The people in the Dominican Republic drink a lot of soda drinks, flavored water and fruit juices. Soft drinks cost little and distribution is excellent nationwide.
The soft drinks industry is now lobbying to keep its tax benefits. Health sectors consider the sugary drinks should be taxed as these drinks are damaging to health. Most consumers are unaware of the negative effects the sugary drinks have on health.
The soft drink and juices industry reveals that and all together this non-alcoholic beverage sector produces a whopping RD$15.6 billion for the National Treasury (Hacienda). The sector also provides jobs for over 60,000 persons.
A recent study sponsored by the Association for Non-Alcoholic Beverages of the Dominican Republic and carried out by Despradel and Associates (DESA) looked at data from the Central Bank and that provided by the 13 companies that make up the business association. The study reveals that the sector contributes almost 1% (0.96%) of the GDP.
The recent study covers everything from energy drinks to sodas like Coca-Cola and 7 Up, and even malt drinks, and water. Over 90% of these products are sold at corner markets and supermarkets.
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Diario Libre
6 May 2024