The now traditional annual brewer event would generally receive vast public interest and generate active involvement because on July 18, we would enjoy record numbers of guests, interesting tastings, quality music and the delights of our kitchen chefs.
Although the nurturing of beer culture and the encouraging of responsible consumption remain some of the company’s main goals, given the current risky circumstances, we first and foremost look not to our profits, but to guarantee public welfare and for this reason, we are postponing the International Brewers' Festival until next year.
Based on the principles of responsible business
Facing this pandemic for the first time and therefore novices in the COVID-19 context, we must act responsibly and prudently. Švyturys-Utenos Alus upholds its trustworthy role in business and so while many companies are returning to intensive events marathons and offering promises to fulfill all security requirements, we believe there could be a lingering risk of the virus’ proliferation. Given the examples of other regions in the world, we are not ignoring the possibility of a second wave of the pandemic when the country would once more return to the previous lockdown position and the more stringent security requirements it could entail.
From the very beginning of the pandemic, we have been reacting seriously and proactively, taking prompt action to help to reduce the consequences of the virus. During the stressful lockdown period, we not only sought to protect our staff and partners from external threats, but also offered aid to Lithuanian medics and citizens facing social exclusion. To the country’s treatment institutions and Food Bank locations, we supplied 130,000 units of drinking water and soft drinks.
Initiatives are ongoing beyond the borders of Lithuania as well – foundations of the international Carlsberg Group, which also owns Švyturys-Utenos Alus, have allocated around Euros 12.7m to international scientific research and to financing public needs in virus-hit countries.
Infectious good examples
As the leading beverage producer in the country, we are committed to encouraging others in the business sector to follow our example and join the ranks of socially responsible businesses. Let us be an example to one another, prioritising human interests above the pursuit of profit and benefits for oneself and with our combined strength, let us contribute to a smoother and more successful containment of the on-going crisis.
We are foregoing International Brewers' Day this year so that we can all meet safe and sound next year.
