Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-Delta Beverages has attributed the sudden disappearance of Zambezi larger in the country to temporary operational adjustments following heightened demand during the festive season.
In an interview with the Midweek Watch, Delta Beverages General Manager Corporate Affairs, Patricia Murambinda said the shortage was largely caused by internal production and supply chain realignments after the festive season.
“The temporary shortage of Zambezi beer is primarily a result of operational adjustments within our production and supply chain after the festive season,” Murambinda said.
“These include routine maintenance and optimisation activities aimed at sustaining quality, efficiency and long term reliability of supply following high festive season demand.”
Murambinda added that the supply challenges are largely specific to Zambezi beer, with most of Delta’s other brands remaining adequately stocked across the market, although the situation on the ground is different.
She also dismissed speculation over raw material shortages, noting that the factors contributing to the supply gap were mainly related to production scheduling and logistics alignment.
She said Delta Beverages is implementing corrective measures including production realignment, enhanced distribution planning and closer coordination with logistics partners.
The company expects a phased improvement in availability of beer with broader restocking anticipated over the coming weeks.
“While the temporary shortage has constrained sales volumes in some outlets, consumer demand for Zambezi beer remains strong, reflecting the brand’s continued popularity and loyalty among consumers,” Murambinda added.
She said Delta is working closely with distributors and retailers to manage allocations transparently while prioritising the fastest possible restoration of supply.
“Recently when the country was hit by beer shortages Delta said it was due to routine maintenance and the situation would normalize after that, unfortunately nothing seems to be moving, its one problem after the other,” said one bar operator on condition of anonymity.
However, bar owners in Masvingo say the shortage has significantly affected their businesses.
SanSiro Sports Bar and Grill owner, Taurai “Bucho” Mudzviti said Zambezi lager has been in short supply since the festive season, negatively impacting sales.
“Zambezi is our main brand and it is the beer mostly consumed by the middle and upper class.
“The shortage has affected our sales seriously,” said
He called on Delta Beverages to decentralise manufacturing plants, suggesting that Masvingo as a major city, should have its own central supply plant rather than relying on Harare and Bulawayo.
Sharing similar sentiments, Edwin Simbarashe Mupakamiso of Oasis Pub and Grill described Zambezi as “the gold of Masvingo.”
“Many people prefer Zambezi lager and when it is not available, our sales are affected,” he said.
The acute shortage of beer in the market has led to numerous problems in the supply chain, corruption is now topping the sector leading to a sharp increase in beer prices.
The retail price of Castle lager has jumped from $1.50 to $2 a quart, while those with Zambezi are retailing it at $2.50 with some stockists favouring their close associates or selling the wise waters at $24 a crate to desperate retailers.
Amos Sithole (55) a regular drinker at the popular Gracelands Bar at Sisk Shopping Centre in Mucheke was furious about the increase in the price of his favourite Black Label.
“Ever since I started drinking beer I have never seen such an astronomical increase in price of beer, from $1.30 a quart to $2 in less than a month, Delta must be serious and make beer available so that the prices go down.
“After a hard day’s work one needs to unwind before going home but it’s no longer the case now, this will lead to many problems at home like GBV or petty conflicts, women need their space at home,” said a furious Amos.
