RCB's parent company steps forward to fight coronavirus in India

DIAGEO India, which owns Royal Challengers Bangalore's parent company United Spirits, has stepped forward to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. With its 15 manufacturing units across the country, the company has been producing sanitiser packs to help the government and hospitality industry at the time of crisis. The first batch of sanitiser packs were produced in the Assam and Goa units in less than five days.

“In less than five days, with very limited resources and minimum manpower, people across functions came together to execute this commitment. We are proud of this spirit of teamwork at Diageo India, especially those who have worked tirelessly in service of making this happen,” said the company on its social media page.

The first delivery was made to Indian Army’s Northern Command at the Military Hospital, Jalandhar as part of the commitment. The Indian Army will be using the sanitisers across the country at its isolation camps and Army Hospitals.

“We are privileged to help the Indian Army and grateful to our employees who are working day-in and day-out in the midst of the lockdown, to help fulfil our commitment,” the company added.

In addition to the hand sanitiser packs, the company is also donating approximately 150,000 masks to five state public health departments across the country for healthcare professionals and caregivers of COVID-19 affected patients.

Anand Kripalu, Managing Director and CEO said, “We stand united with the government and citizens of our country in the fight against Coronavirus. The demand for sanitisers is increasing by the hour, and we would like to use our manufacturing units to join in the effort to fill the demand-supply gap for sanitisers, so critical at this hour. Healthcare providers are at the forefront of this fight, and donating masks is a token of our appreciation for their selfless dedication to fighting the epidemic.”

Bar and restaurant sectors have been one of the most impacted with the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping in mind the challenges faced by the community, the company has pledged to support the trade with a Rs 30 million health insurance cover for bartenders associated with the Diageo World Class programme in India. While Diageo Bar Academy Training Course will be providing complimentary access to virtual training and online learning to support continued learning and skill development of the bartenders.

“We also want to support our partners in the hospitality industry, especially bartenders who are facing unprecedented challenges due to closure of restaurants and bars,” added Anand Kripalu.