S AFRICA: Companies move on black empowerment

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 7 April 2004

Liquor companies have started to move on implementing a bill on black economic empowerment, according to press reports. Business Day newspaper reported yesterday that the bill is aimed at transforming the largely-white ownership of the industry.

The newspaper quoted Andre Steyn, corporate affairs director of Distell Group, as saying that companies involved in discussions include Distell, South African Breweries - a subsidiary of SABMiller - Diageo, Edward Snell and Pernod-Ricard.

Some of South Africa's large wine cooperatives are also participating in the reforms.

Sectors: Spirits, Wine

Companies: Distell, SABMiller, Diageo, Pernod