, 
please visit our website at www.coca-colahellenic.com.

Financial calendar
12 May 2022
21 June 2022
11 August 2022
10 November 2022

First quarter trading update
Annual General Meeting
Half‑year financial results
Third quarter trading update

Corporate website
www.coca-colahellenic.com

Shareholder and analyst information
Shareholders and financial analysts can obtain further information 
by contacting:

Investor Relations 
Tel: +30 210 618 3100 
Email: investor.relations@cchellenic.com 
IR website: www.coca‑colahellenic.com/en/investor‑relations 

246

COCA-COLA HBC

Glossary

Basis points (bps)
One hundredth of one percentage point 
(used chiefly in expressing differences)

BSO
Business services organisation

BSS
Business solutions and systems

CAGR
Compound annual growth rate

Capital expenditure or CapEx
Gross CapEx is defined as payments for 
purchase of property, plant and equipment.
Net CapEx is defined as payments for 
purchase of property, plant and equipment 
less receipts from disposals of property, 
plant and equipment plus principal 
repayment of lease obligations

Carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2)
Emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse 
gases from fuel combustion and energy 
use in Coca‑Cola HBC’s own operations in 
bottling, storage, distribution and in offices

Carbon footprint
Global emissions of CO2 and other 
greenhouse gases from Coca‑Cola HBC’s 
wider value chain (raw materials, product 
cooling, etc.)

CHP
Combined heat and power plants

Coca‑Cola brands
Includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero 
and Coca‑Cola Light brands

Coca‑Cola HBC
Coca‑Cola HBC AG, and, as the context may 
require, its subsidiaries and joint ventures; 
also, the Group, the Company

Coca‑Cola System
The Coca-Cola Company and its 
bottling partners

Cold drink equipment
A generic term encompassing point-of-sale 
equipment such as coolers (refrigerators), 
vending machines and post-mix machines 

Comparable adjusted EBITDA
We define comparable adjusted EBITDA 
as operating profit before deductions for 
depreciation and impairment of property, 
plant and equipment (included both in cost 
of goods sold and in operating expenses), 
amortisation and impairment of intangible 
assets, stock option compensation and 
other non‑cash items, if any; and further 
adjusted for restructuring costs, acquisition 
costs and mark to market valuation of 
commodity hedging activity

Comparable net profit
Refers to net profit after tax attributable 
to owners of the parent adjusted for 
restructuring costs, acquisition costs, mark 
to market valuation of commodity hedging 
activity and certain other tax items

Comparable operating profit (EBIT)
Comparable operating profit (EBIT) refers to 
profit before tax excluding finance income/ 
(costs) and share of results of equity-
method investments and adjusted for 
restructuring costs, acquisition costs and 
mark to market valuation of commodity 
hedging activity

Comparable operating expenditure
Comparable operating expenditure refers 
to operating expenditure adjusted for 
restructuring costs, acquisition costs 
and mark to market valuation of certain 
commodity hedging activity

Customer
Retail outlet, restaurant or other operation 
that sells or serves Coca‑Cola HBC products 
directly to consumers

Dividend policy
Our Board of Directors approved a dividend 
policy, effective from 2013, aiming to 
increase dividend payments progressively 
with a medium-term target payout ratio 
of 35‑45% on comparable net profits

DME
Direct marketing expenses

Energy use ratio
The KPI used by Coca‑Cola HBC to measure 
energy consumption in the bottling plants, 
expressed in megajoules of energy consumed 
per litre of produced beverage (MJ/lpb) 

FMCG
Fast-moving consumer goods

Future consumption
A distribution channel where consumers 
buy multi‑packs and larger packages from 
supermarkets and discounters which are not 
consumed on the spot

GDP
Gross domestic product

GRI
Global Reporting Initiative, a global standard 
for sustainability reporting

HoReCa
Distribution channel encompassing hotels, 
restaurants and cafés

IASB
International Accounting Standards Board

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards, 
issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board

IIRC
The International Integrated Reporting 
Council, a global coalition of regulators, 
investors, companies, standard-setters, 
the accounting profession and NGOs. 
The coalition is promoting communication 
about value creation as the next step in the 
evolution of corporate reporting

Inventory days
We define inventory days as the average 
number of days an item remains in inventory 
before being sold, using the following 
formula: average inventory ÷ cost of goods 
sold x 365

Ireland
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Italy
Territory in Italy served by Coca‑Cola HBC 
(excludes Sicily)

Joint value creation (JVC)
An advanced programme and process 
to collaborate with customers in order 
to create shared value

