When Gweru’s Go Beer reopened its doors last December after more than a decade of closure, it brought back memories of local pride and a spirited connection to the Midlands region that has now transcended beyond the province’s boundaries.
The partnership between Gweru City Council and Crest Street Industries culminated in the resumption of operations of a beer entity that in 2014 saw residents waking up to devastating news that the once thriving brewery had shut down.
But less than a year and following an injection of US$2,7 million, Go Beer is not only back on its feet, it is also creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth in the region.
It has also brought back the refreshing taste that quenches the thirst of imbibers not only in the Midlands capital, but outside the city’s boundaries and beyond.
Go Beer public relations manager, Marie-Anne Matandirotya, said the company has made strides in areas even outside the Midlands.
“Go Beer Breweries has expanded product distribution beyond Gweru,” Matandirotya said.
“Our products are now available in Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Mberengwa, Shurugwi, Zhombe, Chivhu, Chivi, Mvuma, Chiwundura and Lower Gweru.
“The expansion is part of our ongoing drive to strengthen brand visibility and accessibility across the Midlands and surrounding provinces.”
- Vungu RDC, River Valley property partner on road and drainage system
- Gweru businesswoman scoops top award
- Vungu RDC, River Valley property partner on road and drainage system
- Gweru businesswoman scoops top award
Keep Reading
She said said the company’s key products on the market included Go 5 (five litres), Chihera (two-litres), Go 2 (two-litres) and Go Smart (one-litre).
“These products have been well received with demand continuing to grow in both urban and rural markets,”Matandirotya said.
“Production has been increased and adjusted to meet this demand.
“Over 100 employees have been engaged to support the growth in production and distribution.
“Go Beer remains committed to maintaining high product quality, affordability and reliable supply across all markets.”
Go Beer chief executive, Edward Rusike, commended customers for supporting the beer firm’s products.
“We pay tribute to our legion of customers who have well received the refreshing taste of our products,” Rusike said.
“We will continue improving the quality of our products and make sure that Go Beer is the number one beer of choice.”
Southern Eye Business caught up with residents, who have nostalgic memories of Go Beer and how its reopening had changed competition in the beer market.
“We have always been Go Beer fans and we are happy that our traditional brew is back on the market,”James Chiseko from Chiwundura said.
Another imbiber, Jairos Sibanda, from Lower Gweru said the festive season has been “lighted” by the return of Go Beer products.
“This Christmas will never be the same again with my favourite Go 5,” Sibanda said.
Mayor Martin Chivhoko said besides its significance to the economic revival of the Midlands region, the rescusitation of Go Beer was going to contribute to improving service delivery in the city.
“I am happy that the revamp of Go Beer is one big achievement we managed to put on the table for the pride of the local community and the country as a whole,” Chivhoko said.
Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association Trust director, David Chikore, said as residents they were happy that the local authority had managed to revive a giant entity such as Go Beer with “tangible results.”
“This is no small achievement and we commend the council and its partners for working tirelessly to resume operations at Go Beer,”Chikore told Southern Eye Business.
As one passes through the corner of Coventry and Link road light industrial area they cannot fail to marvel at the breath of new life bestowed upon the once decade long derelict structures at the brewery that had fast become ruins in the City of Progress, as Gweru is otherwise known.
