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http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2670671/Suppliers-face-hand-sanitiser-drought
Suppliers face hand-sanitiser drought
By LIAM NAPIER - Manawatu Standard
Last updated 12:00 24/07/2009
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Sales of hand sanitiser are skyrocketing as Kiwis try to beat the swine flu pandemic.
David Berry, manager of Palmerston North company Specialist Cleaning Supplies, said sales of Purell, the most popular hand sanitiser in the world, had gone through the roof so much so it had sold out in New Zealand.
"We have sold more small pump bottles in the last month than we did in the last year," he said.
"I think swine flu has been the kick most people needed. We have been pushing the necessity of good hand sanitation for a long time."
Specialist Cleaning Supplies had also installed hundreds of extra sanitiser systems in toilets around Manawatu, including Massey University, Fonterra, and some schools.
Another office supply company, Office Max, has seen a 550 per cent increase in hand sanitiser sales.
In June, 4900 units of its 500ml bottle were sold in New Zealand, up from 750 in May.
Palmerston North Office Max retail manager Rodger Bate said suppliers were playing catch-up.
"The sudden spike has caused exceptional demand."
Office Products Manawatu general manager Brian Ferguson said his company's hand sanitisers were selling fast, as were substitute products.
"We were selling cartons of AF foam cleaning wipes and we can't get them again until August."
A Health Ministry spokeswoman said keeping hands sanitised is one of the keys to stopping the spread of swine flu.
"Hand sanitation is one of the many tools people should use to protect themselves at this time."
Suppliers face hand-sanitiser drought
By LIAM NAPIER - Manawatu Standard
Last updated 12:00 24/07/2009
Share
Text Size
Relevant offers
Sales of hand sanitiser are skyrocketing as Kiwis try to beat the swine flu pandemic.
David Berry, manager of Palmerston North company Specialist Cleaning Supplies, said sales of Purell, the most popular hand sanitiser in the world, had gone through the roof so much so it had sold out in New Zealand.
"We have sold more small pump bottles in the last month than we did in the last year," he said.
"I think swine flu has been the kick most people needed. We have been pushing the necessity of good hand sanitation for a long time."
Specialist Cleaning Supplies had also installed hundreds of extra sanitiser systems in toilets around Manawatu, including Massey University, Fonterra, and some schools.
Another office supply company, Office Max, has seen a 550 per cent increase in hand sanitiser sales.
In June, 4900 units of its 500ml bottle were sold in New Zealand, up from 750 in May.
Palmerston North Office Max retail manager Rodger Bate said suppliers were playing catch-up.
"The sudden spike has caused exceptional demand."
Office Products Manawatu general manager Brian Ferguson said his company's hand sanitisers were selling fast, as were substitute products.
"We were selling cartons of AF foam cleaning wipes and we can't get them again until August."
A Health Ministry spokeswoman said keeping hands sanitised is one of the keys to stopping the spread of swine flu.
"Hand sanitation is one of the many tools people should use to protect themselves at this time."