Local Distillery Now Creating Hand Sanitizer, Hopes To Combat COVID-19

Image by the CCIDA.

WESTFIELD – A local winery, brewery and distiller is doing its part to help fill the demand for hand sanitizer caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Mazza Five & 20 Spirits in Westfield has shifted its production in order to produce a goal of 3,000 gallons of hand sanitizer.

The company’s Vice President and General Manager, Mario Mazza, says alcohol is more important than ever – but not in the way we might think.





“Initial efforts are focused on donating sanitizer to departments of health, non-profits, local healthcare workers, and Five and 20’s internal use,” explained Mazza. “Final product will initially be sent to North East Community Nurses, Community Resources for Independence, Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Josephite Sisters of Erie, Bay City Cremations, and Our Lady of Mercy. There will also be small bottles available at Five & 20/Mazza Chautauqua Cellars in Westfield for customers and those in the community in need, limited to one per customer.”

Mazza predicts the distillery will be able to produce 3,000 gallons of hand sanitizer immediately, with 400 gallons or more produced weekly as long as it takes to come through the current COVID-19 crisis and sanitizer shortage.

“We are shifting to six production days per week,” furthered Mazza, which is up from the regular four to five days per week.





















Chautauqua County and the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency have led the charge in communicating the need for additional PPE production countywide, encouraging manufacturers to retool, where practicable, to produce supplies needed for the pandemic response.

Starting this week, Five & 20 plans to make sanitizer available for sale to for-profit businesses considered essential. Sales will help offset staff salaries and operating costs.

Five & 20 whiskies and bourbon continue to be available for purchase online or by phone and can be shipped or picked up, curbside, at the distillery.

 









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