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Tag: Guinness

  • Guinness’ share price firm despite N1b fine

    Guinness’ share price firm despite N1b fine

    Guinness Nigeria’s share price remained unchanged yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), despite a N1 billion fine imposed on the brewing giant.

    The company is engaging the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on the resolution of the big  fine.

    In a letter to the investing public at the Exchange, the company  stated that its legal review had shown that there was no basis for the N1 billion “administrative charge” from NAFDAC and it has started discussions with NAFDAC to resolve the issue.

    Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, in a statement, said all products from Guinness Nigeria conform to the highest standards of quality, having not only been produced in line with the globally accepted code of good manufacturing practice (GMP), but also been repeatedly so-certified by NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

    According to Ndegwa, the meticulous and painstaking work including rigorous quality assurance, that precedes the final production of all the  products, has a singular objective: to ensure that consumers drink products that are healthy and comparable with similar products made by a Diageo facility anywhere else in the world.

    Referring to the Guinness Nigeria production facilities in Ogba, Benin City and Aba, Ndegwa stated that each of the breweries continues to work to exceed critical standards in areas such as quality and very importantly, human safety and environmental preservation. “On an incremental basis we continue to automate our processes,” Ndegwa said. “Indeed, with an investment in excess of N52 billion in improving manufacturing processes, our brewing plants would rank favourably among the most automated and modern brewing plants around the world,” Ndegwa said. The company’s major aim is the continuous enhancement of the quality of products Guinness Nigeria makes available to its consumers, he added.

    On the N1 billion sanction on the company by NAFDAC, Ndegwa confirmed that Guinness Nigeria is indeed in receipt of a letter from NAFDAC noting that as a responsible corporate organization, Guinness Nigeria takes these allegations which relate primarily to raw materials stored in one of its  raw materials stores very seriously. He clarified that the said raw materials store is not a production facility, assuring that the company is engaging NAFDAC for clarifications and resolution of the issues. According to Ndegwa, there is an extensive and elaborate process by which basic raw materials are first converted during the brewing stage, with lots of critical control points, before products are bottled and released to the market. “Each of these painstaking steps is rigorously monitored for conformity with all  necessary global standards which we regard as basic, as we always aspire to exceed the much higher standards that have been set internally by the Diageo Group,” Ndegwa said. According to him,  the high quality of products from Guinness Nigeria’s breweries  has been attested to repeatedly not only by NAFDAC but also by the Standards Organization of Nigeria, as well as the internal quality controls of the Diageo Group.

    Ndegwa reaffirmed that Guinness Nigeria is very positive that on account of its ongoing engagement with NAFDAC, the issues will be clarified and resolved in a short while.

    Guinness Nigeria established its first brewery in Ikeja, Lagos in 1962. Since then it has remained an integral player in Nigeria’s manufacturing space, opening up more breweries located in Benin City and Aba respectively. It has been commended on several occasions not only for its commitment to quality and safety but also importantly, for its contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

  • Malta Guinness launches new campaign

    Malta Guinness launches new campaign

    • Stirs the Can-Do-Spirit in Nigerians

    Celebrating the can-do attitude that drives Nigerians every day, Malta Guinness has launched a new campaign tagged: ‘You vs…’ to celebrate the everyday Nigerian who takes on typical everyday challenges with a smile and a spring in their feet.

    The campaign kicked off with full energy as thousands of commuters and several other road users had their faces beaming with joy, as they woke up to find scores of BRT buses from Malta Guinness to help get them to their respective place of work for free.

    The fun didn’t stop there, as people on the buses were entertained by A-list comedians Elenu, Pencil and a host of others.

    In addition, the brand took the energy and excitement to the UBA Park at Apongbon market in Lagos to inspire people at market to take on their day and go about their activities with a can-do attitude. Performing at the event was Whayasay crooner Patoranking and Amin crooner Dammy Krane who gave the audience a lot of musical goodness.

