Rum and COVID-19 – distilleries to the rescue

It's bottoms up to two Queensland manufacturers, who have responded to the COVID-19 crisis by helping supply much-needed hand sanitiser for the state. Beenleigh Rum Distillery and Bundaberg Rum Distillery will focus on the production of ethanol for hand sanitiser immediately, using existing production lines and staff. “My department has reached out to Queensland manufacturers, and the response, particularly from two of the most-loved brands in our state, shows just how much local companies are willing to do to help Queenslanders," State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said. “Beenleigh Rum – Australia’s oldest distillery – will commence the production of hand sanitiser this week and have arrangements to supply the Queensland Government to ensure we have a ready supply for schools and frontline workers. “Bundaberg Rum is also going full steam ahead with the production of ethanol, and will donate 100,000 litres – enough to produce around 500,000 bottles – to the Queensland Government. "The Department of State Development is working to identify more manufacturers around the state who can quickly transition to the production of hand sanitiser. I can’t thank these mighty Queensland manufacturers enough." Angelo Kotses, managing director of the Bickfords Group of Companies and owner of the Beenleigh Distillery, said the idea to transition to hand sanitiser came from the need to keep their own workers safe. “Ethanol is the key ingredient of hand sanitiser, and we already produce ethanol for our alcohol products," Mr Kotses said. “We originally planned a small run of only 1500 cartons, but when the Queensland Government approached us we were more than happy to help by providing hand sanitiser for essential needs throughout the state.” State seeks to help manufacturers retool Mr Dick said government would continue to reach out to manufacturers, suppliers and producers to identify any issues in the supply chain and help investigate ways to keep businesses open by retooling. “We are talking to manufacturers from right across Queensland who are willing and able to transition their production into essential health care supplies and other necessities," he said. “We’ve also set up a webpage for manufacturers who could move into untraditional production areas. “Manufacturers can complete a short online form at qld.gov.au/qld-supplies and we’ll work to connect them with any new suppliers, producers and networks they may need. “State Development officers from across Queensland are ready to help our businesses help more Queenslanders.”

Rum and COVID-19 – distilleries to the rescue

Industry Queensland

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