THE supply shortage of soft drinks has deeply hurt small sari-sari stores that are dependent on these fast-selling products for their profits.
Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Director Almer Masillones said the shortage hurts small sari-sari entrepreneurs more than the bigger groceries and fast-food outlets.
“Sari-sari store owners are already complaining about the shortage and wondering where they can get their supplies,” Masillones said.
Masillones said the situation has worried government regulators because the sale of soft drinks is essential to small sari-sari store owners.
The scarcity of soft drinks came after the Philippines’ projected sugar production of 2.03 million metric tons fell short by 200,000 tons.
Major beverage companies Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and ARC Refreshments Corporations confirmed the shortage of premium-refined sugar, a “key ingredient” in their products.
Coca-Cola Philippines were forced to suspend operations in some of its key manufacturing plants in the country because of the shortage of sugar.
Lawyer Ruth Sybil Salvador, DTI mediation officer, said this situation leads to the hoarding of soft drinks especially the popular Coca-Cola.
Salvador said her desk already received two complaints from sari-sari store owners of bodegas and warehouses hoarding soft drinks.
Reporters who attended the press conference called by DTI Misamis Oriental on Monday appraised the trade regulators that the price of soft drinks is now selling more than 100 percent of the price in July 2022.
“A small bottle of pop soda is more expensive than the price of a liter of gasoline or diesel,” IFM radio reporter Menzie Montes told the DTI officials during the press conference.
