Traders, retailers in Tamil Nadu boycott Pepsi, Coca Cola; refuse to sell them at their shops

Chennai, Mar 1 (KNN) Traders and retailers in Tamil Nadu today started boycotting multinational cola brand along with their other soft drink products citing reasons pertaining to health and the environment.

They are stressing on looking of local alternatives — a move that is bound to promote home-grown businesses and products.

The boycott comes at a time when the temperature is starting to soar and summer just around the corner.

Talking to KNN, Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA) President C Babu said traders have called for the protest against the cola brands. They are doing so because of multiple reasons such as health hazards, pollution etc.

The protest began after several issues were raised during jallikattu protests when many among the public began boycotting the cola products marketed by MNC giants Pepsi and Coca Cola.

After the two major traders associations announced the boycott from March 1, shopkeepers stopped taking fresh stocks.

According to media reports, Vanigar Sangangalin Kootamaipu president AM Vikramaraja said all small traders would close their doors to the two soft drink giants as planned, from Wednesday. As for retail and food chains, some of whom had paid in advance for the year's supply, a decision would be taken by Thursday, he added.

The boycott of Cola and Pepsi is likely to give a push to local beverages like Kalimark's Bovonto, Amrutanjan's Frutnik and Parle's Frooti. (KNN Bureau)