The nation’s largest brewer, Zambian Breweries has, offered to buy empty Mosi, Castle and Eagle lager crates from local bars and night clubs struggling with the negative effects of COVID-19 on their businesses, whilst remaining supportive of Governments efforts in containing, further, outbreak of the disease.
Bars and night clubs were closed over three months ago as one of the measures to reduce the spread of the virus, which has led to the loss of income in the sector.
The decision by Zambian Breweries is as a result of a meeting the company held with the Bars and Night Clubs Owners Association of Zambia at which it offered to buy the empty crates at K39 per crate.
“We are aware of the impact the virus has had on our retailers and distributors and we share their pain. Hence we decided to come to the aid of our business partners and help them in whatever way we can because they too have bills to pay and families to look after,” said Zambian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director Ezekiel Sekele.
“The move is also aimed at ensuring we can meet the demand from our retailers and distributors when we return back to normal operations in future.”
He added that the company remained committed to supporting partnerships that continue to increase opportunities to grow the economy and keep it running even in the new normal.
The company’s contribution to job creation, agro-processing and manufacturing through the production of Mosi, Castle, Carling Black Label, Castle Lite and affordable Eagle lagers is critical to supporting local enterprises through sourcing of barley, cassava, sorghum and maize.
Zambian Breweries has been engaging patrons and stakeholders, encouraging them to be a big part of the solution by adhering to the government directive to close bars, night clubs and restaurants during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The company has also encouraged licensed outlets to continue to provide takeaway services rather than risk their safety and those of their customers by having them consume the products on the premises.
Zambian Breweries has since urged customers to do the right thing and enjoy beers responsibly from the comfort of their homes and help protect their families and communities.
