(UPDATE) THE Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) said the beverage industry needs at least 450,000 metric tons of premium refined bottler grade sugar to be able to operate at full capacity for the rest of the year.

'We have shared with the President that the industry needs at least 450,000 MT of premium refined bottler grade sugar to utilize 100 percent of its manufacturing capacity for the balance of the year and serve the orders of customers who are depending on our products for their sales and income,' the CCBPI said in a statement.