Coca-Cola and Russia

Coca-Cola has announced that it will invest $3 billion in Russia, including a new plant in the southern city of Rostov.  The investment over will be over a 5 year period and compete with Pepsi's expansion in Russia.   The Rostov plant has an eco-friendly design and will supply beverages to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.  The plant was hailed by Sochi 2014 CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko as an example of the impact the Sochi Olympics are having on innovative and environmental development in Russia.

Sochi has long been a "Pepsi Town".  While Coca-Cola's products can be found in many places in Sochi, Pepsi is ubiquitous, with the boardwalk particularly being dominated by Pepsi products.

 

Sochi Boardwalk and Pepsi's Advertising

Sochi Progress

The overpass near the stadium in Sochi has been completed.  The location in central Sochi of the project resulted in slowed traffic, so the news is welcome to those who travel the route every day.  

The photo below was taken July 29,2011. Follow the link to see the overpass today.  The progress is striking and shows just how rapidly Sochi is being transformed.

Hidden Sochi

Yesterday, Inside Sochi newsletter included a feature on "Hidden Sochi".  Sochi has a number of attractions that are unknown or hidden to outside travelers who come for the beaches or mountain resort activities.  Please take a look at the photos from "Hidden Sochi".

Tuvalu Recognizes Abkhazia

Today, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia, Maxim Gvinjia, announced that the Pacific nation of Tuvalu recognized the Republic of Abkhazia.  This is the 6th nation to announce diplomatic recognition of Abkhazia and the second from the Pacific region this year.  The agreement was signed in Sukhum between Tuvalu's Prime Minister Vili Telavi and the Prime Minister of Abkhazia, Sergey Shamba, on September 18.  Tuvalu also recognized South Ossetia this week. 

Congratulations to Abkhazia!  

The Best of Sochi

Riviera Park- Sochi, Russia

September 11, 2011 Inside Sochi Newsletter is available.  Read and subscribe to receive the latest information, including a new feature: The Best of Sochi.