WorldShopkeepers in a southern Indian state began removing Pepsi and Coke from their shelves Wednesday after unions called for a boycott of the softdrink giants, urging consumers to shun foreign brands. Pepsi and Coke sell a range of products across India, including softdrinks and bottled water, and the boycott proposal in Tamil Nadu could affect more than a million outlets in India's most prosperous state, which is home to nearly 70 million people. “There are multiple reasons behind the boycott, but most important is how PETA tried to kill Jallikattu,” T. Vellaiyan, president of Tamil Nadu Traders Associations, told AFP. It is not the first time Pepsi and Coke have faced hurdles in Tamil Nadu. More than 200 farmers have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu in recent months following crop failure due to poor rainfall and inadequate water for irrigation.

Source: Sunday Times March 02, 2017 12:35 UTC