Lovers of fizzy drinks have been warned of shortages in the high-demand December period due to carbon-dioxide supply problems, a bottling company spokesperson said on Friday.
The shortages are expected in November and December, ABI spokesperson Michael Farr said.
”The shortages that are expected will be because of demand exceeding full production as it always does in the December period,” he said.
South Africa faces the shortages due to production problems experienced by the major carbon-dioxide supplier.
Production is being focused on core brands — Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite — to ensure some sizes are available.
Less popular drinks — such as Fanta Pine, Fanta Grape, Sprite Zero and Tab — could be in short supply, Farr said.
ABI, the country’s major bottler, is currently meeting 60% to 70% of demand.
”Given the high demand for carbonated soft drinks in December traditionally, this poses the greatest challenge on demand.”
ABI is importing about 20-million cans to minimise inconvenience and disruption to its 43 000 customers.
The carbon-dioxide supply is expected to normalise within 10 to 12 days, which will normalise full supply by early January, Farr said. — Sapa