Post jallikattu, Coca-Cola ban loses fizz in Chennai
Although sales were down initially, things have gradually come back to normal.
Chennai: High on jallikattu protests, traders in Tamil Nadu came out with a self-imposed ban on selling of aerated drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. But, five months down the line carbonated drinks are back on the shelves with shopkeepers asking for fresh stock, citing demand from customers.
The Tamil Nadu Traders Association, which came out with the ban, has now sought the state government’s intervention in “banning” such products in the state. Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu president AM Vikramaraja led a delegation of traders to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and demanded a blanket ban on fizzy drinks manufactured by the cola giants.
“The Chief Minister said he would hold meetings with the other ministers to discuss the matter,” Mr Vikramaraja told Deccan Chronicle.
However, he did not elaborate on why their demand should be considered.
Following the protests, Tamil Nadu’s leading traders’ association directed the member traders to stop selling beverages manufactured by the leading cola companies from March 1, 2017.
Although sales were down initially, things have gradually come back to normal.
“They started selling their products to the dealers on credit. They had also allowed the wholesale sellers Rs 2 profit. That is how they have gained back the market to some extent,” Mr Vellaiyan explained.
Another reason for their comeback is refrigerators. The traders are obliged to sell their products as long as they use their refrigerators, pointed out Vikramaraja.
“However, the local brands will soon be providing refrigerators, after which we hope that the cola products would be stopped permanently,” he added.