Senwes Scenario: September - November 2020 | Page 10

NEWS
AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN

Virtual Descusssion Series

Alcohol industry ’ s sober Covid-19 reality

It is estimated that the recommencement of the ban on alcohol sales will affect up to one million people working within this industry value chain . This includes the likes of producers , manufactures , wholesalers and retailers of beer , wine , spirits and flavoured alcoholic beverages .
Annette Willemse Communication Specialist

The thirteenth session of the

Agricultural Value Chain ( AVC ) Virtual Discussion Series explored the reach and competitiveness of this value chain , as well as the dire impact the current alcohol ban continues to have on its productivity and longevity . This time around , the panel of industry professionals included the likes of Dr John Purchase , Agbiz ; Maryna Calow , Wines of
South Africa ( WOSA ); Hellen Ndlovu South African Breweries ( SAB ); Lucky Ntimane , National Liquor Traders Council ( NLTC ); Sean Robinson , Liquor Traders Association South Africa ( LTASA ) and Andre Muller ( Pernod Richard South Africa ).
A WIDE REACHING INDUSTRY
In terms of numbers , the alcohol industry represents a wide reach , both nationally and internationally . The panel members shared the following statistics , as it applies to them , in this regard :
• WOSA : 500 members , all exporting their products abroad .
• LTASA : 1 400 independent retailers and wholesalers with 15 000 employees .
• NLTC : representing more than 34 500 licenced tavern owners and 200 000 dependents . Add to this the 10 000 shebeen permit holders and their dependents .
• SAB : sources its produce from 1 277 farmers across South Africa , of which 757 are emerging farmers .
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SENWES SCENARIO | LENTE SPRING 2020