By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) Spokesperson Atty. Emilio Yulo III confirmed talks are ongoing between the group and beverage giant Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc.
In a message from Yulo, he said SAP welcomes the commitment of support from Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, which he described as a “strategic partner” of the Philippine sugar industry.
Yulo also expressed optimism that talks with Coca-Cola will be equally positive and result in the company buying local sugar at a volume acceptable to both parties.
According to a press release from Coca-Cola back in April, they claim to already use 100 percent locally-sourced sugar.
They also cited a University of the Philippines study, which was referenced by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), that found, with the company’s use of approximately 40 percent of all sugar production in the Philippines, Coca-Cola is a “main purchaser” of local sugar.
Earlier, SAP lifted threats of a boycott against Pepsi after Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company (BISCOM) chief executive officer Jose Marie Chan arranged a meeting between SAP and Pepsi-Cola in Metro Manila.
BISCOM is the primary supplier of sugar to the Pepsi-Cola plant in Bacolod City./WDJ