[:en]Family company Bacardi has increased its commitment in terms of brands and countries involved to contribute to the production of 1.1 million liters of hand sanitizers, given that globally demand continues to exceed supply in the effort to reduce the risk of contagion of COVID-19. The Martini plant in Pessione will also supply alcohol for the production of hand sanitizers to be supplied to the local community, the Red Cross and organizations working to deal with the emergency. This week, eight Bacardi production sites in the United States, Mexico, France, England and Scotland join the commitment already announced by the Puerto Rico plant.
Bacardi is also doing its part by donating these products to local organizations on the front lines of the emergency, as well as to its employees and suppliers. It must be said, however, that these temporary measures dictated by the emergency will not hinder the production chain of the products in the Bacardi portfolio.
“In more than 158 years of history, we have faced many challenges and now we will do the same to respond to the COVID-19 emergency,” said Jean-Marc Lambert, SVP Global Operations at Bacardi, “All our brands and partners involved in this initiative will make their contribution to providing hand sanitizers to those who need them most. Our goal is to make a real difference in the common battle against COVID-19”.
The brands and factories involved, in addition to that of Martini a Pessione, are those of Puerto Rico, the United States, Mexico, France, England, and Scotland. All disinfectants produced in collaboration with Bacardi will contain a percentage of alcohol higher than the minimum threshold recommended by the World Health Organization to be effective against the virus.
With particular attention also to the economic implications of the global crisis, Bacardi has also launched the #RaiseYourSpirits initiative – which we told you about here – aimed at supporting bars and restaurants brought to their knees by the closure following the COVID-19 epidemic. Seeing our long-time friends and partners lose their livelihoods virtually overnight as a result of the worldwide ban on dining, nightlife and entertainment has touched us deeply. Bacardi and related brands including Bacardi, Gray Goose, Patron, Bombay and Dewar's will offer $3 million in financial and other support to support those in the industry most directly affected during this unimaginable time. In the coming weeks, the initiatives that Bacardi will support in individual countries will be gradually outlined.
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