By Fayobi Adedoyin
The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) GB have been officially named the Soft Drinks Partners for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, further strengthening the brand’s long-standing association with global sporting events.
The agreement also sees Coca-Cola confirmed as an Official Partner of Team Scotland. The announcement was made at CCEP’s East Kilbride manufacturing facility, underlining the company’s strong local presence in Scotland. Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE, Team Scotland CEO Jon Doig OBE, Scottish athlete Eilidh Gorrell, and CCEP Site Director Seamus Kerrigan were all present at the event.
As part of the partnership, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Powerade and Smartwater will serve as the Official Soft Drink, Sports Drink and Water providers respectively during the Games. CCEP returns as a Games partner after playing a similar role at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from 23 July to 2 August, bringing together more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. Competitions will be held across 10 sports and six Para sports at venues throughout the city, marking the return of the Games to Scotland for the first time since 2014.
Sustainability will be a central focus of the partnership. CCEP will work with environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful to clean riverbanks near venues along the River Clyde, providing both funding and volunteer support. Waste collected will contribute to the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, which aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering waterways across Commonwealth nations before the Games begin.
In addition, all beverage bottles sold at venues will be recyclable, with 500ml bottles produced entirely from 100% recycled plastic. CCEP will also collaborate with venue waste management teams to support recycling efforts throughout the event.
Speaking on the partnership, Phil Batty OBE said Coca-Cola brings valuable experience in enhancing fan engagement at major events while supporting sustainability goals. Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager at CCEP GB, described the partnership as particularly meaningful due to the company’s roots in East Kilbride, adding that the focus will be on creating a positive community impact and delivering an enjoyable experience for fans.
Seamus Kerrigan highlighted East Kilbride’s more than 60-year history of manufacturing in Scotland, calling the announcement a proud moment as the Games return to Glasgow. Team Scotland CEO Jon Doig OBE welcomed the collaboration, noting that Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainability, local communities and Scottish manufacturing aligns closely with the values of Team Scotland athletes.
