US: Coca-Cola Co seeks ambassadors for ‘Happiness’ tour

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 21 October 2009

The Coca-Cola Co has launched a competition to pick three young people to travel the world as part of its 'Open Happiness' campaign.

Dubbed 'Expedition 206', the winners will visit 206 countries in 365 days, documenting their experiences online along the way, and asking what "makes people happy", the beverage giant said yesterday (20 October).

Coca-Cola has selected nine finalists and visitors to the Expedition206.com site are being asked to vote in order to make the final decision.

"Sharing stories about what makes people happy is a unique way we are bringing our 'Open Happiness' campaign to life," said Shay Drohan, senior vice president of sparkling beverages at Coca-Cola.

Beginning in Madrid on 1 January 2010 and finishing at the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta on 31 December, the travellers' stories will play out online on sites including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr and other social networking sites.

The Coca-Cola Co yesterday posted flat net profits for its third quarter, on the back of a slight dip in sales. Net profits for the three months to 2 October totalled US$1.896bn, compared to $1.890bn a year earlier. Net sales were down by 4% at $8.04bn, with operating profits sliding by 2% to $2.16bn.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water

Companies: Coca-Cola Co