Softdrinks of certain sizes unavailable in some supermarkets, stores

Softdrinks of certain sizes are no longer being delivered to supermarkets and even neighborhood shops.

According to Bernadette Reyes' report on "24 Oras", it has been a week since the last softdrink delivery in one of the sari-sari stores.

Before he resigned, former Sugar Regulatory Administration Administrator Hermenigildo Serafica said manufacturers of products that use sugar have cut down their production.

He added that there certain products are not available in sari-sari stores "because of no supply."

Steven Cua, president of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association, Inc., some sizes of softdrinks are not available in the market.

Outside Metro Manila, Cua said some supermarkets have no softdrinks regardless of size.

"There are particular sizes of the drinks na nawala sa merkado. Now, I don't know if that's because of the pachaging, the PET bottle or maybe it's because it's more economical to produce the particular size that they are selling right now which is available in the market," Cua said.

"Pero the small bottle na sinasabi nilang favorite soda eh, wala sa mga sari-sari store. Outside Metro Manila, 'yung members ko nagrereklamo, wala. Hindi lang walang size, wala. Wala silang soda," he added.

The three leading softdrinks manufacturers have confirmed the lack of supply of premium refined sugar, which is the main ingredient in their product.

They are working closely with other industry and government stakeholders to address the situation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufactures have also discussed the shortage in sugar supply.

The United Sugar Producers' Federation of the Philippines said its members have started milling sugar and it would be available in September.

"Ipa-process pa 'yan, tapos trucking, isasakay sa barko pa-Manila, another trucking, bagsak sa mga palengke," Unifed president Manuel Lamata said.

He said industrial consumers such as beverage manufacturers would also have adequate supply.

"Dapat ma'am, they should buy local. We can supply them with all the sugar needs that they want," Lamata said.  —Sherilyn Untalan/NB, GMA News