By Anyway Yotamu
The country’s beverages giant Delta Corporation in the first half of 2020 saw sales for both lager and sorghum beer taking a knock due to limited access to markets because of COVID-19 induced lockdowns among other reasons.
This was revealed by the company’s secretary Alex Makamure who was giving a trading update of the second half of the year.
Authorities around the world including those in our region implemented various measures to contain the possible spread of the virus. These included lockdowns, restrictions on travel and social gatherings and limiting the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages. The economies in most countries have experienced severe impacts arising from the curtailed economic activity and stressed health delivery systems.
According to the update given by Makamure for the period in question:
Lager beer volume declined by 18 percent compared to the same period last year
Sorghum beer volume in Zimbabwe declined by 51 percent for the quarter due to limited access to the market
Natbrew in Zambia, recorded a volume increased of 17 percent for the quarter
While the sparkling beverages segment maintained a growth trajectory as volume grew by 35 percent for the quarter
African Distillers (Afdis), an overall 8 percent volume growth was recorded
Schweppes Holdings, declined by 32 percent for the quarter reflecting the constrained trading under Covid-19 conditions