Spain: Heineken could halt distribution if truck drivers’ protest continues

Dutch brewer Heineken NV said on March 22 it could halt distribution in Spain if a week-long truck drivers’ protest continues, AJOT.com reported.

Heineken will be “unable to serve its products to commercial surfaces, bars and restaurants and to stock up on raw materials, due to the violent protests that prevent the normal operations of the company,” it said in a statement.

Heineken produces and distributes several alcoholic beverages in Spain, including the popular Cruzcampo beer brand.

Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel is also having difficulties carrying out its operations in the southern European country, Europa Press reported, citing unnamed company officials.

Several Spanish truckers’ unions began an indefinite strike on March 14 over soaring fuel prices and poor working conditions, disrupting supply chains across a range of sectors. The Spanish government on Monday, March 21 pledged to provide 500 million euros ($549 million) in direct aid to help lower fuel costs for truck drivers.

Danone SA warned on March 22 that it will have to temporarily halt operations in Spain within 24 hours if the protests continue. Inditex SA, the world’s largest clothing retailer, said on the website of its Zara brand that some deliveries in Spain may be delayed.