The Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria is pleased to share a recent interview with Yavor Stefanov, General Manager of our member company Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, published in Economy Magazine.
Marking the 30th anniversary of Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria’s production plant in Kostinbrod, the interview offers a closer look at the company’s development over the past three decades, its investments in sustainable production and technology, and the role of people in driving long-term business transformation.
In his conversation with Economy Magazine, Yavor Stefanov highlights the people behind the company’s achievements and reflects on an approach to business success that seeks to create value for the economy, society and the environment.
Green Investments
“The investments that deliver the fastest returns are those in energy efficiency, the modernisation of production lines and the optimisation of water use,” Yavor Stefanov says.
“They reduce costs, improve efficiency and limit the impact on the environment. Among the projects with a long-term impact is the new water pipeline serving Kostinbrod and Voluyak — an investment of more than EUR 4 million that improves the security of the water supply for both local communities and businesses in the region.”
A Drop of Life
“The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation supported efforts to combat forest fires in Bulgaria with a donation of more than EUR 100,000 to the National Association of Volunteers. As a next step, the company, together with its partners from Fantastico, launched the ‘A Drop of Life for the Forest’ initiative.
“Until 16 October 2026, for every pack of Bankya or Rosa water purchased at Fantastico, the two companies will donate EUR 0.10 towards restoring one of the forest areas in Bulgaria most severely affected by the fires,” the General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria adds.
“Together with the Southwestern State Enterprise and the National Association of Volunteers, we will plant nearly 12,000 trees in the area of the village of Ilindentsi in the Western Pirin region and provide ongoing care for the young saplings.”
The Challenge of Change
According to Yavor Stefanov, the greatest challenge is not technology itself, but the speed of change.
“Resilient organisations are able to adapt quickly, recognise opportunities and invest in the development of their people and organisational culture. Technology can be implemented relatively quickly. What matters far more is creating an environment in which people want to learn, forge new paths and grow.”
The full interview is available in the September issue of Economy Magazine.
