Traders’ associations of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu have reportedly revealed plans to stop selling PepsiCo and Coca-Cola beverage products from 1 March this year.

The ban has been proposed by associations such as Federation of Tamil Nadu Traders’ Association and The Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaipu to help local brands such as Patanjali, Kali Mark, and Bovonto.

The associations said that approximately 1.5 million retail outlets and 6,000 smaller trade associations will follow the ban.

Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaipu president A.M. Vikramaraja was quoted by The Hindu as saying: “They cause more harm than good to the body. Only recently, one of the brands admitted to the fact that it was not suitable for children and that it contained certain harmful chemicals.”

It is estimated that the implementation of a ban, which may or may not also include food products, may lead to a major loss for both companies.

"Only recently, one of the brands admitted to the fact that it was not suitable for children and that it contained certain harmful chemicals."

Vikramaraja was further quoted by the publication as saying: “During the recent protest by students demanding conduct of jallikattu, youngsters sought a ban on these soft drinks as they draw our groundwater and take the profits outside the country. Encouraged by that, we are taking this campaign forward.”

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola and Pepsi refused to comment on the reports and sent a joint statement from Indian Beverages Association (IBA).

In an email, IBA Secretary General Arvind Verma was quoted as saying: “At the outset, we would like to clarify that there is absolutely no connection between our member companies and the ongoing events in Tamil Nadu.

"As responsible companies, both Coca-Cola India and PepsiCo India have made a significant contribution to Indian economy and society over the past couple of decades.”