News
Alcohol companies combat COVID 19 hand sanitizer shortages
2 Apr 2020Amid shortages of the topical disinfectant, both local and international distilleries in the United States are repurposing high-proof ethanol alcohol as branded hand sanitizers and donating it to those in need.
Earlier this month, The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau waived portions of the U.S. internal revenue law to permit ethanol-based sanitizer production. Likewise, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a temporary policy that permits pharmacists and compounders to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizers for the duration of the COVID-19 health emergency. While the intent is to supplement commercial producers that are unable to keep a sufficient supply on shelves, not just any formulation is acceptable. The FDA is strictly regulating the recipe. Hand sanitizer, according to the governmental agency, must contain ethanol alcohol at 80%, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide and sterile water.

To kill germs effectively, the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention specifies that alcohol-based hand sanitizers must have an alcohol concentration between 60-95%.
Distilleries, including Pernod Ricard, Diageo and Anheuser-Busch are now taking part in hand sanitizer production efforts and donating the product to charities, non-profits and medical professionals help fight COVID-19.
"In times like this it is important that everyone, especially companies with strong U.S. roots, like ours, prioritize good corporate citizenship and step up in the name of the greater good. I am glad that we were able to form this public/private partnership and repurpose our spirits production facilities to meet a pressing, national need," said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard North America in a release. Pernod Ricard makes Absolut Vodka and Jameson Whiskey.
Drink makers are already in possession of vast quantities of ethanol as it is the basic ingredient required to make liquor, and with the manufacturing capacity of these international distilleries focused on producing the gel disinfectant, these companies are reportedly churning out tens of thousands of liters of hand sanitizer.
This push for distillery-produced hand sanitizer is partially in response to the FDA working to curtail the production of homemade sanitizer, which can be detrimental to one’s health. “ (The) FDA recommends that consumers do not make their own hand sanitizer. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective, and there have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizer,” according to the agency’s website.
Providing this ethanol-based disinfectant is also a strategy for alcohol companies to stay top of mind with consumers. Well-known alcohol brands have taken a financial hit as bars, restaurants and hotels have closed worldwide. The French spirits maker, Pernod Ricard cut its fiscal guidance for 2020 by 20%. By passing out branded hand sanitizer, the company remains an integral part of the lives of thousands in a novel way that may lead to future sales from grateful hand sanitizer users.
Related news

Producers explore traceability to lower food waste and loss
1 Jul 2025
The World Economic Forum has identified traceability technology and tools as emerging anti-loss and waste mechanisms throughout the F&B supply chain.
Read more
Accelerating AI to answer the food sector’s biggest questions
27 Jun 2025
As concerns about food security continue to grow, investigators are examining how artificial intelligence (AI) can help enhance the sector’s resilience.
Read more
Evolving virus detection technology to enhance food safety and security
25 Jun 2025
US researchers are exploring the next generation of virus detection technology in the hope of enhancing food safety and security.
Read more
World Food Safety Day shines a spotlight on science
19 Jun 2025
On 7 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) held its annual World Food Safety Day, highlighting the role scientific research and innovation play in supporting consumers’ health.
Read more
Sustainability meets functionality in spirulina-based smoked salmon analogue
16 Jun 2025
A foodtech company has received EU regulatory approval for its texturised fresh spirulina, the base ingredient in its plant-based smoked salmon analogue.
Read more
Cross-industry AI initiative hoped to slash food waste
12 Jun 2025
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool pilot involving Nestlé is hoped to reduce food waste and ensure surplus products find a home quickly.
Read more
Could flies fix the global food waste problem?
5 Jun 2025
Black soldier flies could offer a sustainable solution for reducing food waste, research from Purdue University in the US suggests.
Read more
European alternative protein sector investment rises 23%
4 Jun 2025
Privately held European alternative protein companies raised $509 million (€470 million) in capital in 2024, 23% more than the previous year, figures reveal.
Read more
Sustainable food sector requires synthetic chemical solutions
2 Jun 2025
Researchers from global organisations have released a study analysing the prevalence of food contaminants in food packaging and their health impacts.
Read more
The winners of Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge 2025 revealed
29 May 2025
Four startups – Yomio Drops, PFx Biotech, Revobiom, and Favamole – took top prizes at this year’s Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge awards.
Read more