The Covid-19 news round-up

$76m

Beverage companies in Brazil, including The Coca-Cola Co, PepsiCo and Heineken, are collaborating on a $76m rescue plan for small business owners. 'Movimento Nós', which means 'The We Movement', aims to support small retailers impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Participants also include AmBev, Nestle and Mondelez International.

South Africa reintroduces alcohol sales ban

The South African government has reinstated a ban on domestic alcohol sales, just weeks after the previous three-month ban was lifted. The previous measures saw a reported loss of £852.8m for the South African alcohol industry.

$2bn

Trade organisation the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) warned that Champagne sales this year are set to tumble, with around 100 million fewer bottles to be sold and $2bn expected to be lost in 2020.

55%

The impact of coronavirus on small businesses operating in food and beverage will exceed £21,586 each in lost work, earnings and loan repayments, with over 55% at risk of permanently closing, according to a new report by small business insurer Simply Business.

California bars and restaurants ordered to close

Pernod Richard has partnered with an initiative to reopen cafes in rural French towns. The push, called 1,000 Cafés, marks the reopening of French on-premise businesses with a call to help outlets in communities of fewer than 3,500 residents.

30%

Heineken has cut back its beer portfolio by as much as 30% in some markets as the brewer rationalises SKUs in the face of the pandemic. Social distancing measures have led to a drop in output for the company as brewery shifts are reduced in size.