Boycotting Coca Cola, Pepsi products anti-'Make in India', anti-competition: Indian Beverage Association

The boycott of Coca Cola and PepsiCo products is "anti-consumer, anti-retailer, and anti-competition", Arvind Varma, Secretary General, Indian Beverage Association (IBA), said on Wednesday. The statement was in response to Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu (TNVSP), a traders' association's call to stop selling beverages produced by the two companies to promote local drinks and fresh juice manufactured by Indian companies. 

The TNVSP is an umbrella organisation of around 6,000 traders' associations with about 15 lakh members across the state. 

Calling the move against proven fundamentals of robust economic growth, and anti- Make in India, and takes away the the consumers' right to exercise choice. 

"The Indian Beverage Association has already clarified that both Hindustan Coca-Cola and PepsiCo India are local companies, registered in India and compliant to all applicable rules and regulations. They respect local culture and consumer sentiments," IBA said. 

About two lakh retailers in the state benefit from the sale of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo products, helping them earn an income of over Rs 400 crore. "The companies also sustain the interests of thousands of Tamil Nadu farmers, by procuring agri-produce. Furthermore, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo India together provide direct employment to 2,000 families in Tamil Nadu and more than 15,000 families indirectly through their extensive supply chain."

"IBA hopes that good sense will prevail and that consumers will continue to have the right to exercise their choice in Tamil Nadu," the statement said.