NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
October 26, 2007                 

Contacts:
Tracey Halliday
(202) 463-6718

 Jennifer Tzitzon
(202) 463-6705

BEVERAGE INDUSTRY DONATIONS HELP CALIFORNIANS AFFECTED BY FIRES

WASHINGTON – In light of the tremendous impact of the devastating fires in Southern California, the beverage industry is doing its part to help affected residents and firefighters stay hydrated during the crisis.  In fact, the beverage industry has donated more than 300,000 bottles of water, along with other beverages, to rescue workers fighting fires throughout the area and displaced residents at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. 

Additionally, American Beverage Association members are donating thousands of bottles of water and other beverages such as fruit juices and sports drinks to charity organizations such as The Red Cross, Salvation Army and America’s Second Harvest to distribute at their discretion.  Such members include Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Coca-Cola North America, Gatorade, Nestlé Waters North America, The Coca-Cola Company, Pepsi Bottling Group and PepsiCo.

“Our members are working hard to support those families and individuals displaced by the tragic fires in Southern California,” said Susan Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association.  “We also are proud to support the brave rescue workers putting their lives on the line.”

The beverage industry works to provide beverages to communities in need during times of natural disaster. In fact, immediately following Hurricane Katrina, the beverage industry responded to an urgent FEMA request to provide more than 200,000 cases of bottled water for distribution to hurricane victims. 

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

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