Alcoholic energy drinks case in Ivory Coast, loyal consumers face reality, speak out

Drinks that were once popular experienced a significant decline over ten months ago. Worse still, these beverages have disappeared from the Ivorian market following a government decision in October 2023. To recap, the authorities cited the need to temporarily suspend the import and sale of these drinks to safeguard public health.

The idea was to subsequently find an appropriate way to sell these products while protecting young people who were consuming these drinks irresponsibly. Several months after the Ivorian authorities made this decision, both merchants and loyal consumers now face a reality that does not leave them indifferent.

According to credible sources, not only has the issue not been resolved and the suspension period continues indefinitely, but the entire matter was also a mere ploy. A commercial scheme with the sole aim of dethroning these drinks from their market position—a case of unfair competition involving officials and key figures in the commercial sector.

As the problem persists despite the suspension of these drinks, and with the negative impact on both local and national economies as well as commercial injustice, some individuals are speaking out and calling for corrective action. These individuals believe it would be wise for authorities concerned with the well-being of their populations to put an end to this injustice by first objectively analyzing the situation.

They also advocate for a thorough investigation to neutralize the culprits and ultimately establish commercial justice. According to scientists, these unfairly accused drinks pose no danger if consumed responsibly, without mixing with toxic products or abusing them. Therefore, it is crucial for Ivorian authorities to seriously consider this matter to put an end to unfair competition that undermines businesses and hinders economic diversity.