Letter to Coca-Cola: Change your Labels

July 10, 2009

Muhtar Kent
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301

Dear Mr. Kent,

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you prior to your company’s annual shareholder meeting in April and I am writing to follow up on that conversation. Corporate Accountability International and our members are hopeful that the Coca-Cola Company will make new strides in your practices related to water under your leadership.

During your presentation at the 2009 annual meeting, you mentioned that water is essential to all of your operations and products and, therefore, your company has the utmost interest in ensuring the sustainability of global water resources. We agree that water is an essential resource that needs protection, because it is necessary for all life.

Water is a central concern for our members, who were pleased to hear that you and your company seem to be taking their concerns over water more seriously than ever. To this end, we would like to reiterate one positive step that the company can easily make to promote the importance of public water systems in providing people access to clean, potable water. We believe that now is the time to label both the site and source for all Dasani bottled water. In fact, just this week, Congress has echoed this call for greater transparency in labeling from the bottled water industry.

Unfortunately, public confidence in our public water systems is declining. By labeling Dasani water bottles, you will not only be providing your consumers with more information regarding the product, you will also be promoting the importance and safety of strong public water systems that all Dasani bottled water depends upon. This step is one that both Pepsi and Nestlé have made.

Our members are part of a growing movement working to ensure that all people have access to water and to prevent corporate control of this precious resource. We appreciate your stated willingness to address our concerns around water and remain interested in Coca-Cola’s response to the challenges put forth through the Think Outside the Bottle campaign. When you are in a position to address this specific concern, we would welcome exploring the potential for constructive dialogue.

Sincerely,

Patti Lynn
Campaigns Director