Consumer demand is increasing for all soft drinks. Pic: AungTun Win

THE domestic carbonated drinks industry needs to pay close attention to quality controls to maintain its competitive edge against imported products, said U Thein Htun, the chairman of one of the leading producers, Myanmar Golden Star Co Ltd (MGS).

MGS, which produced 120 million bottles of soft drinks in each of fiscal years 2005 and 2006, makes 10 products under the Star, Crusher and Quench brands.

Star is the most popular brand, selling about 80 million bottles a year, U Thein Htun said.

U Thein Htun said sales had risen 30 percent during the cool season compared to last summer, a trend which highlights the rising demand for soft drinks.

He said demand for soft drinks rises during the cool season because they are more popular at that time of the year than fruit juice drinks.

Sales are influenced by the season, marketing campaigns on television and radio and changes in consumer preferences, U Thein Htun said.

Tamarind drinks were the top sellers last summer but this year it could be cola, he said.

The other leading players in the industry include Pinya Manufacturing Co Ltd, which markets its products under the Max brand, and Loi Hein Co Ltd, which distributes soft drinks made by the Ministry of Industry (1).

Pinya’s marketing manager, Daw Aye Myat Thu, said its best selling product was ‘Max Power,’ with sales reaching about 100 million bottles in 2006. There are plans to boost production to 150 million bottles this year, she said.

Pinya distributes its products throughout the country, said Daw Aye Myat Thu, who echoed U Thein Htun’s comments about rising demand for soft drinks.
“Business is good; consumer demand is increasing for all soft drinks,” she said.