Schweppes raises red flag on counterfeit beverages

ROBIN PHIRI

Schweppes Zimbabwe has urged consumers to remain vigilant against counterfeit beverages, warning that tampered products pose a risk to both brand integrity and consumer safety.

Managing director Stanley Muchenje said counterfeit goods remain a national challenge, although the company has so far not experienced significant problems with its flagship Mazoe brand.

“it is a problem that we have as a country and as a company we are very watchful of. Thankfully we haven’t had much of an issue on Mazowe as yet, but we are always on the lookout and we would really want to urge our consumers to report once they see anything that they feel is not correct. Our test is very unique and our packaging is well known, so you should be able to reach out and raise issues should you see any problems,” Muchenje said.

He cautioned consumers against purchasing products that show signs of tampering, stressing that safety remains a priority for the company.

“But critically, never buy a product that has been tampered with. All our leads have got tamper proof facilities that allow you to actually see that this has not been opened, this is fresh out of the factory. So use that to make sure that you are getting the best and freshest of our products. Allow me to speak to the promotion that we are celebrating today.”

The Mazoe Magic Buy and Win Promotion, which ran from October to November, was designed to thank consumers and trade partners—including shops, bars, supermarkets and grocery outlets—for supporting the brand over its 95-year history. The campaign was positioned as both a celebration of consumer loyalty and a strong commercial success.

“We really wanted to come in during summer, which is a time of celebration in Zimbabwe, and give a bit of cheer to our consumers,” he said.

Schweppes rolled out extensive on-the-ground activations across the country, reaching 341 centres nationwide. To broaden participation, more than 1,500 entry boxes were placed in outlets, allowing consumers to enter the promotion by submitting purchase receipts.

The response was overwhelming, with about 9,000 receipts entered into the draw nationwide, a result Muchenje described as a clear reflection of a promotion that was well received and delivered tangible value to consumers.

Beyond the excitement and prizes, the campaign translated into strong sales performance. Muchenje said the promotion boosted volumes to about 121,000 hectolitres, while thanking consumers for buying the products and retailers for consistently stocking them.