Afdis Sales Surge 15%, Driven by Wine and Ready-to-Drink Beverages

 

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

African Distillers has reported a 15% increase in sales for the full year ending March 2025, buoyed by strong performances across its wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink segments.

Wines led the surge with a 29% increase in volumes, followed by a 21% jump in RTDs and a 7% rise in spirits, according to the company’s latest trading update.

Afdis credited part of the growth to a deliberate shift in distribution strategy, which saw the company intensify its focus on independent traders. This move helped cushion the business from ongoing challenges in the formal retail sector.

“The ongoing shift of the route to market to the independent trade played a pivotal role in driving volumes,” the company said.

The beverage maker also cited an anti-smuggling campaign as instrumental in curbing illicit imports and protecting market share.

Looking ahead, Afdis said it remains optimistic about Zimbabwe’s economic prospects, pointing to anticipated growth in agriculture, mining, tourism, and infrastructure as key drivers of sustained demand.

Afdis’s brand portfolio includes popular names such as Viceroy and Klipdrift brandy, Smirnoff vodka, Sting spirit cooler, Amarula cream liqueur, Hunters and Savanna ciders, and wines like Nederburg and 4th Street.