Listed wine and spirits manufacturer African Distillers Limited (Afdis) is optimistic that the ongoing crackdown on illicit and smuggled alcohol will help reduce unfair competition from the informal market, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/afdis-optimistic-as-crackdown-on-smuggling-intensifies/">The Herald</a>.
Afdis, a subsidiary of Delta Corporation, has long highlighted the negative impact of illicit products—often non-compliant with regulations—and the rise of irregular imports from neighbouring countries on its sales volumes and overall operations.
Delta Corporation company secretary Faith Musinga in the third quarter trading update to December 2024, said:
<blockquote>
It is hoped that the current blitz against illicit and smuggled alcohol will curtail unfair competition.
</blockquote>
In terms of performance for the reviewed period, Afdis achieved a 14% volume growth for the quarter compared to the previous year, and a 12% growth year-to-date.
The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and Wine segments, which grew by 12% and 47% respectively, benefited from improved product supply and a decline in informal imports.
The government has ramped up efforts to crack down on smuggled goods in a bid to boost the competitiveness of local industries.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has urged travellers and cross-border traders to fully comply with customs regulations to avoid penalties from law enforcement agencies.
Travellers are required to present valid proof of their customs declarations at designated roadblocks.
Failure to declare goods—whether intentional or not—can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines and the confiscation of goods.

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Afdis, a company that makes wine and spirits, is happy about the crackdown on illegal alcohol. They hope it will help them compete better. Afdis had a 14% growth in sales compared to last year. The government is also trying hard to stop illegal imports to help local businesses. People traveling must follow customs rules or face fines and losing their goods. This news shows that Afdis is doing well and wants to keep growing despite the challenges from illegal products.

Afdis Eyes Continued Growth Amid Crackdown On Smuggled Alcohol

MDC-T Senator for Harare, Morgan Femai, has urged the government to consider forcing African Distillers Limited (Afdis) to package its products in such a way that they become too expensive for young people.
Femai said cane spirits, whiskies, and brandies packed in quarter bottles by Afdis were too cheap and therefore affordable for young people who are now abusing the products.
Afdis manufactures such products as Gold blend, Star Cane, Skipper’s, Mainstay, Viceroy and Chateau among others.
Speaking in the Senate during a question-and-answer session, Femai said Afdis should package products in bigger bottles to make them more expensive. He said:
<blockquote>
Now the drugs coming from out of the country are few, but we have a problem with drugs that are being manufactured here in our country.
Long back, we did not have liquor which was sold in quarter bottles and is now being made by African Distillers; it is being delivered to supermarkets and the cost is US$0.50.
Those are some of the drugs that are bought by our children. It is cheaper to them if they get US$1, they buy two and share.
Is there anything that can be done by the Ministry of Health that these small bottles should not be manufactured?
They must manufacture something at a higher price so that it can be beyond the reach of the youths.
</blockquote>
In his response, the Deputy Minister of Health John Mangwiro said he was going to inform the police about it. Said Mangwiro:
<blockquote>
Thank you, Madam President and Honourable Member, for explaining how we can curb this as a nation.
We will explain to the police and all the stakeholders if this is being brewed in this country.
These children are not only taking beer but they are being introduced to drugs like crystal meth.
When you hear them say “sticking”, it means when they take those drugs and they will just sit for three days without feeling hungry or doing anything.
We are also hearing that they are now going after diapers, even used ones.
… We used to hear that this was prevalent in low-density residential areas but now this has spread to high-density suburbs.
We agree with what you have said. And we will do everything within our means so that youths will stop using drugs.
They will end up stealing household gadgets from their parents because they want to use that money to purchase drugs. They can do anything when they are drunk.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://openparly.com/index.php/2021/10/22/femai-urges-govt-to-ban-afdis-products/">OpenParly</a></h4>

MDC-T Senator Wants Steep Price For Alcohol

African Distillers (Private) Limited has announced the appointment of Stanley Muchenje as the new substantive managing director (MD), effective 1 April 2021.
Muchenje replaces Cecil Gombera who retires from the cane spirit beverages manufacturer at the end of this month.
Gombera joined Afdis in October 2012 as the chief operating officer before he was named MD on 1 July 2013, a position he holds until his exit this month-end.
Afdis board chairman, Pearson Gowero announced Muchenje’s appointment and also thanked Gombera for his service. He said:
<blockquote>The board wishes to announce the appointment of Stanley Muchenje as the managing director of the company with effect from 1 April 2021.
… The board is grateful to him (Gombera) for his significant strategic leadership and contribution towards business growth.</blockquote>
Muchenje holds a Business Studies (Honours) degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master of Philosophy Marketing from the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM-SA).
He joins the company from another Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company Delta Beverages where he served as a sales executive.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/afdis-appoints-stanley-muchenje-as-new-managing-director/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

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