KPIs
Key Performance Indicators

Litre of produced beverage (lpb)
Unit of reference to show environmental 
performance relative to production volume

Market
When used in reference to geographic 
areas, a country in which Coca‑Cola HBC 
does business

Mission 2025
2025 sustainability commitments with 
their 17 goals. Developed in late 2018, they 
are based on our stakeholder materiality 
matrix and aligned with the United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 
their targets. The six key focus areas reflect 
our value chain: reducing emissions; water 
use and stewardship; packaging (World 
Without Waste); ingredient sourcing; 
nutrition; and our people and communities

NetZeroby40
Long-term commitment to achieving net 
zero emissions across our entire value chain 
(Scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2040. Commitment 
is endorsed by the “We Mean Business” 
coalition and published in October 2021

More details on our Scope 1, 2 and 3 
emissions are disclosed on p. 38, from our 
2021 GRI Content Index: 

https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/
content/dam/cch/us/documents/oar/
Coca‑Cola‑HBC‑2021‑GRI‑Content‑Index.
pdf.downloadasset.pdf

Please see also our 2021 CDP 
Climate response:

https://www.coca‑colahellenic.com/
content/dam/cch/us/documents/a-more- 
sustainable-future/strategic-pillars/
CDP%20RESPONSE%202021_COCA‑
COLA%20HBC%20AG_CLIMATE_
CHANGE.pdf.downloadasset.pdf

NetZeroby40 information from our website:

www.coca-colahellenic.com/en/a-more- 
sustainable-future/netzeroby40

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2021

247

Shared services
Centre to standardise and simplify key 
finance and human resources processes

TCFD
Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures

Sparkling beverages
Non-alcoholic carbonated beverages 
containing flavourings and sweeteners, 
but excluding, among others, waters and 
flavoured waters, juices and juice drinks, 
sports and energy drinks, teas and coffee

SKU
Stock Keeping Unit

Still and water beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages without carbonation 
including, but not limited to, waters and 
flavoured waters, juices and juice drinks, 
sports and energy drinks, teas and coffee

Socio‑economic impact
In conducting socio-economic studies, 
we use input‑output modelling to generate 
estimates of jobs supported and economic 
value added. Data we use in this process 
includes our financial information (revenues, 
expenses, taxes, sales volume and profits) 
as well as some data from The Coca-Cola 
Company. While rigorous, the process 
involves statistical modelling, which should 
be considered when interpreting and using 
the results from the studies. Modelling 
enables an assessment of three key 
dimensions of impact:

• 

•  Direct: immediate effect in terms 
of employment, wages and output
Indirect: subsequent effect in the supply 
chain
Induced: effect caused by staff spend 
on goods or services

• 

•  We do not conduct socio-economic 

studies for all of our markets every year; 
studies are conducted for each market 
on a rolling basis. In 2021, we updated the 
studies for seven markets, adding this 
information to the aggregate results from 
all socio-economic impact studies for the 
period 2018-2021.

Notes to 2021 results from page 9: 

•  Numbers presented are aggregated 

based on the local socio-economic studies 
from Coca‑Cola HBC markets published 
between 2018 and 2021, except for North 
Macedonia where the report is from 2017.

•  All KPIs represent annual impact.
•  Where applicable and relevant in local 
socio-economic studies, the impact 
of other entities of the Coca‑Cola System 
is included

SSD
Sparkling soft drinks

Territory
The 28 countries where Coca‑Cola HBC 
operates and in which we have bottling 
agreements with The Coca-Cola Company 
to be their exclusive distribution partner

UNESDA
Union of European Soft Drinks Associations

Unit case (u.c.)
Approximately 5.678 litres or 24 servings, 
a typical volume measurement unit. 
For Bambi volume, one unit case 
corresponds to 1 kilogram

UN Global Compact (UNGC)
The world’s largest corporate citizenship 
initiative which provides a framework for 
businesses to align strategies with its 
10 principles promoting labour rights, 
human rights, environmental protection 
and anti‑corruption

Volume
Amount of physical product produced 
and sold, measured in unit cases

Volume share
Share of total unit cases sold

Value share
Share of total revenue

Waste ratio
The KPI used by Coca‑Cola HBC to measure 
waste generation in its bottling plants, 
expressed in grammes of waste generated 
per litre of produced beverage (g/lpb)

Waste recycling
The KPI used by Coca‑Cola HBC to measure 
the percentage of production waste at 
bottling plants that is recycled or recovered

Water footprint
A measure of the impact of water use, 
in operations or beyond, as defined by the 
Water Footprint Network methodology

Water use ratio
The KPI used by Coca‑Cola HBC to measure 
water use in its bottling plants, expressed 
in litres of water used per litre of produced 
beverage (l/lpb)

Working capital
Operating current assets minus operating 
current liabilities excluding financing and 
investment activities

#YouthEmpowered (#YE)
Flagship programme from our Mission 
2025 sustainability commitments, that aims 
to support young people and increase their 
employability by providing modular education 
of soft and/or business skills. It is delivered 
via classroom sessions, virtual training, self 
e-learning modules, mentoring sessions 
and other channels handled locally by 
our markets.

