Bengaluru: Coca-Cola India has received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Award for Corporate Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility, recognizing its significant contributions to social and environmental responsibility through initiatives in water stewardship, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture. The award was presented by Dr. Kiran Bedi, former IPS officer, at the India International Centre in New Delhi on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, October 1st.

Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director of CSR and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia (INSWA), expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are honored to receive this award for Corporate Excellence in CSR. It reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices in agriculture, waste management, and more. This honor is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and partners in creating meaningful impact.”

Coca-Cola’s sustainability initiatives center around three key areas: Water Stewardship, Sustainable Packaging, and Sustainable Agriculture. The company’s 2030 Water Security Strategy focuses on replenishing stressed water resources and improving community access to water. Through the Fruit Circular Economy initiative, particularly Project Unnati, Coca-Cola supports thousands of small and marginal farmers across 13 states by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance productivity and livelihoods. Additionally, its ‘World Without Waste’ strategy aims to foster a circular economy through initiatives under the Design, Collect, and Partner pillars.