2017 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS: SORGHUM BEER BUSINESS

Sorghum beer volume declined 3% to 3,5 million hectolitres. This was partly due to supply bottlenecks arising from water cuts at the main plants in Harare and Bulawayo as well as limited production capacity in Masvingo and Midlands regions while the two breweries were closed for upgrades and Chibuku Super plant installations. The heavy rains that were received in most parts of the country resulted in damages to road infrastructure which impeded market access particularly in the rural areas.
Commissioning of the new plants in Masvingo and Kwekwe was delayed to the fourth quarter due to challenges in accessing foreign payments. The new breweries which produce both Chibuku Super and the 2 Litre Scud will improve distribution and logistics into key markets in these provinces. The business is now poised to benefit from any volume upturn.

SAFEGUARDING OUR HERITAGE.

Chibuku launched a new campaign called “Made for Brothers” to cement the brand’s proposition of Nourishing the Bonds of Brotherhood. The new campaign was rolled out extensively on billboards as well as in outlets.

SUPER SOCCER.

The brand association with football through the Chibuku Super Cup sponsorship continued and culminated in a thrilling “Battle of the Mines” final held for the first time in a rural setting at Baobab Stadium in Ngezi.

CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE IN MUSIC.

Our partnership with the National Arts Council through the sponsorship of the Chibuku Road-to-Fame and Neshamwari Dance Festivals remained key in providing a platform not only for consumers to enjoy the brand but also for the development of the arts and celebrating our rich cultural heritage in Zimbabwe

We are aware of the environmental impact of the one-way PET pack which has increased the presence of litter in undesirable places. We continue to work hand in glove with various stakeholders such as EMA, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and waste collectors to reduce littering from post-consumption packages. A Chibuku Super led initiative called, “Maoko Pamwechete,” to increase awareness on the need to dispose of packaging waste responsibly as well as recycling was launched.

GROWING LIVELIHOODS WITH SORGHUM.

The sorghum contract scheme with both commercial and communal small scale farmers is well entrenched, successfully uplifting and sustaining the livelihoods of more than 9 000 small scale communal farmers. We are developing new sorghum varieties with improved brewing and agronomic properties.