NARTD
Non-alcoholic ready-to-drink

NGOs
Non-governmental organisations

NIST 
NIST is the US National Institute of 
Standards and Technology – a non-
regulatory agency of the United States 
Department of Commerce

Nm3
Normal cubic metre NSR

Net sales revenue

Operational leverage
Operational leverage is the degree to which 
an increase in a company’s revenues will 
result in an increase in comparable EBIT

Organised trade
Large retailers (e.g. supermarkets, 
discounters etc.)

PET
Polyethylene terephthalate, a form 
of polyester used in the manufacturing 
of beverage bottles

Ready-to-drink (RTD)
Drinks that are pre-mixed and packaged, 
ready to be consumed immediately with 
no further preparation

Right Execution Daily (RED)
Major Group-wide programme to ensure 
in-outlet excellence

Receivable days
The average number of days it takes 
to collect receivables using the following 
formula: average accounts receivable ÷ net 
sales revenue x 365 

ROIC
Return on invested capital. ROIC is the 
percentage return that a company makes 
over its invested capital. We define ROIC 
as the percentage of comparable net profit 
excluding net finance costs divided by the 
capital employed. Capital employed is 
calculated as the average of net debt and 
shareholders’ equity attributable to the 
owners of the parent through the year

SAP
A powerful software platform that enables 
us to standardise key business processes 
and systems

SDG
UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
On 25 September 2015, countries adopted 
a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the 
planet and ensure prosperity for all as part 
of a new sustainable development agenda. 
Each goal has specific targets to be 
achieved by 2030

Serving
237ml or 8oz of beverage, equivalent 
to 1/24 of a unit case

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COCA-COLA HBC

Special note regarding forward‑looking statements
This document contains forward-looking statements that involve 
risks and uncertainties. These statements may generally, but not 
always, be identified by the use of words such as ‘believe’, ‘outlook’, 
‘guidance’, ‘intend’, ‘expect’, ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘target’, ‘seek’, 
‘estimates’, ’potential‘ and similar expressions to identify forward-
looking statements. All statements other than statements of 
historical fact, including, among others, statements regarding the 
future financial position and results; Coca‑Cola HBC’s outlook for 
2021 and future years; business strategy and the effects of the global 
economic slowdown; the impact of the sovereign debt crisis, currency 
volatility, Coca‑Cola HBC’s recent acquisitions, and restructuring 
initiatives on Coca‑Cola HBC’s business and financial condition; 
Coca‑Cola HBC’s future dealings with The Coca‑Cola Company; 
budgets; projected levels of consumption and production; projected 
raw material and other costs; estimates of capital expenditure; 
free cash flow; and effective tax rates and plans and objectives of 
management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. 
You should not place undue reliance on such forward‑looking 
statements. By their nature, forward‑looking statements involve 
risk and uncertainty because they reflect Coca‑Cola HBC’s current 
expectations and assumptions about future events and circumstances 
that may not prove accurate. Forward-looking statements speak 
only as of the date they are made. Coca‑Cola HBC’s actual results 
and events could differ materially from those anticipated in the 
forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks 
described in the Risk and materiality section. Although Coca‑Cola 
HBC believes that, as of the date of this document, the expectations 
reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, 
Coca‑Cola HBC cannot assure that Coca‑Cola HBC’s future results, 
level of activity, performance or achievements will meet these 
expectations. Moreover, neither Coca‑Cola HBC, nor its Directors, 
employees, advisers nor any other person assumes responsibility for 
the accuracy and completeness of any forward‑looking statements. 
After the date of this Integrated Annual Report, unless Coca-Cola 
HBC is required by law or the rules of the UK Financial Conduct 
Authority to update these forward-looking statements, Coca-Cola 
HBC makes no commitment to update any of these forward‑ looking 
statements to conform them either to actual results or to changes 
in Coca‑Cola HBC’s expectations.

