Emeka Igwe, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra, says the too many intermediaries in the beer distribution business must be cut down to halt the surging prices of the popular beverage.

Mr Igwe gave the advise at a meeting of stakeholders in the state’s hospitality business.

The hospitality providers had on Sunday in Awka gathered to discuss the high cost of beverage products, especially beer, which was affecting their business.

They blamed inflation in prices of the products on multiple levels of interaction between retailers and the breweries.

Boniface Akunna, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said that the artificial scarcity is attributable to delays in delivery and the inability of members to access distribution points easily.

Mr Akunna said Anambra is a vast market, and those producers should establish warehouses in strategic locations instead of leaving the distribution of products in the hands of dealers.

“If the companies have depots here, they will be closer to the masses, and prices will also drop because the supply chain will be shorter.

“We also want them to give us incentives like bonuses, tables, chairs, chillers; if they are closer, they will be able to know us, but as it is, only dealers and distributors enjoy these things,” he said.

Responding, a sales representative of one of the beverage manufacturers promised to relay the challenges of the restaurant and bar owners to his company for necessary reaction.

The representative, who pleaded anonymity, however, pointed out that the company is relying wholly on dealers for the distribution of products while assuring that the existing network would be strengthened for more effectiveness. 

(NAN)