The makers of Coke, Pepsi and RC Cola products said Tuesday they were addressing a shortage in premium refined sugar, a key ingredient in many of their products.
The admission from the beverage makers came as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stood by his decision to reject the importation of 300,000 tons sugar, saying there was enough supply. The order was for raw and refined sugar, according to Reuters.
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The rare joint statement was from Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc., Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc., and ARC Refreshments Corp.
"We confirm our industry is facing a shortage of premium refined sugar – a key ingredient in many of our products," the statement read. "We are working closely with other stakeholders of the industry and the government to address the situation."
The statement made no mention of supply and prices of finished products.
High sugar prices will add the the government's struggles to contain inflation. The Sugar Regulatory Administration said in late June that prices had gone "out of hand" and that a shortage was likely.
The Philippines consumes 2.3 million tons of sugar per year according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making it one of the world's largest markets for the sweetener.
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