Queensland rum manufacturers to bolster hand sanitiser stocks

They’re Queensland’s two most iconic rum brands, and now they could prove decisive in slowing the spread of coronavirus.

RUM drinkers are helping to stop the spread of coronavirus, with iconic brands Bundaberg Rum and Beenleigh Rum to replenish critical hand sanitiser stocks.

Bundaberg rum will be donating enough alcohol to made 500,000 bottles to replenish stripped shelves around the state while Beenleigh begins its own line of hand sanitiser for Queensland Government school and transport workers.

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State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the quintessential Queensland manufacturers had responded magnificently to the COVID-19 crisis and encouraged others to think outside the box to how they can help.

Manufacturing Minister Cameron Dick

“My Department has reached out to manufacturers around the state, and the response, particularly from two of the most-loved brands in the state, shows just how much local companies are willing to do to help Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.

“Beenleigh Rum – Australia’s oldest distillery – will commence the production of hand sanitiser this week and have commenced arrangements to supply the Queensland Government to ensure we have a ready supply for schools and frontline workers.

“Bundaberg Rum will donate 100 000 litres of ethanol – enough to produce around 500 000 bottles – to the Queensland Government, and the Department of State Development is already working to identify manufacturers around the state who can quickly transition to the production of hand sanitiser.”

He said the Government was keen to work with other manufacturers.

Bundaberg Rum will donate 100,000 litres of ethanol to make 500,000 bottle of hand sanitiser.

“This is the time to think laterally and broadly about how you and your business can adapt and contribute to our state’s COVID-19 coronavirus response,” he said.

Beenleigh Distillery owner Angelo Kotses said the company originally planned a small run of only 1500 cartons before it was approached by the Government.

“We were more than happy to help by providing hand sanitiser for essential needs throughout the state,” he said.

Managing director of Diageo Australia, which owns Bundaberg Rum, said the company felt a duty to help during an unprecedented time of need and would donate its ethanol.

“At a time like this we will always step up and contribute when Australians need it most,” he said.