Tag Archives: SOBO

Business, Malawi

Malawi market runs short of Illovo “brown” sugar, Sobo

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi market is in short supply of Illovo sugar particularly brown sugar and lovable soft drink Sobo making the public panic.

The Maravi Post spot check on supermarkets, chain-stores since Monday, April 25 till April 29, 2022, sugar and sobo shelves were empty.

But Ilovo sugar company is adamant on availability of the commodity while the general public still grappling to access the product on the market.

Illovo Brown Sugar and Sobo not available on the Malawi market

In a statement issued on Wednesday April 27,2022, the company informs its customers, consumers and the general public to disregard the rumors and that they should be assured that its both mills have commenced production.

The company also informs the customers, consumers and the general public to have in mind that it is common practice for cane haulage to be affected during the early part of the season due to wet fields.

Adding that mitigating measures are in place to facilitate cane supply to the factory.

” Cane haulage usually resumes expeditiously as soon as as excess water has drained off and it is safe for the haulage vehicles to access the fields.

” This is done as a safety measure to avoid vehicles being stuck in the fields,” reads the statement.

It adds” This,however, does not automatically affect signify a looming sugar shortage as the factory continues to produce sugar from the sugar cane already available in its factory yard.

“This is a common occurrence and is planned for on an annual basis”.

There was no immediate reaction from Sobo Company on the commodity scarcity.

Malawi was once hit by sugar shortage crisis in 2017, which made the product to be sold at a higher price than recommended.

Business

SOBO selling its non-alcoholic beverages to Coca-Cola

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Castel Group, the leading producer and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Malawi has announced that Southern Bottlers Limited (SOBO) has agreed to sell its soft drinks business to Coca-Cola Beverages Limited (CCBL), a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA).

In a statement dated February 18, 2022, the company said the transaction remains subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, including approval by the COMESA Competition Commission.

Sobo: favorite Malawin soft drink

The statement added that the divestment of the soft drinks business is in line with the board’s strategy to focus on investments in its alcoholic beverages business.

“This is a great opportunity for the country as the CCBA group has a strong track record on the continent and is committed to sustainable growth where it operates,” reads a statement in part.

However, the company says it will communicate further regarding regarding the transaction as soon as the necessary regulatory approvals have been received by the parties.