Beverage companies aid Hurricane Dorian disaster relief

Bacardi announces $1 million donation

Last month, during Labor Day weekend, Hurricane Dorian unleashed its fury on the Bahamas resulting in at least 53 deaths and hundreds of thousands of people left homeless, according to article published by The Wall Street Journals on Sept. 22. The Category 5 hurricane was the strongest hurricane on modern record to strike the Bahamas, the news outlet said.

When media began covering the horrific event, many companies and organizations announced donations and other assistance to help disaster relief and recovery. In the past, beverage giants have stepped up and offered money and supplies to those in need, and thankfully this time was no different.

For example, Bacardi donated $1 million in cash to relief efforts. The company collaborated with nonprofit partners and the Bahamian government to ensure the cash donation provides immediate and long-term assistance to local relief agencies. Bacardi also organized an employee drive to collect much needed items for those impacted by the devastation.

“We have never forgotten the incredible kindness of the Bahamian people and the important role they played in the history of our company,” said Facundo L. Bacardi, chairman of Bacardi Ltd., in a statement. “We hope in a small way to contribute to the rebuilding of this great country in the face of this tragedy just as the Bahamas helped Bacardi rebuild nearly 60 years ago.”

The Coca-Cola Foundation also aided in disaster relief efforts with a $400,000 grant to the Salvation Army. Arms of the Coca-Cola bottling network coordinated donations of supplies including a donation of 150,000 bottles of DASANI water to be distributed where needed.

Anheuser-Busch also showed its commitment to relief efforts by donating 100,000 cans of emergency drinking water to local communities on the Florida coast.

With news of these companies going to great lengths to donate money and supplies, I have high hopes that the Bahamas will be able to recover from Hurricane Dorian.

Taylor Karg, former associate editor of Beverage Industry, wrote and edited for the magazine’s print and online components. She also represented the magazine at events and trade shows. Taylor graduated with a Bachelor’s of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

The Non-Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at Beverage Marketing Corporation detail how established categories ― like carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, fruit beverages ― and emerging beverage segments ― such as plant milks, ready-to-drink coffees and teas ― are navigating these shifts.

This important industry event is a learning and information sharing experience for warehousing, distribution and fleet management professionals who will have the opportunity to continue to share ideas and network with their industry peers in a safe and productive format as we continue to navigate these challenging times.