Archie Rose hand sanitiser

Archie Rose moves its spirits production to hand sanitiser

March 23, 2020
By Alana House

The Archie Rose production team has reallocated its spirits production capacity to hand sanitiser in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The distillery’s production efforts are intended to bolster supplies nationwide, as well as maintain the employment of as many of the company’s 20 plus hospitality team as possible following the forced shutdown of all bars.

Archie Rose has approximately 4500 x 500ml bottles available to purchase pre-sale on the Archie Rose website.

“We as a business and team, along with the retail and hospitality industries, and all Australians, are facing incredibly difficult times,” said Archie Rose founder Will Edwards.

“With the required federal licences, dangerous goods approvals, access to raw materials, and expertise, we are however in a very unique position to manufacture this essential product, leading to the tough but clear decision to divert our spirits capacity to manufacture hand sanitiser,

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for having turned around this product from concept to launch in under 10 days, and we will continue to produce sanitiser for as long as we can, or as long as is required. We will also be redeploying as many of our full time bar staff as possible who have been stood down as a result of the forced shutdown of all bars, to assist in filling, packaging and shipping the product.”

The first batch is currently available to purchase on a pre-sale basis on the Archie Rose website for $20 per bottle, with first shipments of the product due to leave the distillery on March 26. There is a purchase limit of six bottles (one case) per person.

Aussie distilleries lend a hand

The Four Pillars distilling team announced last week that it has made Heads, Tails and Clean Hands gin-fuelled handwash for the distillery door.

It’s not for sale, but has been created to use up distilling waste while also taking the pressure off the very limited supplies of handwash in the nearby Coles. 

Manly Spirits Company hand sanitiser

Manly Spirits Company is also producing hand sanitiser. It announced last week: “We’ve had a number of local charities and organisations contact us in desperate need of sanitiser for their operations. We knew that making hand sanitiser available for these groups was simply our part to play in these crazy times … and what a wild ride it has been!⁠

“The Manly Spirits Team have spent the last week making this happen, and while there have been some massive hurdles – like there being a nation-wide shortage of containers – we have been overwhelmed by the response of our community coming together and offering solutions. ⁠

“From next week, we will be supplying 20 x 5L containers of hand sanitiser to local community groups and organisation. If you are a local charity or organisation in need, please get in contact with us by emailing info@manlyspirits.com.au” ⁠

The distilleries join those worldwide that are creating hand sanitiser to assist during the global shortage.

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