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Whinsley Masara, Business Reporter
BUSINESSES say they have made a killing from “bumper” sales of purified water, fizzy drinks and juices in the wake of the heatwave and scorching temperatures across the country in the past three weeks.
A survey conducted by Business Chronicle in Bulawayo’s central business district and parts of Matabeleland North and South provinces, revealed that sales of liquids had quadrupled.
A branch manager in one of Bulawayo’s supermarkets, who requested anonymity, said their shop recorded high sales of purified water.
“We sold a lot more especially on four of our stocked brands which are the most favoured out of eight that we sell. Our customers prefer Bonaqua, Tingamira, Ad life and Schweppes although it’s a little expensive than many brands,” said the manager.
“Bonaqua average sales are about 80 cartons in three weeks. This time we’ve sold more than 300 with 12 bottles each of 500ml.
“Schweppes sold more than 240 cartons with 24 bottles of 500ml each. Tingamira sold more than 360 cartons of 12, while Ad Life sold close to 400 cartons of 500 ml bottles.”
The branch manager said sales for the past three weeks surpassed usual sales for the festive season.
“During festive seasons mineral water and drinks sales increase but this time the increase was bigger. We made awesome profits although we’re affected by incessant power cuts.
“Customers are always seen crowded around refrigerators and some end up just buying water even if it’s not cold enough. If it were not for the power cuts, which affect our refrigerators’ temperatures, we would be actually clocking a lot more than that,” said the branch manager.
A cashier in one of the OK branches said mineral water, fizzy drinks and juices were the highest selling products at the moment.
“Water has always been sold at reasonable prices but there are certain groups of people we always hear saying I’m not insane to buy water but these days, there’s neither class nor age to buy water. Thirst is simply driving everyone including schoolchildren to buy water,” said the cashier.
“After all water is very cheap because it ranges from as low as 19 cents to about $3 depending on the size of the bottle and brand.”
Shops in rural districts like Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North reported having run out of stock for water and fizzy drinks.
Similar experiences were observed in Hwange and Beitbridge districts where temperatures reached above 40 degrees Celsius.
Close to 60 companies dealing with water purification were registered this year as entrepreneurs seek to seize the opportunity created by the rising demand for purified water.
The growing number of local players has increased competition resulting in reduction of prices. At some point Zimbabwe imported mineral water from South Africa.
Online Reporter