Byo hit by beer shortages, imbibers forced to settle for less popular brands
Beer manufacturer Delta Corporation Limited is reportedly struggling to supply its popular beer brands in Bulawayo resulting in customers being forced to settle for the less popular brands.
Some of the popular beer brands that are said to be in short supply include 750 Zambezi, 750 Castle, Black label and 750 ml Castle Lite lagers.
A brief survey showed that most wholesalers and beer selling outlets in Bulawayo were selling less popular brands such as 375 ml Eagle, 750 ml Eagle and 375ml Lion beers.
Reached for comment, Deltaโs General Manager for Corporate Affairs, Patricia Murambinda told CITE that the beverages company was currently adjusting to the increased demand of customers caused by the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Murambinda acknowledged there could, โhowever be a temporary brand or pack outages due to occasional disruptions in the supply chain.โ
But the general manager noted, โDelta has been injecting additional glass bottles imported from Egypt, Tanzania and South Africa to improve production capacity.โ
โWe also note that we are maintaining fair pricing which creates demand. We sincerely hope to supply our customers with their full orders.โ
The shortages have left imbibers and hoteliers frustrated as Delta was coercing them to buy unpopular beverages.
One manager of a local hotel, who declined to be named, said since last week, the outlet had failed to buy popular brands for their customers from Delta.
The manager also presented a message that came from Delta through one of their communication platforms.
โGood Morning. Every order to include Eagle quart or Lion quart or Bohlingers pint. Letโs send through our orders by 1430hrs,โ reads one of the messages sent to customers by the company.
Due to the beer shortages, Delta requested its customers to pay for supplies a day or two before delivery.
A customer who spoke to CITE outside one hotel, Melissa Sibanda, said having a drink or two was necessary especially in these trying times.
โIโm distraught and cannot believe how Delta allowed itself to run out of stock or whatever their reason is for not supplying beers. I am worried,โ she said.
Emmanuel Ndlovu, who loves his Zambezi quart, added โwhen consuming goods, itโs a matter of preference so when your preferred beverage is not available, you donโt enjoy the luxury of your favourite brand of alcohol.โ
Moses Kumbweya, another customer, said there was a challenge when there was only one supplier of alcohol.
โHow can Delta force people to drink brands which they do not like? Some of those beer cans that are released into the market now have expired because generally, people donโt like beer cans,โ he said.
Another imbiber, Simon Murabwe also accused Delta of mistreating its clients.
โI used to drink Pilsner before but I changed to Zambezi because of the inconsistent supply of the brand. Now I am used to Zambezi but the company is forcing me to drink Eagle which is not good for both my health and taste. I think it is high time that the issue of monopoly in the beverage sector is addressed,โ he said.