Coca-Cola Consolidated is CFIC’s 2026 Supplier of the Year!

At the 22nd Annual CFIC Convention, CFIC President Larry Wilson announced Coca-Cola Consolidated as the council’s 2026 Supplier of the Year. CFIC’s retail members nominate and select the outstanding supplier based upon excellence in innovation, customer service, and involvement with CFIC. Coca-Cola Consolidated has been a supporter of CFIC since the organization’s inception in 2004.

Larry Wilson presented the award to Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Patrick Renegar, Sr. Director of Grocery and Large Store Format.

CFIC followed up with Brian Powers, Vice President Large Store, Coca-Cola Consolidated, to learn more about the company and its impact in the Carolinas.

What trends are you seeing in the marketplace?

Beverages continue to be a growth driver in the market. Total DSD Beverage retail dollars in NC/SC Grocery (+4.7%) are outpacing Total US Grocery (+3.8%).

• SSD (soda) is the largest category in NC/SC Grocery, accounting for 55.1% share—significantly above the U.S. grocery average (49%).
• Carbonated Soft Drinks contributing 47% of Total Beverage $ growth in NC/SC Grocery

Protein continues to demonstrate explosive growth: Our Core Power Protein is the #1 trademark in the fast-growing drinkable protein category, with a share larger than the next six protein brands combined.

 

Tell us about the company’s history and legacy and how that shaped how the company does business today.

The Harrison family’s connection to the Coca-Cola system stretches back to 1902, when J.B. Harrison first introduced Coca-Cola to the Carolinas. The fifth generation of the Harrison family is currently working within the Company today. Through every generation, and as our Company expanded across 14 states, one core belief has remained constant: our people and the purpose that guides us matter most. We believe business should be a force for good, strengthening families and communities through care, investment, and partnership. That philosophy has helped us become the nation’s largest bottler, operating in 14 states and the District of Columbia.

 

Out of all Coca-Cola’s products which ones do you find to be most popular in the Carolinas? How does that compare with national trends? 

In alignment with national trends, Coca‑Cola Original Taste remains our top brand and ranks as the #2 trademark in the Carolinas across all DSD total beverage categories (behind Private Label).

 

Criteria for the CFIC Supplier of the Year include consistent and responsive customer service, and innovation. Does Coca-Cola Consolidated have core principles that are integrated into your corporate culture to address these?

We have recently made and will continue to make significant investments in our front-line teams to ensure consistent and responsive service in the market.  We not only innovate with our products but constantly innovate with technology, tools and processes to best serve our customers, consumers and retailers.

 

Does Coca-Cola Consolidated have any charitable causes on which you focus or are there key communities you serve?

Serving others is a part of our Purpose: to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence, and to grow profitably. Our teammates have a passion for serving each other along with our consumers, our customers, and our communities. Coca-Cola Consolidated focuses on areas such as youth development, crisis assistance, education, veterans & first responders, and contributions to our local food banks. By forging local partnerships with numerous nonprofits across our territory, we are able to give back to the communities where we live and work.

 

As a long-standing member and supporter of CFIC, what would you say to other suppliers that are not involved with CFIC to encourage them to join and participate?

CFIC provides a platform where retailers and suppliers can collaborate in a transparent, structured way to drive mutual success. Suppliers who are active in CFIC demonstrate commitment, partnership, and a willingness to invest beyond transactional relationships. That, in turn, strengthens trust and opens doors. Additionally, CFIC offers a valuable forum to learn from peers and benchmark best practices. The insights and relationships built through this involvement often translate into stronger performance. For any supplier looking to deepen their partnership, stay ahead of change, and have a meaningful voice, joining and actively participating in CFIC is well worth the investment.

 

What advice would you give to a young person interested in entering the retail food industry?

Start by learning the fundamentals, get hands-on experience, and understand how the business works day to day. Focus on building strong relationships and communication skills, as this is a people-driven industry. Be adaptable, because the market is always changing. Finally, work hard, find mentors, and take initiative!

 

Anything else you would like to add?

As a long-standing partner of CFIC, we are honored to be chosen as CFIC Supplier of the Year.