Coca-Cola pledges $7.3 million for Japan relief effort

Coca-Cola Co. and its network of subsidiaries and bottlers has pledged $7.3 million, or 600 million Japanese yen, in cash and product donations for the earthquake and tsunami relief effort in Japan. The contribution includes more than 7 million bottles of beverages, such as water, tea and sports drinks.

Coca-Cola Japan and its 12 bottling partners will give the beverages to national and local government authorities and other community groups for distribution. The division has also activated some vending machines for free dispensing.

"The Coca-Cola system in Japan continues to focus on the safety and well-being of our employees, and we continue to assess the conditions of our facilities in the hardest hit regions," the Atlanta-based company said in a press release.