    The Marketing Manager Malta & APNAD, Mr. Uche Onwudiwe, while explaining the significance of the campaign said the ‘You vs…’ campaign is Malta Guinness way of celebrating and inspiring Nigerians to keep up the can-do-spirit that enables them do more on a daily basis. We attempted to help relieve some of the challenges experienced in everyday life as was evidenced with the You vs. the Traffic earlier in the day; Traffic morning blues amongst other every day to day challenges.

    According to Onwudiwe, “Malta Guinness has been energising Nigerians for 25 years with natural goodness as they take on life’s everyday challenges. Whether it is traffic, the commute or the 8-5, whatever challenges life throws up, Malta Guinness is there to give you the energy and vitality to deal with it. Let’s Go Naija!”

    Currently broadcasting across Nigeria on national television, the new TV commercial: ‘You vs…’ which was launched alongside the campaign…’ features a modern day, Burna Boy version of the 80s classic hit, Pump Up The Jam, and it is purposely designed to excite Nigerians who take on every day with a smile as they tackle their everyday work life, inspiring everyone to take up the can-do spirit.

    The new television commercial will be accompanied by a new inspirational outdoor and radio as well as a number of on the ground activities to inspire people with that can do spirit, so Nigerians get ready!!!

    “Imploring Nigerians to get on board with the Malta Guinness ‘You…vs’ campaign, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. Gavin Pike said, Malta Guinness is all about giving the energy that every Nigerian needs every day to achieve their dreams. The Malta Guinness campaign celebrates the wonderful can do attitude that Nigerians across this country exhibit every day in pursuit of their dreams … Malta Guinness is the brand that gives them the vitality to go out and make things happen.

    “We know that sometimes the daily grid of the traffic, the market or the office 8am to 5pm can be tough but that a refreshing Malta Guinness full of vitality and energy can fuel that winning attitude and help all Nigerians get more out of their day,” Onwudiwe noted.

  • Guinness donates breathalyzers to FRSC

    Guinness donates breathalyzers to FRSC

    Do not drink and drive. Indeed, if you are a member of a group involved in some social activity that may involve drinking, nominate a member of that group, who must not drink and who will be responsible for driving others home.”

    These were the words of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Peter Ndegwa, to motorists.

    Ndegwa said this while handing over alcohol test machines to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Sector Commander, Hyginus Omeje, during the Guinness Nigeria/FRSC Ember month campaign at Ikeja, Lagos.

    Ndegwa was joined by the company’s Corporate Relations Director, Mr Sesan Sobowale and Policy and Public Affairs Head, Michael Onuoha.

    According to him, the months, leading to the festive end of the year, popularly referred to as “ember months” have historically recorded a disproportionately high rate of road traffic accidents in Nigeria, making the campaign particularly imperative at this period”.

    This year’s awareness campaign, he said, will see the introduction of various novel and innovative strategies geared towards raising public awareness on the benefits of responsible alcohol consumption.

    He said:“At Guinness Nigeria, we believe that our position as a market leader places a significant responsibility on us to raise awareness about the importance of consuming alcohol responsibly.  We are committed to responsible drinking and enlightening the public about the values of responsible alcohol consumption, especially during the festive period.

    “We are eager to increase awareness to ensure that Nigerians have an incident-free experience. Working in tandem with our various stakeholders on our responsible drinking initiatives, we have found a worthy partner in the FRSC, with whom on an annual basis, we have carried out this Ember Months campaign.”

    Ndegwa reiterated that drinking and driving do not mix, saying: “When you drink, don’t drive. When you go out in a group to have fun, designate someone to drive and that person should not drink. If you are going out alone, arrange for taxi to take you home after you have had some drink. Whatever you do this season, don’t drink and drive”.

    Activities to mark this year’s programme include: joint road shows to create awareness of drink-driving, radio and TV talk shows and for the first time, random testing of motorists with breathalyzer to check their blood alcohol concentration levels.

