Arca Continental to Invest US$1 Billion, Half Allocated to Mexico

Arca Continental will invest MX$18.5 billion in 2026 to expand production, digital infrastructure and sustainable distribution across Mexico, the United States and South America. The capital expenditure follows a record 2025 EBITDA of over MX$50 billion, signaling a strategic shift toward greater logistical efficiency and category diversification to offset weakening consumer volumes.

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Arca Continental, one of the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottlers, announced an investment of MX18.5 billion (US$1 billion) for 2026 to strengthen production and distribution capacity across Mexico, the United States, and South America. The announcement, made following the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Assembly, coincides with the centennial of its operations as the first Coca-Cola bottler in Mexico.

The company said 50% of total capital expenditure will be allocated to the Mexican market, with the remaining 50% distributed across its operations in the United States, Ecuador, Peru and northern Argentina. According to a company statement, the investment will primarily support expanded production and distribution infrastructure, the rollout of digital tools, the development of new beverage categories and the strengthening of its sustainability strategy.

The investment follows a strong 2025, in which Arca Continental surpassed MX$50 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the first time. Executives attributed the record operating cash flow to cost efficiencies and disciplined execution.

Despite a 2.2% decline in consolidated volume amid weaker consumer spending, the company reported a 4.6% increase in consolidated net sales year over year, reaching MX$247.93 billion. Net income totaled MX$19.58 billion, remaining broadly stable compared with MX$19.56 billion in 2024.

“Being pioneers of the Coca-Cola System in Mexico drives us to continue building the future with integrity, a long-term vision and commitment to the communities where we operate,” said Jorge H. Santos Reyna, chairman of the board.

Arturo Gutiérrez Hernández, CEO, Arca Continental, said the company’s strategy is focused on strengthening capabilities and improving service for customers and consumers. The bottler currently serves more than 130 million people across its markets in the Americas.

2025 Investments in Mexico

Arca Continental’s 2026 plan builds on more than US$80 million invested in Mexico during 2025. In July, the company allocated over MX$50 million (US$2.8 million) to expand its distribution center (CEDI) in Delicias, Chihuahua, tripling storage capacity and extending coverage in northern Mexico.

The upgraded facility will increase delivery routes from 34 to 64 and serve more than 3,800 clients across Delicias, Jimenez, Camargo and Meoqui. Storage capacity will expand from 600 to over 2,100 positions, with the project expected to generate 221 direct jobs.

David Reyna, director of the North Region, Arca Continental Mexico, described Chihuahua as a “key zone” for operations, highlighting the project’s role in improving logistics, regional development and sustainability.

Jesús Valenciano, municipal president, Delicias, said the investment supports job creation and economic diversification in a region facing drought-related challenges. The facility incorporates sustainable design, including a waste management system that recycles 100% of operational materials.

In May 2025, Arca Continental also invested US$78.8 million in a new distribution center in Tonala, Jalisco, aimed at strengthening service in the e-commerce and food and beverage segments. The company described it as the largest facility of its kind within its global operations.

The center will serve more than 40,000 clients across Tonala, Tlaquepaque, Tlajomulco and El Salto, and is expected to generate up to 1,200 direct and indirect jobs.

With a surface area of 14,200 m², the facility has capacity for 1.25 million cases and more than 40,000 pallets, operating 245 distribution routes. It also incorporates sustainability features such as rainwater harvesting systems and 580 solar panels, expected to generate 300 kWh of energy and avoid approximately 534 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.