More trouble for Coke, Pepsi: Kerala traders to boycott soft drink giants

 Taking the cue from Tamil Nadu, the traders in Kerala have also decided to take Coca-Cola and Pepsi products off the shelves from next week. Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, (KVVES) the biggest organisation of traders in the state, will officially announce its boycott on 14 March. 

More than seven lakh traders in the state will join the boycott protest against soft drink majors'  'mindless water exploitation' even as the state is facing the worst-ever water crisis, said T Nasiruddin, president of KVVES. "We will declare the boycott on Tuesday (14 May) after meeting Chief Minister and seeking his support," he added. 

Even though the state is facing a severe drought, the Coke and Pepsi companies are exploiting the scarce water resource without any restriction, the organisation alleged. 


Also read: Tamil anger evaporates Cola sales, distributors wary
 

The KVVES is planning to increase the supply of desi soft drinks and natural drinks like 'Elaneer' (tender coconut water), lemon water and buttermilk to meet the demands of the consumers. 

The anti-Coca Cola agitators of Plachimada in Palakkad, who are in a long struggle against the bottling plant of the Indian subsidiary of Coca-Cola, welcomed the decision of traders. 
 

Also read: Will reintroduction of Coca-Cola victims Bill make any difference?
 

 A big section of traders and retailers of Tamil Nadu started their boycott of Pepsi and Coke on 1 March. 

• Coke
• Coca-Cola
• Pepsi
• Kerala drought
• ban on coke
• Plachimada