Diageo is pledging more than eight million bottles of sanitiser for front line healthcare workers globally, while Queensland rum producer Beenleigh Rum will also join the war against coronavirus by making ethanol to fuel sanitiser supply across the state.
In Australia, Diageo will have its Bundaberg Distilling Co produce 100,000 litres of ethanol for the Queensland Government to be forwarded to hand sanitiser manufacturers, while also developing alcohol for sanitiser production in Brazil, India, Kenya, Ireland, the UK and the US.
Diageo Australia managing director David Smith said the company had a duty to support the community in this unprecedented time of need through its donation of ethanol.
“Bundaberg Rum is a Queensland icon, we’ve felt the love of Australians since our distillery was first established more than 130 years ago in 1888. At a time like this we will always step up and contribute when Australians need it most.”
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said 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,” 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.”
Diageo, Beenleigh Rum and Bundaberg Rum join many beverage producers around the country and the world in producing hand sanitiser, including Fonterra, Spinifex Brewing and Limestone Coast Brewing, Manly Spirits Co and Bacardi.