About our report
The 2021 Integrated Annual Report (the ‘Annual Report’) 
consolidates Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s (also referred to as ‘Coca‑Cola 
HBC’ or the ‘Company’ or the ‘Group’) UK and Swiss disclosure 
requirements, while meeting the disclosure requirements for its 
secondary listing on the Athens Exchange. In addition, the Annual 
Report aims to deliver against the expectations of the Company’s 
stakeholders and sustainability reporting standards, providing 
a transparent overview of the Group’s performance and progress 
in sustainable development for 2021.

Our strategy is designed to deliver responsible, sustainable and 
profitable growth. This strategy is grounded in our purpose to provide 
growth for our customers and delight our consumers by nurturing 
passionate and empowered people as we enrich our communities 
and care for the environment. Our purpose is directly linked to 
our strategy and the five growth pillars that guide us as we pursue 
our objectives and targets. Those growth pillars are: 1. Leverage 
our unique 24/7 portfolio; 2. Win in the marketplace; 3. Fuel growth 
through competitiveness and investments; 4. Cultivate the 
potential of our people; 5 Earn our license to operate. The initiatives 
we implemented within each of these pillars forms the basis of 
the narrative of the Integrated Annual Report, which is structured 
around these five pillars.

The Annual Report is for the year ended 31 December 2021, 
and its focus is on the primary core business of non‑alcoholic ready‑ 
to-drink beverages across the 29 countries in which we operate. 
Our website and any other website referred to in the Annual Report 
are not incorporated by reference and do not form part of the 
Annual Report.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group, included on 
pages 154-210, have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Coca‑Cola HBC AG’s statutory 
financial statements, included on pages 211-236, have been prepared 
in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations. Unless otherwise 
indicated or required by context, all financial information contained 
in this document has been prepared in accordance with IFRS. 
For Swiss law purposes, the annual management report consists 
of the sections entitled ‘Strategic Report’, ‘Corporate Governance’ 
(without the sub-section ‘Director’s Remuneration Report’), 
‘Supplementary Information’ and ‘Glossary’.

The Group uses certain Alternative performance measures (APMs) 
which provide additional insights and understanding to the Group’s 
underlying operating and financial performance, financial condition 
and cash flows. A full list of these APMs, their definition and 
reconciliation to the respective IFRS measures can be found 
on pages 237‑240.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: 
Core option. In addition, the sustainability aspects of this Annual 
Report comply with the AA1000AS Assurance Standard, and the 
advanced level requirements for communication on progress 
against the 10 Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. 
In addition, the report is aligned with the principles and elements 
of the International Integrated Reporting Council’s (IIRC) framework. 
Carbon emissions are calculated using the GHG Protocol Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard methodology. Furthermore, 
Coca‑Cola HBC supports the Task Force on Climate‑related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and reports to the Sustainability 
Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework. The sustainability 
aspects of the Integrated Annual Report have been verified by an 
independent professional assurance provider as dictated by the 
Company’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and you can find the 
relevant assurance statement on pages 242-244. As with the rest 
of the information provided, the sustainability aspects of this Annual 
Report are for the full year ended 31 December 2021 and the related 
information presented is based on an annual reporting cycle.

Scope of the report: environmental and social data includes 
North Macedonia and Multon joint venture. Snacks manufacturing 
operations are not included in the environmental and social reporting, 
unless stated otherwise (due to their very small impact, less than the 
internal materiality threshold). Relevant impact areas from coffee 
and premium spirits categories are included in the environmental 
and social data.

We remain committed to strong corporate governance and 
leadership as well as transparency in our disclosures. We will continue 
to review our reporting approach and routines, to ensure they meet 
best practice reporting standards and the expectations of our 
stakeholders, and provide visibility on how we create sustainable 
value for the communities we serve.

Visit us

www.coca‑colahellenic.com
The Group site features all the latest news 
and stories from around our business and 
communities, as well as an interactive 
online version of this report.

Write to us
We have dedicated email addresses which 
you can use to communicate with us:

investor.relations@cchellenic.com 
sustainability@cchellenic.com

Coca‑Cola HBC AG
Turmstrasse 26, CH-6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland
www.coca-colahellenic.com
investor.relations@cchellenic.com
sustainability@cchellenic.com

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The paper used in this report is FSC® certified. The printer is ISO 
14001 accredited. Under the framework of ISO 14001 a structured 
approach is taken by the company to measure, improve and audit 
their environmental status on an ongoing basis. FSC® ensures there 
is an audited chain of custody from the tree in the well-managed 
forest through to the finished document in the printing factory.

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