THE revival of Gweru-based company Go Beer Brewery has stimulated the local economy by creating a network of upstream and downstream business opportunities, according to company and government officials.
Go Beer chief executive officer, Edward Rusike, said the reopening of the brewery was a catalyst for growth in the Midlands province, creating employment and fostering vital linkages within the local supply chain. The company has created 95 jobs for residents since resuming operations.
“We are creating opportunities across the value chain,” Rusike said on Monday during a government tour of the refurbished plant.
“Upstream, we have engaged local farmers to supply maize and are encouraging them to grow sorghum for our production.
“Downstream, we supply retailers and bottlestores and we partner Midlands State University, which supplies protective clothing for our employees.”
He added that the company had successfully penetrated the market, with consumers responding positively to its products.
The brewery, which had been closed since 2014, was resuscitated in December last year following a US$2,7 million revamp.
The project was a collaboration between the Gweru City Council and Crest Street Industries.
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Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Owen Ncube commended council for the initiative.
He highlighted that the resuscitation included planting winter wheat and upgrading critical infrastructure, including cooling towers, a boiler, cookers and packing machines.
“I commend Gweru City Council for spearheading this income-generating project, which aligns with the new dispensation’s call for local authorities to promote community empowerment and diversify revenue streams,” Ncube said.
Gweru mayor Martin Chivhoko said revenue from the enterprise would be channelled towards improving service delivery in the city.
The revitalised Go Beer has a production capacity of 30 000 litres of traditional beer per day.
Its product line includes the popular Shake-Shake, Go-Five and a newly-shaped two-litre opaque beer.