    Omeje urged motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid overloading and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

    “Before now, all we had done in terms of enforcement have been based on sobriety tests, which can’t be used to prosecute offenders successfully. However, with the kind donation of breathalyzers by Guinness Nigeria, we would be able to prosecute drivers successfully. And when we prosecute, one, two, five, 10 drivers successfully, you discover that the news will spread very fast and produce the behavioural change which this awareness campaign is expected to usher in,” he said.

     

  • GUINNESS PARTIES WITH ‘MADE OF BLACK’ HEROES

    CONTINUING in its bid to celebrate some of Nigeria’s unsung heroes, it was time for Lagos and Enugu to celebrate their winning heroes at the Guinness’ Made of Black heroes’ party held at Toscana Niteclub in Enugu and Xover lounge in Lagos.

    The Lagos heroes who were nominated are Tayo Faniran, 1st runner up of BBA season 9, Tunde Adebanjo aka Euro, Temitope Okupe, Tony Chukwu, Caleb Oziegbe, Adonu Anthony Reuben, David King-Amin, Josephine Njokwu, Josephine Ukeme, DJ Toxic, Adekunle and Tina Nwosu.

    Their unique stories have been described as a clear demonstration of the black attitude. Adekunle, for instance, stands out as the man who wakes up every morning to sweep the Anthony pedestrian bridge despite his disability; and he has done this for the past 12 years while Josephine Ukeme, a policewoman has become very popular by her sheer passion and commitment to duty as she tirelessly controls traffic at the St. Agnes Junction in Yaba.

    In Enugu, the experience was super exciting as fans gathered to celebrate their chosen made of black heroes. Nominees from the coal city include Yellow Man, a policeman; Engr. Kelvin Igwu, a lecturer; MC 4 God, Uche, Ifeanyi and Nneka Anieze. Their stories show resilience and the true definition of black.

    To make the events memorable and create the Guinness experience, Olamide and Phyno were on ground to party with the heroes and thrill guests to an experience of a lifetime, in celebration of the chosen Made of Black heroes. DJ Spinall took the Lagos party to another high while Slow Dog came out of the kitchen as usual to put some heat on the Coal city. The parties also featured scintillating performances from other artistes including Sexy Steel, DJ Toxic, amongst others.

    Speaking at the spectacular event, Portfolio Marketing Manager, Guinness, Ms. Liz Ashdown, said the Made of Black campaign celebrates individuals who are made of more, bold and determined in achieving whatever they set their minds to accomplish.

    In the coming weeks, the campaign train will move to Port Harcourt and the ancient city of Benin.

  • Breaking the Guinness World Book of Records

    Breaking the Guinness World Book of Records

    Nigerian Breweries and Guinness are, indisputably, rivals. With the recent unveiling of the world’s largest poster, Nigerian Breweries has tactically entered its rival’s book of world record, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

    The Nigerian Breweries (NB) has a way of upsetting its competitor, Guinness, which always wants to play by the rules when driving its marketing efforts for market share. Ruthless and offensive, the NB will not care when thinking of the ways to edge out competitors in order to have a good posting and make shareholders smile at the end of financial year.

    Last week, the brand handlers did the unthinkable. About 80 journalists were ferried to Enugu. They were oblivious of the purpose of the trip and tricks of the NB this time around. As the event kicked off last Monday, it dawned on them that they have been brought to participate in what appeared to come  for a game: Guilder Ultimate search, where the ultimate winner was expected to win an ultimate prize: a Hyundai car. The event was meant to kick off the National Consumer Promotion, with 123 journalists invited from all over Nigeria as participants.

    But more important to NB was not just having a winner to go back with the ultimate prize and consolation prizes, but the unveiling of the world largest advertisement poster measuring 5,367 square metres, which, perhaps, was meant to make a headline: NB Guilder’s world largest breaks Guinness Book of Records.

    Prior to the competition among journalists, Nigerian Breweries set the world record to unveil the world largest advertisement poster. The epoch-making poster measuring 5,367 square metres unveiled at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu State broke the record for the largest poster measuring 4,793.65 square metres, which was displayed in India last June 27.

