Wholesaler LWC Drinks is to temporarily switching to a B2C model while the on-trade is quiet due to the coronavirus.
The wholesaler specifically focuses on bars, pubs, restaurants – but said it had made the decision to increase its delivery remit to now include the end consumer, whilst continuing to support its trade customers.
The company will be taking order from customers and providing free delivery for orders over a certain value.
Ebrahim Mukadam, MD at LWC Drinks, said: “It is deeply saddening to see the impact COVID-19 is having on families, societies and – of course – the hospitality sector, and my deepest sympathies are with everyone who is currently feeling the effects of the outbreak, including our own customers.
“As the uncertainty continues and social guidelines and policies around the virus become more stringent, we have inevitably felt the business effects ourselves, and have seen trade quieten down.”
He continues: “Just as we do with our on-trade customers, we are now expanding our business model to reach those in self-isolation, choosing to stay at home, or simply struggling to leave the house, by delivering drinks from their local LWC depot, direct to their front door.
“All LWC depots will now be taking consumer orders over the phone, with no delivery fee, but ultimately the business priority will remain the same; focussing on servicing and supporting our trade customers, during these turbulent times.”
