Falling demand?

Coke shuts down three plants and halts work. One does not know whether one should look at this news with trepidation or should one celebrate.

Trepidation because it means that an MNC is closing units as it feels that business is not good. This is worrisome especially when we are running around for FDI all around the globe. The reason for the shut down is ground water depletion, which in itself is something we need to worry about. The shutting of Coca Cola would not cause as much harm the shutting down of an industrial or agriculture plant.

But at the same time, there is a feeling of happiness too – what this conveys is that demand for coke has gone down, so much so that the demand slump is causing the company to shut down. This in turn means that Indians have turned a bit healthier and they are shunning all aerated waters.

In the same vein, it would also be logical to point out that Coca Cola and the other aerated drink makers are facing a similar situation all across the world. People are getting more aware of the harm caused by these drinks and slowly but surely waking up to its dangers.

FDI is good but what’s the point of the FDI which is harming the health of the entire population.