Coca Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) is looking forward to normalizing its operations following the issuance of sugar importation order, the country’s top soda and beverage company said in a statement.
“We look forward to being able to normalize our bottling operations once we have secured a sufficient supply of Bottler’s Grade sugar,” CCBPI said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Sugar Order No. 2 series of 2022-2023 by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., concurrently the head of the Department of Agriculture and chair of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, detailing the sugar import program for the crop year 2022 to 2023 and setting the maximum volume at 150,000 metric tons of refined sugar.
The importation was meant to address the tight supply of sugar supply situation that affected operations of the local food processing industry.
“We are grateful to the government for heeding the industry’s call to import Bottler’s Grade or premium refined sugar. We appreciate the efforts and welcome this step forward as we work across sectors towards a sustainable solution in addressing the country’s sugar situation,” said CCBPI.
Meanwhile, the company thanked customers who remained loyal to the brand as they prepare “serve our full line-up of beverages.”
Due to the shortage in bottler’s grade sugar, CCBPI earlier said that some of the company’s bottling plants have temporarily suspended operations.
CCBPI said it will be releasing statements as they continue monitoring the developments connected with the sugar shortage. “We will ensure that we will be able to ensure that we will continue pushing forward for CCBPI’s People First Commitment,” the statement concluded.