Beer In Short Supply Ahead Of The Festive Season

By Shingirai Vambe

Every December, Zimbabwe enters familiar territory, soaring beer demand, empty shelves in some outlets, and long queues in others. It has become an almost predictable festive-season narrative, one that clashes sharply with the upbeat production growth reports released annually by Delta Corporation, the country’s largest beverage manufacturer.

Despite Delta reporting increased output, breweries “operating at optimal capacity,” and ongoing investment toward expanding supply, the ground reality tells a different story. Consumption of alcohol in Zimbabwe has risen sharply over the years, driven by a combination of economic, social, and behavioural factors.

With unemployment and underemployment remaining high, many Zimbabweans find themselves with fewer structured work hours or stable jobs. For some, drinking becomes a social routine; for others, it is a coping mechanism. The culture of “knocking off early” for a drink has grown, and in the absence of structured leisure alternatives, beer has become the most accessible form of recreation.

Authorities have become increasingly concerned. Rising alcohol intake, combined with lax discipline on the roads, has contributed to a spike in traffic accidents. This pushed law enforcement to introduce breathalyzers nationwide, targeting drunk-driving, now a major contributor to festive season fatalities.

A survey conducted by The Post on Sunday in Manicaland, revealed that some bottle-store owners and nightclub operators have begun sourcing stock from Rusape, where supply remains steady. With December approaching, a period marked by endless weddings, corporate parties, family gatherings, and homecomings, demand is expected to soar even further.

Zimbabweans in the diaspora traditionally return home in large numbers during this period, and alcohol becomes a staple at almost every celebration. As one nightclub owner put it, “In December, beer is basically part of the grocery list.”

This reality raises important questions, If Delta is meeting demand nationally, why are certain areas experiencing stock pressure?

To seek clarity, The Post on Sunday reached out to Delta Corporation.

General Manager of Corporate Affairs for Delta Corporation, Patricia Murambinda

Speaking through Corporate Affairs Executive Patricia Murambinda, the company provided detailed responses to the concerns raised.

Murambinda dismissed the notion of an outright shortage:

“We are not experiencing a shortage of beer in Manicaland. However, during periods of increased economic activity and higher-than-usual consumer movement, some outlets may experience intermittent stock pressure, particularly at weekends.”

She acknowledged that recent power cuts had caused temporary supply gaps across the country, but assured that the company’s teams were servicing all regions consistently.

Delta would not disclose specific production or demand statistics, citing competitive reasons.

“What I can confirm is that our breweries are operating at optimal capacity. We continue to invest in supply-chain efficiencies to ensure we meet the market’s needs across all product categories.”

Murambinda said the company is already in “festive mode,” outlining a robust distribution and production strategy, of enhanced production scheduling for all beverage lines, strengthened logistics and distribution support, closer coordination with wholesalers and retailers, prioritized supply to high-demand regions such as Manicaland

“We are confident in our ability to support the market throughout the holiday period.”

Delta’s focus for the coming year includes, sustaining product availability, improving efficiency, strengthening routes-to-market, investing in capacity expansion and customer service

“We will continue responding to market trends while prioritising quality, innovation and consumer satisfaction.”

As Zimbabwe gears up for the 2025 festive season, it appears the delicate balance between production and consumption will once again be tested.

Although Delta insists supply remains stable, the reality on the ground, from Mutare to Chitungwiza, reflects rising pressure amplified by socio-economic dynamics and a population that consumes more alcohol each year.

Traders in Manicaland remain cautiously optimistic. But if previous years are anything to go by, December will determine whether Delta’s festive-season plan holds, or whether consumers will once again face the all-too-familiar “beer shortage season.”