Soft drinks 50% price increase-outrageous!

sefri
By sefri

Since I usually buy soft drinks in large packs, I didn't know about the increase in soft-drinks price until late last week.

A lot of people can argue that an increase from 1 QAR to 1.5 QAR is nothing because what is 0.5 QAR worth, right?!

But if you look at the fact that the increase is 50% in price, then you can imagine what that means!

What if chicken, meat or coffee prices are up by 50%?
Just because it is a cheap recreational item doesn't mean that the manufacturers can increase the price 50%!

Profits will increase by far more than 50%.
The manufacturer claims that cost prices have raised during the past year, but do these costs really add up to 50% of the total selling price? Come on... do you take us for idiots?!

Let's make a small study:
Usually overheads and profits of an item are about 25% of the selling price, Manpower is around 15% and material cost is around 40%. The remaining 20% are spent on other issues including propaganda, delivery...etc.

So, only 0.4 QAR per soft drink was affected.
And I am certainly sure that not all the cost prices are up, but let us -for argument's sake- consider that the whole cost was affected by a 50% raise!

This means that 0.4 X 1.5 = 0.6 QAR would be the new cost of material production.
The remaining issues have not changed...!

So the new cost at the most should be 0.6 (material) + 0.2 (propaganda, delivery...ect) + 0.25 (overheads and profits) + 0.15 (manpower) = 1.2 QAR.
Remember this is assuming all material costs have raised 50% which is practically impossible!

Since Qatar does not have a smaller coin than 0.25 QAR, then the selling price would have to be set at 1.25 QAR.

This would mean a 25% increase in selling price which is still an outrage, but still more practical due to the minimum Qatari (and GCC) coins of 0.25 QAR.

By selling for 1.5 QAR per can, the manufacturer is more than doubling his overheads and profits, which is unbelievable!!!

How can the local authorities even believe and approve such a clear theft?!

The worst thing is that there is no such thing as a Consumer Protection committee, or is there? And where is it?

Please share your thoughts on this...

And please don't comment with negative attitude such as "if you don't like it, don't buy it!"... we are already sick enough to get contaminated with more viruses..!

By Alumnar• 25 Mar 2010 16:32
Alumnar

... helps you burp and get rid of any air you swallowed during your meal :)

By Mr M.• 25 Mar 2010 16:31
Mr M.

alumnar by sparkling water,do you mean perrier,or what other brand,and yeah green tea is good as well.

By Alumnar• 25 Mar 2010 16:20
Alumnar

... after a heavier meal. That and green tea, let it cool, a slice of lemon in it... delicious :)

By Mr M.• 25 Mar 2010 16:14
Mr M.

i agree with you,this increase in the prices of soft drinks is unjustified,though i wouldn't reccomend it all the time,but having a can of sprite is fine occasionally,but i still prefer to drink water and fruit juices,these are healthier options,although when you have had a heavy meal,you would certainly want to wash it down with these sodas,it gives you that temporary relief,but again switch to water,fruit juice and milk.

By anonymous• 25 Mar 2010 15:56
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

nothing wrong on it everything in Qatar increased for these pepsi/colas was only 1 riyal from more than 15 years?

By me and you• 25 Mar 2010 15:48
me and you

Good for you... My daughter has bad teeth which runs in the family so I have also made changes to drinking habbits in my house a while ago! Cant beat a nice glass of cold milk!!!

By Alumnar• 25 Mar 2010 15:39
Rating: 2/5
Alumnar

... there are 8 (yes EIGHT) spoons of sugar in a can of coca-cola/pepsi. That should ring alarm bells.

By Alumnar• 25 Mar 2010 15:38
Rating: 4/5
Alumnar

I wish they were at least 10 Riyals per can, then I would have stopped drinking them longer ago! I am happy to say I have not touched a can in 2 months so I do not care about the price increase, but the amount of soft drinks I see some children (ok, and adults) drinking is horrendous!

By me and you• 25 Mar 2010 15:33
me and you

I think we all need to take note at how much sugar is in those cans, not just the young ones....! Very bad for teeth and body....! I say raise the price more and people may start to drink more healty drinks....

By anonymous• 25 Mar 2010 15:28
anonymous

My teeth have suffered a lot because of these soft drinks :(

By Alumnar• 25 Mar 2010 15:27
Rating: 2/5
Alumnar

... drink less soft drinks, specially when I see children these days drinking as many softdrinks as they like from a young age onwards. Just think of the sugar in those cans...!

By anonymous• 25 Mar 2010 14:32
anonymous

I totally agree with you, sefri! These softdrinks companies and stores/resellers really S*CK!!!

====================

====================

https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTM3NzM2MDQ5

Apple lover. Mac lover. iPhone lover. iPad lover. iPod lover.

Once you go Mac, you'll never go back!

http://www.apple.com

http://www.philmug.ph

By jhujaejyt• 25 Mar 2010 14:18
Rating: 4/5
jhujaejyt

I didn't realized until I read this post....

No wonder I was wondering 3 days back when I pick a 6-can-pack at Lulu... I thought I was buying this pack at QAR 5.50, now it QAR 9??

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Spent third of my life Away From Home

By GodFather.• 25 Mar 2010 13:47
GodFather.

Good drink beer there is actually a reduction and special offers at QDC..:)

-----------------

Can We Fix It?

Yes We Can!

By somwerNdmiddle• 25 Mar 2010 13:42
Rating: 4/5
somwerNdmiddle

right on FS, long term consumption of soft drinks is not good for our health, switch to cold water or freshly squeezed fruit juices

www.live365.com/stations/thevault85

By Formatted Soul• 25 Mar 2010 13:28
Rating: 5/5
Formatted Soul

Anywayz..its not good for health....atleast people will reduce consuming soft drinks..

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.