The UAE and Saudi shoppers have recently had the eye appreciation of empty packaging in their drinks where they once saw Pokka. A wide range of popular products, such as Pokka Melon Milk, Jasmine Green Tea and flavored fruit juice are no longer available in supermarkets.
The shortage is now a serious issue, causing a fair amount of discussion among residents in Dubai and Riyadh in particular, and the entire Gulf region, where Japanese drink brands are still popular.
Shipping Delays Are Behind the Pokka Shortage
The lack of Pokka products is primarily associated with the continued lack of supply in the Gulf region. Not only has the shipping traffic around the Strait of Hormuz been delayed due to geopolitical issues foreseen this year, but additional problems have arisen.
The rerouting of many cargo ships, including those coming from Japan and Singapore, bypassing the Cape of Good Hope is a response to the rerouting. This rerouting prompted many cargo vessels to send products from Japan and Singapore around the Cape of Good Hope. This longer haul has led to the supermarket chains suffering from a shortage of rolling stock and a slowdown in deliveries of up to 2 weeks.
In addition, increased fuel prices and insurance premiums have lowered some distributors’ specialty beverage imports or forced them to put off their August plans for the year.
Supermarkets Across UAE and Saudi Arabia Are Feeling the Impact
Carrefour, Lulu, Panda and other grocery store brands have faced difficulty in keeping Pokka in stock.
Smaller convenience stores which have just limited inventory are reportedly selling items at much higher markups because of the limited supply. Some homes have even seen inhabitants line up and buy bulk bottles when they are on display.
Availability of online grocery stores is still limited, but stocks are around the corner depending on demand.
Barakat is Becoming the Top Fresh Juice Alternative
Among the local alternatives to Pokka’s fruit drinks, Barakat has stood out as a favorite.
Renowned for its rich variety of flavors and preservative-free blends, Barakat delivers a more natural and flavorful taste with mango, mixed fruit, and orange juice varieties.
As the production is local, the availability is stable even in times of interruption to international shipping.
Rani Float is Filling the Flavored Drink Gap
The Pokka tea drinkers and fans of its fruit bit drinks are now favouring Rani products.
Rani Float drinks, particularly those flavoured with peach and orange, provide a comparable sensation being enjoyed because of the actual fruit pieces within the drink. The brand continues to be widely found in convenience stores and supermarkets throughout the GCC.
Its regional manufacturing system has made it possible to prevent the import delay issues that impacted an import of Japanese drinks.
Al Rawabi Appeals to Health-Conscious Consumers
Al Rawabi juices have also been a good choice for those who prioritize health.
“Super Juice” is a line of vitamin-enriched drinks, beverages for wellness and a better lifestyle, which matched the lighter and health driven image consumers had of Pokka products.
There is also uniformity in both pricing and availability, as the drinks are made locally in the UAE.
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Should Consumers Expect Pokka to Return Soon?
The industry feels that the time is right to roll Pokka products back now as shipment conditions return to normal and the distributors are able to order and bring in regular shipments of the product.
But freight disruptions are ongoing and shortages could persist for a few more weeks, perhaps. Meanwhile, the consumers around the gulf are increasingly turning towards their local brands that are comparable in taste, yet at a reduced price.
It’s also shown the complete reliance of imported specialty products on world shipping security.
FAQs
Why don’t supermarkets in the UAE have Pokka on their shelves?
Pokka products are seeing disruptions in supply chains due to shipping delays and re-routed shipping routes in the Gulf of Sharon.
Has Pokka left the Gulf market for good?
No. This shortage is thought to be short term related to logistics problems, and not a definitive exit from the market.
Which supermarket stores are impacted by the shortage?
The major retailers such as Carrefour, Lulu, Panda, and others from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grocery sector are facing a shortage of stocks.
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