Drinking Up Davos With Coca-Cola

Big things are happening in Davos this year!

Maria Bartiromo kicked off her global coverage with one of the most recognized franchises in the world, Coca-Cola.

It has been 125 years since the first icy-cold coke was served. And today, CEO Muhtar Kent outlined key initiatives the company is taking to keep Coke as one of the most recognized and successful companies throughout the globe.

Here at the World Economic Forum, trade is a hot topic. As companies and world leaders look to open barriers between nations, Kent stressed to Bartiromo that it is 'crucial for the world that trade continues to grow.'

When asked about China, Kent told Bartiromo that he 'sees in the next decade better harmony and collaboration between the U.S. and China.' He also mentioned that 'we will see better collaboration between U.S. companies and Chinese companies.'

No doubt Coca-Cola has been zeroing in on the growing middle class throughout the world. The World Bank estimates that the global middle class is likely to grow from 430 million in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2030.

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China and India will account for two-thirds of the expansion. Kent told Bartiromo there is a big opportunity for Coca-Cola on this growth…and that they 'continue to innovate ahead of trends to address the growing middle class.'

That's the buzz early in Davos! Cheers!

- Donna Burton & Kerima Greene contributed to this article.

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