No Pepsi, Coke In Tamil Nadu Hotels; Association To Boycott US-Based Products Amid Tariff War

Amid Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff war on Indian products, the Tamil Nadu Hotels Association has found a way to retaliate. On Wednesday, September 4, they announced a boycott of cold drinks, mineral water and other beverages manufactured by US-based companies. So, is this the end of Coke and Pepsi in Tamil Nadu hotels? Here’s what we know.

Tamil Nadu To Boycott US-Based Food & Beverages 

The United States recently imposed a 50% tariff on several Indian exports. In protest, the Tamil Nadu Hotels Owners Association has announced a boycott of American food and beverages. According to a report by DT Next, Association President M. Venkadasubbu stated on Wednesday that hotels across the state will cease selling products from popular US brands. This includes Pepsi, Coca-Cola, KFC, and more.

Not just that, they are also set to boycott mineral water produced by US companies, while prioritising Indian alternatives. Moreover, the association has also decided to exclude food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato. Instead, they plan to promote a new state-based platform called ‘Zaaroz’. The app is expected to launch soon. 

Also Read: Greater Flamingos Choose Thoothukudi: How Monsoon Rains Made Tamil Nadu A Bird Magnet

Boycott Date To Be Announced

According to The Hindu, the association’s president stated that the exact date from which the boycott will begin will be announced shortly. The association also claimed that Indian food delivery apps have been overcharging customers. Their state-owned delivery app, Zaaroz, is already running pilot programmes in Cuddalore and Namakkal. Reportedly, this app already has 5,000 vendors on the platform serving around 8 lakh customers. The company also plans to expand to other cities soon. 

For those unfamiliar, as part of his ‘America First’ policy, US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on several Indian exports to 50%, the highest in Asia. This is expected to have a significant impact on India’s export industries. Now, we will have to wait and see how this move by the Tamil Nadu Hotels Association turns out. 

Also Read: Zomato Offers Provides Free Sanitary Napkins To Its Female Delivery Partners In Tamil Nadu 

What do you think of this move by Tamil Nadu’s Hotels Association? Do you think other associations will follow suit? Let us know. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/  Gustavo Santana (Representative Image)