Venezuela bans sale of Coke Zero by M.J. / June 11

Coke Zero, sold successfully elsewhere in the world since its launch in 2005, has been banned by Venezuelan Minister of Health- Jesus Mantilla, citing unspecified “danger to health”. The decision follows a wave of nationalizations and increased scrutiny of businesses in South America’s top oil exporter.

Coke Zero was launched in Venezuela in April and Coca-Cola Femsa, the Mexico-based company that bottles Coke products locally, said at the time it aimed to increase its market share for low calorie drinks by 200%. The bottler was plagued with labor problems last year in Venezuela when former workers repeatedly blocked its plants, demanding back-pay.

The government has now ordered Coca-Cola Co to withdraw its Coke Zero beverage from the South American nation and earlier this year seized a rice mill and pasta factory belonging to US food giant Cargill and has also threatened action against US drug company Pfizer. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has even nationalized a group of oil service companies, including projects belonging to Williams Companies and Exterran.

Not sure what’s going to happen next for Venezuela, but kudos to telling bastards to fuck off. : )

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