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A countrywide glass shortage is threatening the supply of alcohol with the tavern sector expected to be hardest hit.
Africa’s largest glass manufacturer, Consol says global shipment delays and soaring freight rates are hampering its ability to import bottles.
In 2020, Consol suspended the construction of a production plant in South Africa, citing concerns about the government’s booze bans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Convenor of the National Liquor Traders Council, Lucky Ntimane says only 90% of the elevated demand is being accommodated.
“As it stands, Consol is only able to accommodate about 90 to 95% of the elevated total demand. So, this is a big risk for us, because it means that taverners had to be subjected to rationing of products, as manufacturers cannot really fill the liquids into the glass that is not even available. So, there is a big risk, but we are comforted by the fact that Consol has done all they could to make sure that they come back online come May when the Nigel plant is fully operational.”
Glass shortage affects the liquor industry:
