(Yicai Global) Jan. 3 -- Coca Cola China sold its non-aerated beverages business in 13 cities to Cofco Group company China Foods and Swire Pacific on Jan. 1 in a bid to boost production management efficiency.

The deal covers functional water, fruit juices, tea and dairy beverages as well as coffee, and includes the main brands of Minute Maid, Shuidole, Chunyue, Chunchasha, and Costa bottled drinks, according to statements released today by the buyers.

Swire Coca Cola will own Coca Cola Bottlers Manufacturing Holdings in the cities of Nanning, Hangzhou, Foshan, Wuhan, Dongguan and Suzhou. Cofco Coca Cola will own Coca Cola Bottlers in Yingkou, Jinan, Changsha, Shijiazhuang and Chengdu.

Previously, Coca Cola’s subsidiaries, Swire Pacific’s unit, and Cofco’s unit held 38 percent, 41 percent and 21 percent, respectively, of Coca Cola Bottlers.

The change will optimize production management efficiency and enhance supply chain linkage, Coca Cola China said, adding that it will not affect market supply or consumers in various regions.

Editor: Peter Thomas