HARARE – Beer drinkers may now need to think twice before downing the so-called wise waters.

This follows the steep increase in the price of clear beer – by more than 100 percent – hours after Delta Corporation Limited was forced to
reverse its decision to sell its products in hard currency.

A survey by the Daily News yesterday showed that a number of retail outlets have hiked prices of lager beers with 375ml bottles now retailing at $3, 50 from $1, 50, while a 750ml bottle which was initially pegged at $2, 50, is now selling at
between $6 and $8.

Even though most retailers are now selling at these new prices, Delta insisted yesterday that its wholesale prices have not changed.
“Our prices remain the same. We are still selling at the same price we provided in our circular,” Delta company secretary Alex Makamure said.

The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed behemoth is principally the largest producer of lager beer,
traditional beer, Coca-Cola franchised sparkling and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
It has investments in associate companies whose activities are in cordials and juice drinks, wines and spirits. On Wednesday, the company issued a circular to its customers announcing its decision to sell its
products in the elusive US dollars (USDs).

In terms of the circular, the wholesale price for a 375ml bottle of beer fetched 80 cents, while a 750ml bottle should sell at $1, 50.Daily News