Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company receives 2025 Hero Award from Walmart

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, MARCH 2, 2026 - Ozarks Coca‑Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company was honored with the 2025 Hero Award from Walmart and Sam’s Club at the Walmart, Inc. 2026 Global Meeting in February. Awarded to only one vendor each year, the Hero Award recognizes exceptional service and consistent top‑tier performance—distinctions Ozarks Coca‑Cola earned through its work at Walmart.
 
“We were honored to receive the Hero Award,” said Candice Chang, vice president of sales. “It reflects a team that truly delivered in 2025 during a year that required focus, resilience, and trust in one another. We value our strong partnership with Walmart, Inc. and are grateful to be recognized for our commitment to exceptional service and execution.” 
 
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned bottler operating in Missouri for over 100 years. Founded by the Rice family in 1920, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are manufactured in Springfield, with sales and distribution branches in Springfield, Bolivar, Joplin, Rolla, West Plains, and Northwest Arkansas. The company distributes over 650 Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper products across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma and employs more than 900 associates. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.