Coca-Cola India develops solar-powered coolers for rural areas

Coca-Cola India has created an eco-friendly way to boost beverage sales while ensuring the economic and social sustainability of remote village communities, where access to electricity is limited.

The newly developed "eKOCool" coolers are powered exclusively by solar energy. These cooler chests can chill and store up to 48 300-ml glass bottles and even feature charging ports for mobile phones and solar lanterns -- with no need for electricity.

Rural markets pose challenges for expansion, as many are not yet covered by the power grid and, therefore, have limited or no access to grid-based electricity. The eKOCool coolers help to overcome this challenge.

In addition to providing growth opportunities for small businesses in rural areas, the eKOCool coolers deliver social value by empowering entrepreneurs in emerging populations, especially women.

A 20-unit pilot test was completed recently in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Sales at participating retailers have increased significantly since installing the eKOCool units.

Coca-Cola India plans to expand the deployment to up to 100 units in the coming months, and several countries in Africa and the Middle East have expressed interest in the eKOCool units.

Source: The Coca Cola Company
www.thecoca-colacompany.com