LAGER beer volumes slumped 21% in the quarter to June 30 while sorghum beer surged as the stretched consumer focused more on value for money products, Delta Corporation has said. BUSINESS REPORTER
In a trading update yesterday, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed firm said the sorghum beer category continued to record growth, up 15% for the quarter spurred by the investment in Chibuku Super production capacity.
Delta Beverages invested over $6,5 million in its Chitungwiza-based Chibuku Super plant to meet the growing demand for sorghum beer.
It said the total beverage volume for the quarter was 1% up on prior year.
“This reflects some changes in the sales mix as witnessed in the full year to March 2014. There is sustained growth in sorghum beer and alternative beverages against declines in lager beer and sparkling beverages,” it said.
Delta said alternative beverages [mainly Maheu] were up 22% on prior year for the quarter, with “some encouraging uptake in the new dairy mix and drinking yoghurt beverages”.
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The beverages manufacturer recently added yoghurt to its product line. Total beverage volume for the quarter was 1% up on prior year. Revenue for the quarter was down 3%.
Delta said consumer demand remains depressed in line with the prevailing subdued economic performance.