Brandonbull: You either mischaracterize or totally misunderstand Mursilis' comment. How is the manufacturer's decision to raise prices an action of the government? Typical teabag reaction.
This is NOT price gouging, there is nothing essential about carbonated sugar water nor is there a scintilla of evidence of any illegal market control. This is capitalism pure and simple, the natural tension between buyers and sellers in an open market. If Coca Cola can squeeze more profit out of their product, all the more power to them. Ditto to Costco-they are also seeking to preserve and expand their profits at their end of the marketing chain, and are crying crocidile tears with their protecting the consumer nonsense.
I'm startled this even made the news-excellent negotiating tactic on the part of Costco's PR people.