The hits just keep coming for California.
Wave after wave of factory closures…
Whole industries shutting down…
It’s just a tough economic time for the Golden State, especially its food and beverage sectors.
And unfortunately, it looks like the pain isn’t over yet.
More specifically, Manna Beverages notified employees that it is closing its West Sacramento bottling facility and warehouse operations, impacting more than 300 employees. Manna has also indicated plans to wind down all California operations, which could impact another 250+ employees in Anaheim and Chino.
The move appears to stem from mounting financial strain. The company cited poor business performance and mounting debt as grounds for winding down operations.
Manna manufactures a variety of energy drinks, juices, and sparkling waters for major nationwide brands, and it’s hard not to view these sudden losses as tied to the broader economic downturn.
The trade war has closed off many international markets as retaliatory tariffs and even outright boycotts have harmed American brands and exports worldwide.
And of course – that’s in addition to higher input costs on things like aluminum for cans thanks to American tariffs.
These new issues join longstanding problems that have been harming the broader food and beverage sector for years. Inflation, shifting consumer preferences, the need to update old equipment and old plants, plus complex supply chains have all played their part in weakening many companies to the point that this year’s trade disruptions are sending far too many over the edge.
Add it all up, and it’s a grim outlook for California, the broader food and beverage sectors, and every individual worker who is let go.
Here’s hoping the next chapter is kinder to all involved – people who work hard and do their jobs shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves over the holidays. Please share your well-wishes in the comments!
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