Swire Pacific Limited is an export-import market giant founded in Liverpool in 1816. Swire Pacific’s early development hinged on several key factors. The company leveraged the American Civil War to increase holdings in the raw cotton market. Swire used their wealth to expand rapidly into Asia. They established offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Yokohama. By the late 1800s, their shipping lines became an essential part of goods distribution in Asia, reaching even as far as Australia.
Swire’s early import-export success allowed the business to venture out into several different markets. Their most successful venture, Cathay Pacific, has dominated the Asian aerospace industry. Throughout the 20th century, Cathay acquired regional airlines and air shipping companies. They are consistently rated as a top world airline.
Swire also brought Coca-Cola to Hong Kong. The company expanded their beverage holdings throughout the region and even entered North America with the franchise purchase of Coca-Cola Salt Lake City. Their beverage holding goes hand in hand with the company’s Taikoo Sugar Limited. As Hong Kong transitioned back to Chinese control, Swire was given exclusive rights to distribute the beverage, as well as in China and Macau.
- Family name: Swire family
- Sector: Consumer Products & Retail
- Founded: 1816
- Founder:
- Country: Hong Kong
- Company headquarters:
- Revenue: 7.9
- Employees: 75,107
- Website: swirepacific.com
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