Retail stores and carinderias (eateries) are now experiencing shortage in beverage and softdrinks supply while wholesalers have advised them of no deliveries in three months or longer.

In a statement, the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) said they have been experiencing limited supply of softdrink products and other beverages in the past weeks. PASCO said these products account for a big portion of their sales.

Some wholesalers and suppliers have also advised them to expect no deliveries of these items for three months or longer.

In a statement in Pilipino language, PASCO President Cristina A. Constantino said this shortage in supply would have a huge negative effect on their income and livelihood. Hence, PASCO has appealed to concerned authorities to immediately resolve the sugar supply situation to help their livelihood and welfare of their families.

Constantino stressed the sugar supply shortage came while they are still recovering from the pandemic. PASCO members were able to resume retail operations this year as government had lifted hard lockdowns.

But they are facing another challenge because of the shortage in sugar supply in the country that resulted in limited supply of beverages. PASCO said this situation has curtailed their income opportunities.

During the pandemic in 2020, PASCO said that 57.6 percent of their members closed their operations. As much as 32.8 percent of PASCO remained closed in 2021. This resulted not just in income losses but Filipinos out of jobs. Most of them just rely on their remaining stocks to support their families during the pandemic.

The PASCO statement came after the big beverage and softdrinks manufacturers’ admission of shortage in supply of premium refined sugar, a key ingredient in most of their products.