Amritsar: Due to mild heat, fewer customers are seen in sherbet and jam shops.
Punjab: The mild summer heat in Amritsar has hit the city’s traditional cold drink and jam vendors. Sales of sherbet, jam, and cold drinks typically increase during the summer, but this year’s mild heat has resulted in a noticeable decline in customer traffic. Shopkeepers in local markets reported a 30 to 40 percent drop in sales compared to previous years. Sherbet and jam vendors in Golewal Market, Kaul Market, and other major markets are disappointed with the low customer count. Traders say the mild heat and cool weather have reduced people’s need for cold drinks and jams at home.
Amandeep Singh, a sherbet vendor, said, “Every year, we prepare a large quantity of sherbet at the beginning of summer, but this time the demand is so low that many bottles and ingredients are starting to spoil. People are drinking water and generally cold drinks at home.” Similarly, Sandeep Kumar, a jam seller, said, “The subsiding heat has affected the sale of jams. People are buying jams only on special occasions or festivals, whereas they usually bought some quantity every day during the summer.” Experts say that the mild heat in Amritsar is currently affecting the daily routine of ordinary people. The mild heat is reducing the demand for traditional cold drinks and jams. Furthermore, environmental and economic factors are also affecting the number of customers in the market.
However, shopkeepers are hopeful that as the heat subsides and temperatures return to normal, demand for sherbet and jams will increase again. Local market committees have also advised shopkeepers to be careful in stocking and packaging their goods to avoid spoilage. Customers say that despite the mild heat, they will prefer to buy jams and jams only when the heat increases. Most people are using cold drinks or refrigerated juices at home. The local administration has also issued guidelines to shopkeepers to pay special attention to freshness and cleanliness during this season. Shopkeepers say that customers are paying more attention to freshness and quality, and this is why sales are suffering.
