By Andrew Starke
Lion Nathan has appealed to the on-premise liquor trade in Queensland to return empty kegs to its XXXX Brewery as soon as possible to ensure continuity of supply over the coming weeks.
The brewery’s keg line was restored on Monday (Jan 17) with a clean-up currently underway and full brewery production expected to resume in early February.
“Due to the floods the return of empty kegs is not at its usual levels,” a spokesperson for Lion Nathan told TheShout.
Front of the queue: the XXXX keg line was restored earlier this week
Customers with empties are asked to call Lion Nathan on 13 15 13 (press option 5) to organise collection or to discuss how to coordinate returns via their carriers.
While the brewery experienced extensive flooding, XXXX's Queensland warehouse at Hendra was not impacted by the floods and has continued deliveries to all unaffected areas.
In addition, brands such as Tooheys, Hahn and Boag's are being brought in from other states, to allow the brewery to focus on XXXX once it recommences full production.
The XXXX Brewery has so far donated $100,000 to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and has committed itself to donating XXXX product with a retail value up to $180k to customers affected by the floods.
“Our beer systems team will also be working with publicans to help them sanitise and restore beer systems and bars,” said the spokesperson.