On Thursday Distell Group announced that they would now be producing and handing out free sanitising products to vulnerable communities across South Africa as a way to encourage good hygiene practices.
Group CEO, Richard Rushton, said this was part of the company’s efforts to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
“Our priority as Distell – right now and always – is the safety and well-being of our employees, our stakeholders and society at large. We are determined to support our government in its bid to halt the current rapid spread of Covid-19 and in the absence of a vaccine, good hygiene remains one of the most effective options to do so,” said Rushton.
The group has committed 100 000 litres of alcohol to producing the sanitisers and the other hygienic and sanitising products.
“We fully understand that our position as a leading player in the alcoholic beverages industry comes with a societal obligation. We want communities to benefit from our presence and we are determined to rise to the challenge.
“This pandemic is perhaps the greatest challenge our country has faced since democracy and calls on business, the private sector and communities to work together to overcome the virus. We hope everyone will heed the President’s call to remain united and adhere to the lockdown, for all our sakes, but especially to protect the most vulnerable,” said Rushton.
The company has also committed to supporting the government-sanctioned lock-down by cancelling all events, closing all its experiential and product tasting facilities until further notice and ensuring that all employees who are not involved in the production of alcohol work from home and stopping all company sponsored travel.
