SOUTH AFRICAN SAVANNA SWITCHES TO CANNED GLASS IN THE FACE OF GLASS SHORTAGE

Since last year, glass supply has been a major problem in South Africa, when large glass manufacturers had to close their furnaces during the peak of confinement and amid alcohol sales bans.

Consol lost more than 100,000 tons, or 12% of its total production. Distell claims that global shipping disruptions have exacerbated shortages of glass, aluminum and corks, which is seriously affecting its production.

The cider has only been sold in bottles since its launch in 1996, but Distell, which also produces other brands such as Hunter’s and Klipdrift, has been struggling with a “severe” glass shortage in South Africa, forcing it to consider cans as the main option.

The significant growth in demand, outstripping the supply of glass bottles, has forced the Distell company to launch a limited edition can for the beverage. According to Distell CEO Richard Rushton, “the spontaneous reaction to meeting Savanna in cans has been positive.” Distell adds that strong demand for Savanna has now outstripped the supply of glass bottles.

In addition, a strong recovery in demand for products worldwide has put pressure on supply chains around the world, with a shortage of shipping containers and storage capacity in many countries adding to delays, congestion at ports and, in some Western countries, a shortage of truck drivers.