COCA-COLA RELEASES NEW AD, CUTS JOBS
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based Coca-Cola released a new television commercial for Coca-Cola Classic over the weekend called "Follow the Puck." The ad debuted during Saturday's "Hockey Night in Canada" broadcast. The 60-second spot, created by MacLaren McCann of Toronto, consists of various vignettes set to "The Hockey Song" by Stompin' Tom Connors. The tagline is "If it's hockey, we're there." The commercial will run nationally until April.
In related news, Coca-Cola will cut 1,000 jobs as it integrates the operations of its North American business units. These include Coca-Cola North America, Coca-Cola Fountain, The Minute Maid Company, Odwalla and Danone Waters of North America. Of the cuts, approximately 500 will be in Atlanta, GA, according to the company. All the cuts will be made by the end of the first quarter of 2003. The intent is to eliminate duplication in the company's sales, marketing, human resources, information technology, financial, legal and administrative staffs.