Femsa unit leaves Colombia drinks chamber amid Andi tensions

Coca-Cola Femsa in Colombia announced its voluntary withdrawal from the Beverage Industry Chamber of the National Business Association of Colombia, known as Andi. The decision was communicated through its operating subsidiaries, Coca-Cola Bebidas de Colombia S.A. and Industria Nacional de Gaseosas S.A.S. (Indega).

The bottler stated that this exit is limited strictly to its sectoral participation in the drinks chamber and does not represent an immediate departure from Andi as a whole. Both Colombian operating entities will remain affiliated with the broader association and continue to meet their corresponding obligations, with both companies currently up to date on their dues.

According to Revista Semana, the move marks an initial step toward a definitive departure from the business association. The departure was requested to take effect immediately upon receipt of the letter, under Article 13 of Andi's Sectoral Chambers Regulations and Article 58 of Andi's Bylaws.

The measure unfolds amid political tensions between the national government and Bruce Mac Master, president of Andi. The executive branch instructed government ministers not to meet with Mac Master, complicating direct talks between private companies and the administration.