peterSimba Jemwa, Business Reporter
BULAWAYO has been hit by a shortage of the recently introduced Chibuku Super banana flavour with Delta Beverages saying supplies will soon improve as they have been working on establishing the level of demand in the market.
Delta launched the banana flavour to its Chibuku Super product line in June, with the brewery saying this was to be part of the group’s strategy to cater for a wider consumer taste.
The banana flavoured drink was expected to be a huge boost to the group’s sorghum beer business, particularly in the local market where the traditional Chibuku Super has been well received.
At the launch, the group said the existing Chibuku Super lines are largely producing to capacity with a new Chibuku Super plant to be installed at the Southerton brewery in Harare soon.
However, a survey by Sunday Business revealed that the newly introduced banana flavour has been in short supply in recent weeks in Bulawayo.
While not acknowledging a supply shortage, Delta Beverages General Manager-Corporate Affairs, Ms Patricia Kudzai Murambinda said the company was working on improving supplies.
“Chibuku Super Banana flavour supply is improving as we establish the level of demand of the new flavour in the market,” she said in her response to questions posed by Sunday Business.
A manager of a local outlet, who declined to be named, said since last week, the outlet had not taken delivery of the now popular Chibuku Super banana flavour and customers were suggesting a return to their traditional beverages of choice.
“We haven’t had any of the banana flavour for almost a week now. Our customers are suggesting that they might as well return to what they were drinking before we introduced them to the banana flavour,” he said.
Mr Nigel Khanye, a resident in the city, who claims to be a Chibuku Super banana flavour avid fan said he has been forced to revert to the original Chibuku Super flavour because of its scarcity in the city.
“I love the banana flavour. For me it is smooth, very tasty and makes you want to keep drinking more. But finding one in Bulawayo has become a challenge. There are a few outlets that have a regular supply of it, but most will have it for a day or two then we have to wait till they have their next batch,” said Mr Khanye.
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