Ricardo Guerra explained that sugarcane is bought from small producers in the municipalities of Dombe (Benguela) and Gabela (Kwanza Sul). As for the bottles used to put the brandy, the responsible made it known that they are also national, being bought from Vidrul, in Luanda.
Cited by Angop, the managing partner of the factory, located in Lobito, Benguela province, explained that the only imported material is the stopper: "The only elements coming from abroad are the stoppers, because we still don't have local suppliers of capsules, and the French oak casks, where it is aged".
Although he bought the sugarcane from local producers, he said he intends to buy some land to go ahead with his own sugarcane production.
Ricardo Guerra also revealed that he has been talking to pineapple producers in the municipality of Bocoio. The aim is to acquire the food to produce the drink, considering that this business will benefit both parties, since the pineapple producers have an excess of product and do not know how they can drain it without it spoiling.
It takes 70 cubic meters of ethanol per month to manufacture the spirit, he said, adding that monthly production generally ranges from five to seven thousand boxes of 24 bottles.
After the beverage is made, it is taken to a laboratory, located in Luongo, to receive the quality seal.
Besides the beverage, at this time, the plant is also taking the opportunity to produce alcohol gel, which is stored in three-litre containers. Ricardo Guerra admitted that although this is produced in small quantities it has helped the local region to fight covid-19.
As for sales, the managing partner revealed that they have been suffering decreases "due to the state of calamity due to covid-19, because there are no events or parties" where you can enjoy the brandy.
Even so, the brandy sells well in the country, he said, adding that the price is more appealing than the imported brandy: on average the "Caxaramba" costs 2500 kwanzas while brands like Gin Gordons, Havana Club, can cost between five and six thousand kwanzas, he explained.
The plant is composed of distillation material, two filling lines, eight fermentation tanks, a bag making machine, among others. The unit also has the collaboration of 33 workers.
