The iconic Coca-Cola truck has rolled into town, kicking off its annual tour of the UK.
The festive HGV trundled into London on Thursday evening under a canopy of twinkling lights and festive music. In what is now as sure a sign that Yule Tide approaches as depressingly short days and the ordering of a make-up advent calendar, flocks of fizzy drinks fans revelled in the glow of the famed lorry.
Many took part in a lucky dip with the chance to win exclusive Coca-Cola merchandise and enjoyed a snack from a festive food truck that served up seasonal tastes alongside Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. This year, the Coca-Cola truck's tour is being carried out in support of FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste.
For every person who attended the London stop as well as future stops on the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour, the equivalent of a meal will be donated on their behalf. Coca-Cola aims to donate the equivalent of up to a total of 1 million meals - or £200,000 via FareShare this festive season.
Florence Wheatley, marketing manager for Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “We’re so excited to officially kick-start this year’s Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour. Coca-Cola has and remains synonymous with Christmas, with many people eagerly awaiting the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour and Holidays Are Coming advert to create a little festive magic.
“This year, we’re delighted to continue our relationship with FareShare to support its mission to reduce hunger and surplus food waste. We hope that every person that attends the Truck Tour not only experiences the magic of Coca-Cola Christmas, but also supports FareShare, knowing that the equivalent of a meal has been donated on their behalf, acting as a little moment of kindness to ensure that thousands of people across the country enjoy a more meaningful Christmas.”
For those unable to visit the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck in person, from November, a promotion with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Original Taste will invite fans to scan on-pack QR codes for the chance to win thousands of festive gifts, including pre-loaded £200 ‘Festive Feast’ gift cards. With a packed schedule of truck tour stops taking place throughout Great Britain in the lead-up to Christmas, eager Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour fans can follow announcements about the schedule, which will be made over the coming weeks at @CocaColaGBI (Instagram) and @CocaCola_GB (Twitter).
Kirsty Ford, head of fundraising at FareShare, said: “We are so grateful to Coca-Cola for their continued support for FareShare. These invaluable donations help us get good-to-eat food to the people who need it rather than going to waste. Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities.
"Coca-Cola’s generous support for FareShare is instrumental in helping people affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This support means charities can unite more people through food to form connections and access essential support services. Thank you for helping FareShare make the food go further.”