ZAMBIAN BREWERIES AND B&NCOAZ CONFER; PLEDGE CONTINUED DIALOGUE
As part of their continued engagement, Zambian Breweries and the Bar and Night Club Owner’s Association of Zambia (B&NCOAZ) are equally concerned about supply bottlenecks in the clear beer market.
Representatives of the association and Zambian Breweries’ senior management met on Friday (November 25, 2022) and agreed to explore ways to improve supply bottlenecks.
The recent shortages experienced by some distributors, trade outlets and customers are the result of a combination of factors, including a growing population and economy in recent years that has increased demand for beer at a greater rate than supply.
Zambian Breweries is currently implementing a US$80 million capital investment in its new Lusaka plant and equipment that will double beer production capacity from Q4 of 2023 onwards, helping to address the imbalance between supply and demand.
Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin said: “Zambian Breweries joins with the B&NCOAZ against those traders who have taken advantage of the constrained supply environment by increasing prices and hoarding of stock. We call upon relevant authorities such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to follow up on the reported allegations.”
Zambian Breweries delivers its beer through in-house and out-sourced transporters to distributors, who take ownership of the beer, at which point the distributor takes accountability for re-distribution of the stock, she explained.
B&NCOAZ president Peter Mwale said:
“Whenever we have issues, Zambian Breweries has always opened their door to help resolve challenges within our industry. The meeting highlighted that there are so many issues on the ground that we have resolved through dialogue.”
“I am very pleased that we were able to sit around the table with B&NCOAZ to unpack issues being faced in the market and address challenges that the association and their members are facing.” Ms Kilpin said.
B&NCOAZ commended Zambian Breweries for their operations and efforts towards improving clear beer production in Zambia. “Within a short period of time, the US$80 million investment in the expansion will help resolve the challenges being faced on the ground,” Mr Mwale said.