    The size of the poster was attested to by a chartered quantity surveyor, Mr. Nath Agu, while a lawyer, Mr  Onyekwuluje Ogochukwu, legally affirmed the measurement.

    The Gulder poster was to kick-start the 2015 edition of the Gulder National Consumer Promotion. The new poster is said to be another way to showcase the commitment of Nigerian Breweries to win with Nigerians and is said to be larger than the Baahubali poster, which is rated by the Guinness Book of record as the largest poster in world with a size of 4,793.65 meter square in India.

    In order to attract attention of a large number of people and quickly deliver the intended message, the poster was creatively and colourfully crafted with the Gulder drink.

    Speaking during the event  at Eagle Square, Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governor,  represented by Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Sam Ogbu Nwododo, said the event was a remarkable investment in advertisement, adding that the Ministry in Enugu will continue to support business activities in the state.

    According to him, “Rockefeller Foundation added Enugu as one of the hundred most resilient cities in the world and the unveiling today adds to that as Enugu hosts the first largest advert poster in the world.”

    The Commissioner also explained that the award opened up the state and showcased what has been the fruit of long toil in the state, adding that current administration is working hard to ensure the state becomes the first destination for tourists and investors all over the world.

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Nicholas Vervelde,  said the event came with a promotion where four million prizes would be won, adding that this is another way to showcase Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to winning with Nigeria through its brands, investment, footprints and social economic impact.

    Vervelde noted that Enugu being the choice of state for the launch was strategic as the foundation of the city has been laid by people, who used their strength and power to build the city and Gulder has these same characteristics.

  • Guinness, Oregbeni community: Looking beyond business, impacting lives

    Experts in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have described community engagement as the continuing commitment by businesses to behave ethically and contribute to economic development. It is also generally inferred that CSR is about giving back to the society.

    However, there are some organisations that go beyond the primary objective of making profits for their shareholders to build capacity for sustainable livelihoods in the communities. One outstanding example of such an organisation is Guinness Nigeria.

    Diageo,Guinness Nigeria’s parent company, recently released its sustainability and responsibility targets for 2020 which succinctly lay out the company’s plans for tackling issues in three key areas – leading the alcohol in society discourse, building thriving communities and reducing environmental impact. In its statement to announce the 2020 targets, the company said: “At Diageo we believe celebrating life, every day, everywhere means to make the most of life – to be the best you can be at work, at home, with friends, in the community, and for the community. We want our people to progress and fulfil their potential and our company to be a leader, to always make a positive contribution to society, to create shared value, wherever we work.”

    A company that thinks like this cannot but make the right connections at global and local levels to ensure these targets are achieved. In Nigeria, the development projects the company has embarked upon in Oregbeni, the host community for its Benin brewery in Edo State, Nigeria typifies this approach.

    Over the years, the company has shown its commitment to community development by consistently attending a monthly all-parties meeting,held to discuss critical issues aimed at strengthening existing relationships and the developmental challenges facing the community.  It was through this meeting and further consultations that key areas of need and intervention for the Oregbeni community development were highlighted.

    Top on the priority of the list of interventions was the construction of three major roads for the community. The roads are Igiesota, Ighodalo and Iyoha roads. Igiesota and Ighodalo roads have both been constructed with side drains and walk ways.Phase one of Iyoha, which is the longest road among the three has been completed and was commissioned by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on 14th November, 2013. The Governorwas  pleased with the quality of the construction work carried out on the road that he enthusiastically decided to rename it Guinness Way. Plans to commence the second phase of the construction work on the road are underway.

    Beyond roads, another pillar of Guinness Nigeria’s CSR thrust is education. From the renovation of the only Primary School in the community to providing scholarships to Oregbeni indigenes.

    The importance of foundational education was well captured by the renowned America educational philosopher, Richard M. Hutchins who said “the object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.” This is what makes the example of the primary school of particular interest because   before the renovation, the school was bedeviled by a barrage of problems ranging from bad roofs, defaced walls to broken windows and doors and lacked basic amenities such as toilet facilities and perimeter fencing of the school compound.

