The South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA) has encouraged people to drink responsibly and travel safely during this festive season. This it said played an important role in rebuilding the economy and growth of Mzansi local tourism and hospitality sectors -an essential parts of the alcohol value chain.
SALBA is stepping up its support for several harm reduction measures and road safety initiatives during the festive season. This season the primary focus will be on drinking and driving, and walking.
The association’s chairperson Pamela Nkuna said the industry was proud to continue its collaboration with AWARE.org and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on the Industry National Festive Road Safety & Social Norms Campaign.
“The industry’s consistent and ongoing message has always been to promote the responsible use of alcohol.
We welcome the recent ‘zero-tolerance against drinking & driving’ announcement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirming its commitment to reducing this crime,” Nkuna said.
Nkuna called for a responsible approach to better enjoy the benefits of the festive season.
“It is important to understand that drinking responsibly means that even what you may think of as a ‘small drink’ – like more than two normal glasses of beer or more than a single shot of hard liquor – will probably put you over the limit,” she said.
The industry said it would to encourage people to travel safely during this festive season through this initiative.
“And promote similar collaborations that target crime prevention and the education of young people about the dangers of underage drinking,” Nkuna said.
She called on motorists to take basic precautions and obey traffic and road regulations.
“SALBA encourages people to drink responsibly and travel safely during this festive season,” she added. “Such behaviour will play an important role in rebuilding our economy through the survival and growth of our local tourism and hospitality sectors – essential parts of our value chain.”
Table grapes, mid-season cultivars currently being packed
The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has updated its regional overview for the table grape season, including the intake and exports.
Regional Overview
The Northern Provinces and Orange River started packing mid-season cultivars.
Northern Provinces
The mid-season cultivars currently being packed include Tawny, Midnight Beauty, Arra 29 en Arra 30. The packing volume of the mid-season cultivars is going well. Over the next two weeks producers will pack Red Globe, Sweet Celebration and Sweet Joy.
Orange River
This region’s strong pack weeks started last week (week 50). The Blouputs area finished packing Early Sweet, Prime and Flame. The weather is good with Sugraone, Rally en Sugra 13 being packed.
The Olifants river region started packing Flame Seedless under very good weather conditions.
The Berg River region is expected to start packing Prime in the Piketberg area from this week. The Hex River region expect to start packing after Christmas.
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