Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Go Beer Breweries,which is run by Gweru City Council (GCC) plans to optimise its production capabilities to reach its monthly target of 450 000 litres, heralding a promising future for its loyal patrons.
Presently, operating at 65 percent capacity, the brewery company is producing between 70-75 percent of its monthly target.
After a decade-long hiatus, the brewery recently sprang back to life, reintroducing its two and five-litre packages much to the delight of its clients.
The revival of Go Beer Breweries is a significant milestone for the GCC, which invested US$2,3 million in resuscitating the once-thriving enterprise.
The brewery was previously a vital revenue source for the council before its closure in 2014 due to financial mismanagement and mounting debt.
Go Beer Breweries public relations manager, Ms Marie Anne Matandirotya, said the brewery company is committed to ramping up production to meet the growing consumer demand.
“We are actively working to enhance our output as demand continues to grow and the target is to produce 450 000 litres of beer per week,” she said.
Ms Matandirotya, who admitted occasional stock-outs during peak periods, said Go Beer Breweries was implementing several strategies to improve product availability and delivery efficiency.
“These strategies include optimising production schedules, partnering with reliable suppliers, recruiting additional staff and exploring short-term packaging support. The goal is not only to boost output but also to streamline operations,” she said.
Ms Matandirotya said with expansion on the horizon, the company plans to upgrade its equipment, increase storage and add a second production shift.
This move, she said, is expected to further boost the brewery’s output.
Ms Matandirotya said the distribution network has been expanded to new delivery routes in Gokwe, Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Mvuma and Kwekwe.
“Our team has grown from 50 to 75 employees, and we expect further expansion, especially in production and logistics,” Ms Matandirotya said.
She said despite facing challenges such as infrastructure gaps and procurement delays, Go Beer Breweries remains committed to meeting the increasing demand for its beer.
The beer company resumed production before Christmas last year and the expansion strategies are poised to solidify its position as a leading player in Zimbabwe’s beer market.
Recently, the brewing company applied to the Gweru City Council seeking permission to run the Zaire beer hall in Mkoba 6 suburb.
The revival of Go Beer Breweries represents a strategic move to expand the council’s revenue sources. The brewery’s closure in 2014, attributed to financial mismanagement and a US$2,6 million debt, left a void in the city’s revenue streams. Following its closure, the council converted most beer halls to revenue halls.
There are indications that most of these beer halls will soon be opened thereby contributing to the city’s economic and social vibrancy.
The brewery’s history, however, has been fraught with financial struggles and mismanagement. Upon its closure, council had to fork out over US$2 million to settle the brewery’s debts as well as pay retrenchment packages.
Equipment and livestock were auctioned to raise the required money and police were called in to investigate mismanagement allegations.
