Beam Suntory India donates $150k to hospitality workers

Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory India has pledged US$150,000 to support members of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) who have been affected by the covid-19 lockdown and launched a new online programme for bartenders.

Beam Suntory’s portfolio includes Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Restaurants and bars across India have been closed in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, financially affecting several thousand hospitality workers.

As a result, Beam Suntory India’s monetary support will be used to provide relief to thousands of staff and their families during the pandemic.

Furthermore, Beam Suntory will use its bartender-engagement platform, The Blend, to offer a ‘learn and earn’ programme. The initiative will encourage bartenders to use their time at home to complete online training modules.

Reading materials and virtual learning modules have been made available online. The Blend will host online programmes daily, spread across 50 sessions, with prizes available for those who take part.

Neeraj Kumar, managing director, Beam Suntory India, said: “The global pandemic has threatened the survival of many businesses, especially the F&B [food and beverage] industry, at a time when it was emerging strongly in India.

“Although we are confident that the industry will rebuild and continue to thrive after this crisis, the current economic anxiety is spilling over to thousands of dedicated professionals who have passionately supported the industry with their talent.

“Through these initiatives, we want to give back to our partners in the F&B community. They are our greatest champions and we want to support them in these difficult times. These initiatives are central to our business and fundamental to our ‘growing for good’ values.”

Last week, Beam Suntory and its distribution partner Maxxium Spain donated a combined €240,000 (US$262,000) to support Spanish hospitals and nursing homes.