Empresas Polar, the biggest Venezuelan brewer, has restarted production after closing during the country's lengthy general strike. "Within a week supplies of Polar products to supermarkets should return to normal. But this depends on us overcoming problems with transport and safety issues," Jose Anzola, the company's logistics and supply manager, said.

Empresas Polar observed the general strike called by the opposition on December 2 to force President Hugo Chavez to resign. The strike failed in its objectives and most sectors returned to work Monday. By mid-week Polar already had 16 production plants and 73 distribution centres operative, and Anzola said the company's four breweries were returning to capacity. The company will continue to work with returnable bottles until supplies of disposable bottles and packaging return to normal.

The company produces 60 brands in Venezuela, including some of the country's best-known beers and soft drinks.

10 February, 2003