    The company ploughed a huge sum of money into the renovation effort changing the entire roofs of the school, painting of the entire school buildings, fencing of the school compound for security, replacement of broken doors and windows as well as provision of toilet facilities for both staff and pupils of the school. In addition to the renovation of the school, the organisation provided an overhead tank for water supply to the school and donated textbooks and notebooks to the school.

    Critical to the success of any community initiative is the commitment and ownership of said initiative by indigenes and Guinness Nigeria ensured this by awarding the contract for the renovation to the indigenes after following due process of bidding for the project there by providing employment for a significant number of residents.

    Beyond education, Guinness Nigeria and Diageo have a commitment to “reduce water use through a 50percent improvement in water use efficiency as well as return 100percent of waste water from our operations to the environment safely.” In Oregbeni community,the company installed a water treatment plant in 2007 consisting of two giant reservoirs with standby 20 KVA Generator to complement public power supply.Guinness also supplies diesel every month with backup services and has provided a paid operator to ensure constant water supply to the community.

    The relationship between Guinness and the community appears to be the poster child for community-business relations.

  • Guinness Nigeria restates commitment to CSR

    Guinness Nigeria restates commitment to CSR

    Experts in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility have described community engagement as the continuing commitment by businesses to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large.

    One outstanding example of such an organisation is Guinness Nigeria. Guinness Nigeria is part of a global brand that takes an active, responsible interest in individuals and communities at any level wherever it operates. The company believes it has a duty to contribute to the communities in which it does business in Nigeria.

    Diageo, Guinness Nigeria’s parent company, recently released its sustainability and responsibility targets for 2020 which succinctly lay out the company’s plans for tackling issues in three key areas – leading the alcohol in society discourse, building thriving communities and reducing environmental impact.

    In its statement to announce the 2020 targets, the company said: “At Diageo we believe celebrating life, every day, everywhere means to make the most of life – to be the best you can be at work, at home, with friends, in the community, and for the community. We want our people to progress and fulfil their potential and our company to be a leader, to always make a positive contribution to society, to create shared value, wherever we work.”

    A company that thinks like this cannot but make the right connections at global and local levels to ensure these targets are achieved. In Nigeria, the development projects the company has embarked upon in Oregbeni, the host community for its Benin brewery in Edo State, Nigeria typifies this approach.

    Top on the priority of the list of interventions was the construction of three major roads for the community. The roads are Igiesota, Ighodalo and Iyoha roads. Igiesota and Ighodalo roads have both been constructed with side drains and walk ways.

    Phase one of Iyoha, which is the longest road among the three have been completed and was commissioned by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on 14th November, 2013. The governor was so pleased with the quality of the construction work carried out on the road that he enthusiastically decided to rename it GuinnessWay. Plans to commence the second phase of the construction work on the road are underway.

    Beyond roads, another pillar of Guinness Nigeria’s CSR thrust is education.

    Still under education, between 2007 and till date Guinness has an ongoing scholarship scheme which gives indigenes of Oregbeni community an opportunity to study at various tertiary institutions in the country via its scholarship initiative in education.

  • Guinness unveils Africa’s largest drum

    Guinness unveils Africa’s largest drum

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has unveiled the largest drum whose measurement was put at 22ftx25ft by team comprising Alexander Forbes actuaries and Billings Cost &Associates.

    The drum called “Orijinal” drum, according to the team, is the largest ever built in Africa.

    Though is meant to activate Guinness Orijin brand, the brand owner said at an event in Lagos, that the Orijinal drum, a cultural icon, is an extension of the Orijin ideology of celebrating the African culture.

    The brand recently received the endorsement of some monarchs  as the drink for Africans. The drum located at the National Art Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, distinctly stands at a vantage point.

    The  Portfolio Director, Larger and RTD, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ms. Eyitemi Taire, said: “The largest African drum is another landmark in our journey as a business and eulogising Orijin as the original drink for Africans.

