MISSING Coke at your regular fastfood restaurant?
You’re not alone.
Many customers have noted the absence of regular Coke on the menu for some months now.
Fastfood chain personnel clarified that they are not to blame for the absence of regular Coke in their restaurants.
A memorandum in a Jollibee outlet on Gen. Maxilom Ave. states that “there are drinks that may temporarily be unavailable due to a shortage from our supplier.”
A Jollibee staff member said that at first, they were a bit surprised but it did not affect them that much because their supplier is still providing other beverages.
Christine Cabataña, officer-in-charge of a Burger King outlet across the street, said the absence of regular Coke is due to a shortage in sugar production from their supplier.
She said that they were informed late about the shortage, so their fastfood chain was affected.
“Naka-affect gyud siya sa sales. Apektado gyud mi. In terms of service, apektado gihapon mi (It has affected us in terms of sales and service),” said Cabataña.
Cabataña stated that their customers would complain because of the unavailability of regular Coke. Some of their regular customers get disappointed whenever they reach the counter and find out the drink is not available.
She also added that it is unavoidable for customers to walk out and get angry.
In a statement, Coca-Cola FEMSA, the Philippine bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products, said the supply of Coke is expected to stabilize soon.
“Coca-Cola has been working closely with SRA (Sugar Regulatory Administration) and all our partners to ensure the availability of our Coke Original Taste in stores. We are very grateful for all the support that our stakeholders have been extending to us. We are optimistic that the supply of our Coke Original Taste in restaurants and stores will continue to stabilize in the next few weeks,” it said.
In spite of the availability of Coke Zero and other beverages, Cabataña said it is still not enough because the consumption of Coke is higher than other drinks.
Jaime Ramonida Jr., second assistant manager in a McDonald’s outlet on Osmeña Blvd., said that their supplier told them that by this month, they will be able to supply them with regular Coke.
He said that in terms of sales, they are not affected.
A KFC staff member on Osmeña Blvd. said that the supply of regular Coke became unavailable since June. He, too, wants to know the reason behind the shortage.
He said that a lot of customers really look for the regular Coke, but it has not affected their sales.
Kyle Cuñado, a regular fastfood diner, said he is not bothered by the absence of regular Coke. “There are other drinks pa naman like Sprite, Royal, iced tea and pineapple juice. I can always choose an alternative.”
April Avenido, however, is bothered by it.
“Coke is my usual drink whenever I eat in a fastfood chain but since it’s not available, I have to choose other drinks, which I don’t like.”
Cabataña hopes a solution is reached soon.
“Sige man silag ingon nga basig karon nga month makasupply na sila. Basin ra bitaw, walay assurance (They tell us they might be able to supply us this month. But there’s no assurance),” Cabataña said. (With KOC)