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MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS
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MANUFACTURE OF AERATED WATERS
Aerated waters have become popular during the last few years. Cold drinks find a good demand during the summer season. This has contributed towards the growth of aerated waters producing factories in many towns in the district such as Dhulia, Shahada, Dondaicha and Nandurbar. With the exception of few they are small sized and are often managed by the owner with the assistance of a few paid workers.
The demand for aerated waters is at its peak during the summer while the state of business is generally dull in the rainy season and the winter.
In such a factory gas cylinders, soda bottles, glasses, ice boxes, furniture, etc., comprise the machinery and the equipment. The cost of these items, varies between Rs. 2.000 and Rs. 5,000 depending on the turnover of the establishments.
The raw material required for the manufacture of aerated waters and allied items includes lemon essence, sugar, syrups, fruit juices, colour, ice. gas (in cylinders), milk. etc. Colour, gas and essences are brought from Bombay and the rest of the material is locally purchased. The monthly expenditure on them ranges from
Rs. 50 to Rs. 75.
A skilled worker who works in an aerated drinks producing factory is paid from Rs. 100 to Rs. 125 per month. The waiters are paid between Rs. 50 and Rs. 75 per month.
The factories produce a variety of drinks such as soda, lemon, orange, ginger, pineapple and vimto, and ice-creams. In some of the establishments, lassi is also prepared. Some shops do the twin business of manufacturing and selling as well. Others supply the products to hotels and restaurants and to cold drink houses at whole-sale rates.
The monthly income of an establishment varies between Rs. 125 and Rs. 350 per month depending on the turnover.
The total number of persons employed in the occupation was 71 in 1951 and 131[The number includes persons engaged in the production of other beverages besides those engaged in the manufacture of aerated waters.] in 1961.
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