We do not consider Ju-C as a competitor, but rather a partner – London-Williams

Commercial manager of the St Vincent Brewery Limited Shafia London-Williams says she does not view the recent acquisition of Bottlers (St Vincent) Limited as reviving direct competition.{{more}}

Responding to a question by a reporter on Monday, during the launch of the brewery’s latest promotion London-Williams said they do not consider Ju-C (Bottlers) as a competitor, but rather a partner.

“At the St Vincent Brewery, we always welcome new industries in the country. New industries create employment and they also help to build the economy,” London-Williams said during the launch of their Vitabucks promotion.

According to London-Williams, Ju-C existed around the same time as the Brewery, and they were both able to successfully grow from strength to strength.

“It’s not something that we are fearful of, but it is something that we actually welcome,” London-Williams said.

On March 11, the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) acquired the business assets of Bottlers.

In a release on March 17, ECGC said it was “pleased to announce that it has acquired the business assets of Bottlers (St Vincent) Limited, in Receivership; a manufacturer and distributor of aerated beverages and mineral water located at Campden Park, St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The official signing of documents took place at the legal chambers of Grahame Bollers, by David Holukoff of Grant Thornton, (British Virgin Island) Limited, Receiver of the Assets Property and Undertaking for Bottlers (St Vincent) Ltd.

The documents were signed in the presence of Bollers and representatives of ECGC, namely chairperson of the board of directors Audrey Defreitas; director Sylvia Sutherland; chief executive officer Osmond Davy; chief operating officer Elvis DeRiggs and lawyer Douglas Williams.