Price increase for a number of soft drinks

The Office for Fair Competition and the Department of Trade have agreed to an increase in the price of a number of soft drinks as decided prior to the last election.

In July 1998 an increase in the price of all brands of soft drinks produced by the General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd. namely Coca Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Krest was authorized by the previous administration after it was found to be justified.

Simonds Farsons Cisk Ltd. and Portanier Bros. Ltd. also increased the price of their soft drinks. Since they had not justified this increase prior to its implementation, they were ordered to revert prices until these increases were verified.

Prior to the last election a costings exercise carried out jointly by the Office for Fair Competition and the Department of Trade resulted that an increase in the price of soft drinks produced by Simonds Farsons Cisk (excluding Kinnie in 30cl bottle) and soft drinks produced by Portanier Bros. Ltd. was justified. In view of the then impending elections no decision to authorise these increases had been taken.

It has therefore been decided that these increases, approved prior to the last election, be now authorized and consequently the recommended price to consumer of Sunkist, Pepsi and Hi Spot in 30cl bottle produced by Simonds Farsons Cisk and 7-Up, (35.5cl), Like Cola, Hapi, Mirinda and Kimara in 30cl bottle be increased by 1c, whilst the same brands including Kinnie sold in 1 litre bottle be increased by 1c5.