Pernod Ricard launches Meals for Mates

A new initiative, Meals for Mates has been announced today by Pernod Ricard, pledging thousands of meals to hospitality workers impacted by the COVID-19.

Hundreds of thousands of staff across bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants and clubs across Australia have either lost their jobs or are coping with reduced hours, with many small venues and businesses forced to close their doors from recently introduced measures to slow the spread of the virus.

Recognising many small businesses, despite the current economic conditions, are still open with a takeaway or delivery option, $25 vouchers are being made available to impacted hospitality staff across Victoria, NSW and Queensland while vouchers are in stock (limit 4000) to the value of $100,000.

Hospitality workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can access a $25 voucher from today at noon by emailing MealsForMates@pernod-ricard.com along with their RSA card or other proof of working in the hospitality industry.

The voucher is valid for three months.

Getting behind this initiative are the likes of Mary’s Group co-founder Jake Smyth (above) who says Meals for Mates will help many small businesses to continue to employ as many staff as possible, and help keep them afloat during these incredibly difficult times.

“The idea of sharing meals to support the hospitality industry is beautiful in both its simplicity, as well as its sentiment,” he noted.

“As hospo workers, we create and facilitate the sharing of meals for a living. To have Pernod Ricard reflect this back at us in such a devastating time goes beyond support. It touches the core of who we are, and from our heart we say ‘Thank You’.”

Eric Thomson, Pernod Ricard Winemakers Director, said: “Our restaurant and bar partners venues are the lifeblood of the industry and more importantly create places for consumers to come together, they have given us so much, now let’s help them. We want to encourage the community, where possible, to continue supporting their local hospitality businesses so as many as possible can remain open.”