Industry News

Distilleries Switch from Spirits to Sanitizer to Combat COVID-19

Apr. 28, 2020

In response to a nationwide shortage of hand sanitizer during COVID-19, distilleries across the country have switched from producing vodka, gin and whiskey to high-proof ethyl-alcohol for hand sanitizer.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council, more than 700 distilleries in the U.S. are now making hand sanitizer at a rate of tens of thousands of gallons per day. A majority is being immediately sent to hospitals, healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines. Some distilleries have also donated hand sanitizer to those in the hospitality industry to help associates, including our own, be as clean and safe as possible — and we very much appreciate our supplier partners who have supported us during this time.

While most of the hand sanitizer being produced by distilleries is being donated to those most in need of it, some distillers are giving it away for free or selling it directly to people in their own communities.

Below is a list of Breakthru Beverage suppliers who have made the switch from spirits to hand sanitizer. We thank you for all your efforts to supporting various populations affected by COVID-19.