TANZANIA-based Darbrew general manager Mark Mudimbu is tipped to be appointed head of Delta Corporation’s sorgum beer unit as the group seeks to consolidate market share, NewsDay Business has learnt.
REPORT BY BERNARD MPOFU CHIEF BUSINESS REPORTER
Sources close to the developments said Mudimbu, who heads the Dar es Salaam-based brewery which accounts for 60% of the malt beer market in the East African country is set to join Delta in March.
Darbrew has two brands, Kibuku and Mwamba, while the local sorghum unit has Chibuku, a traditional sorghum beer which first came onto the market in 1962.
Delta corporate affairs director George Mutedzamera confirmed that the group would soon appoint a senior executive tasked with growing its sorghum beer unit, but could not disclose the identity of the business executive.
The group’s sorghum beer volumes for the third quarter ending December 31 2012 were down 10% and 9% for the nine months, a trend consistent with the first half of the year. On the contrary, lager beer volumes for the third quarter were 5% ahead of prior year.
Revenue for the quarter October to December is up 14% and 16% year to date supported by improved mix and minimal price increases.
“The Sorghum Beer, Clear Beer and the Sparkling Beverages units all fall under the Beverages Manufacturing & Distribution arm of the business and there are no plans to change this group structure,” Mutendadzamera told NewsDay Business.
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“What is happening, however, is that we are sharpening management focus on certain parts of the business to improve operational execution. This is an ongoing process driven by the Delta board. The focus on the sorghum beer business being referred to relates to the appointment of a senior executive to spearhead the revival of this business unit given the volume decline noted in the past year and the various challenges in the product value chain.”
He added that Delta would in March this year launch a new Chibuku product with a longer shelf life that would be packaged in PET bottles.
