Trade : What future for alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire ?
What will be the new fate of alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire after the suspension period ? As a reminder, the Ivorian government had announced at the beginning of October 2023 the suspension of the importation and commercialization of alcoholic energy drinks throughout the country until December 31, 2023.
According to the Ivorian government, this decision aimed to preserve public health, especially during the festive season, in response to the increased consumption of these drinks combined with drugs such as tramadol or the new drug called Kadhafi. However, this measure had sparked criticism within the Ivorian population and in the press worldwide.
The decision was deemed unfair and biased in favor of the competition, given that other highly harmful drugs, which pose a real danger to public health, continue to circulate openly in the country, at the expense of drinks manufactured in compliance with required standards. Moreover, other competing companies plan to introduce drinks with similar characteristics to the market.
Since the official suspension period ended on December 31, 2023, retailers who had made it their income-generating activity and consumers, especially the youth who were fond of these drinks, are wondering about the lifting of the suspension and the return of these highly popular drinks to the Ivorian market.
Will the Ivorian authorities allow the companies that had obediently accepted the decision to resume their activities ? The question remains unanswered.
