‘Some things are better left unsaid’ they say, this one is not one of them. The matter is there have been long lasting dynasties that have graced mother earth. Some fierce, some sophisticated and some marvellous. Consequently, a lot have succumbed to time and wear to fade into inexistence.
We are talking of rulers, companies, structures and systems that boasted superiority in a vicinity, yet no trace of them remains in the present day.
The Malawian soft drinks arena has been dominated by products from the presently called Castel Malawi Limited. Since 1955, the company has given rise to soft drinks such as Sprite, Coco-Pina, Cherry Plum, the famous Coca-Cola and the Fanta brand that consists of flavours orange, pineapple and passion. Furthermore, the company created what would go down as the outstanding squash in the country, the two sister flavours of SOBO orange and pineapple. The two products are what the eleven lines are here to speak of.
For decades, the squash brand had been a leading non-alcoholic marvel in Malawian households. Massive sales realised, possible competition weaned off. It was until 2018 that the situation would be altered. The interference of overseeing bodies among other things meant the product would be frequently recalled. It was a party interruption its patrons were unprepared for. The product was eventually pulled off the market in 2019. Disbelief, despair, uncertainty ensued.
In the era of SOBO’s disappearance, competing brands maximised production to fill the vacuum that had been left, indeed to quench the ‘dry’ throats. None came close to filling it. It was no surprise that when the SOBO squash sister products were re-introduced, they were welcomed by applauds from the Malawian public. Scores took it to social media to express their delight at the return of the product.
A slight withdrawal or inconsistent presence on the market can yield severe consequences to a product. Yet in spite of all the fears, the beverages continue to defy the tides to command supremacy on the Malawian market.
What companies, organisations and individuals must do to make sure their products and services emulate the SOBO dynasty that refuses to fall is a topic for another day. However, for today, decision makers in the manufacturing, service delivery and other sectors must examine if what they provide is capable of braving the harshest of tides.
Recent Comments