Softdrinks, food and beverage manufacturers are in need of 450,000 metric tons of premium refined sugar for the remainder of this year to be able to run their factories at full capacity while they implement various measures to cushion the impact of the sugar shortage in their business.

According to the country’s largest softdrinks and beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI), the industry has already shared with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. their sugar requirement for the rest of year to be able to operate their manufacturing facilities at full capacity and serve the orders of their customers, who depend on their products for sales and income.

While the shortage continues to affect their factories to operate at full capacity, CCBPI said in a statement Saturday, Aug. 20, that along with the rest of the industry, they are in the “midst of implementing various efforts aimed at cushioning the business impact of the lack of premium refined sugar supply.”

“As always, we are keeping our consumers, customers, and our people front and center,” said CCBPI.

In the same statement, the country’s biggest softdrinks producer explained that their industry’s sugar requirement is different from the ordinary sugar for household use.

“Not all sugar is the same,” said CCBPI in the statement.

The company further emphasized that the food and beverage manufacturers need premium refined sugar to maintain high-quality products. “This type of sugar is not the same sugar that is commonly used in households,” the company said.

“We and the broader industry look forward to continuing to work with the President and all relevant government offices to address the situation and deliver a sustainable solution as we get back to delivering our full line-up of beverages and supporting the country’s economic recovery,” the statement concluded.

Meantime, the Department of Trade and Industry said they will include sugar in their regular price and supply monitoring in the coming days as directed by the President.

Different government agencies monitor different products and services. The DTI monitors manufactured or processed basic necessities such as canned fish and other marine products, processed mils, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread and salt. The agency also montiros basic commodities such as flour, processed and canned pork, processed beef and poultry meat, noodles, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, writing pads, and school supplies.