Coronavirus could result in a massive shortage of Diet Coke and Coke Zero as it disrupted its supply chain.
The United States could see shortages of Coca-Cola products as artificial sweeteners from China could be in shorter supply if the killer virus continues to worsen.
Coca-Cola’s supply of sugar substitute for its zero sugar and diet Coke soft drinks has already been delayed but the supply chain in Australia is not anticipated to be affected.
In its annual report, Coca-Cola wrote: “We have initiated contingency supply plans and do not foresee a short-term impact due to these delays.
“However, we may see tighter supplies of some of these ingredients in the longer term should production or export operations in China deteriorate.”
Coca-Cola uses sweeteners that contain steviol glycosides, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, cyclamate, aspartame, and sucralose.
The company said the sugar alternative Splenda is a ‘critical raw material’ purchased from China and the US but it is not clear which sweeteners were affected by the deadly virus.
The statement read: “The company has implemented precautionary measures to protect employees in China, which includes providing face masks and hand sanitisers; installing temperature screening in offices and manufacturing facilities; and setting up health monitoring mechanisms across the Coca-Cola system in China.”
A spokesperson for Coca-Cola Australia also said: “We are confident in our supply chain as we have limited sourcing from China and there will not be any impact on Australian consumers.
“As matter of routine, we maintain business continuity plans throughout the world including maintaining alternative procurement sources in other regions of the world.”
One internet user commented: “That is one good news that this virus has produced.”
Another wrote: “Let me know when it impacts the supply of Jack Daniels.”
A third added: “What will people drink with their cheeseburgers and fries?”
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Replaced!