    “A drum announces the presence of the royals and the revered; it represents everything African. It is the single identifier that cuts across all African cultures. It represents the vibrancy, energy, uniqueness, and interconnectivity of Africans which perfectly reflects the essentials of the brand’s originality.”

    She continued: “We recognise the value of our culture and will do everything possible to keep our heritage. Orijin connects with our people at this level just in the same way a drum connects. Where ever there is a drum there is celebration. And wherever there is celebration, you can be sure there is Orijin, the drink of tradition.

    “This drum we justunveiled is a representative of both traditional and modern cultures that abide in Africa. We have high hopes that this drum will stand as an inspiration to Orijin lovers nationwide.We are proud of our achievement here today. The drum is clearly the largest and that underscores the ingenuity of Africans.’’

    The Ojora of Ijora of Lagos, Oba Abdulfatai Ojora, who was represented by Chief Joseph Ogunmola, praised Guinness for producing Orijin.

    On the drum, Chief Ogunmola said: “The drum represents our vibrancy as Africans. It is an important part of our cultural heritage. This largest drum in Africa is a great innovation from Guinness Nigeria and we thank them for showcasing and taking our culture to the next level”.

    Reassuring consumers of quality, Taire said the production of Orijin attests to Guinness Nigeria’s leadership position in innovations in the alcoholic beverage industry.

    “The company’s track record on product innovation in the past eight years has been very impressive. The advent of Orijin into the market is a result of thought leadership by Guinness Nigeria. As a company, we are continually looking for new ways to satisfy our consumers and Orijin is another attestation to this resolve. We have been in the forefront of innovation, particularly now with the largest drum in Africa. We encourage all our consumers to enjoy their Orijin responsibly always, she added.

    The event was spiced with performances from Orijin brand ambassador Reminisce, Hip hop artiste Faze and R n B crooner Kola Soul.

    Aduni and the NERFITITI also gave the audience the folklore with her melodious voice.

    Orijin is a blend of African fruits and herbs flavours mixed with alcohol to give a refreshing bitter sweet taste.

  • Guinness Nigeria launches N10bn commercial paper programme

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced plans to launch a N10billion Commercial Paper programme. The inaugural issue under the programme will hold on or before Friday, 8th May 2015. The announcement was made at the signing ceremony which held at the company’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. John O’Keeffe, the Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria, commented: “We are very pleased with the successful launch of this Commercial Paper programme for Guinness Nigeria Plc and the support received from our advisors to get us to this point. This will be the first corporate CP programme to be established in recent times, following the new CBN guidelines coming into effect, and we are pleased to be the first company to take advantage of this opportunity. We look forward to a robust uptake of this inaugural issuance imminently, whilst retaining the flexibility offered by the programme to tap into the CP market again in the nearest future.”

    Witnessing the signing ceremony were representatives of the transaction advisors which include Stanbic-IBTC Capital Limited and Standard Chartered Securities Nigeria Limited as Joint Arrangers, Aluko & Oyebode as Legal Counsel, KPMG as Auditors to the Issuer, and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited as Issuing Calculation and Paying Agent. Also in attendance were officials of FMDQ OTC, a Securities and Exchange Commission licensed over-the-counter market operator for fixed income securities.

    Also speaking at the event, Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, Head – Debt Capital Markets, of Stanbic IBTC Capital stated that Guinness Nigeria has shown industry leadership in taking up the CP.

    “This transaction is a unique milestone event, and represents the first CP Programme to be established by a non-financial institution corporate issuer following the new guidelines on commercial paper from the Central Bank of Nigeria, published in 2009. In that regard, Guinness Nigeria has again clearly demonstrated its innovative approach towards executing the company’s financing strategy, in an increasingly competitive market environment. We at Stanbic IBTC are also proud to have partnered with Guinness on this landmark achievement,” Bentsi-Enchill said.

  • Orijin safe for consumption, says Guinness

    Orijin safe for consumption, says Guinness

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has said Sodium Benzoate used as a preservative in Orijin, its herbal drink, is not harmful.

    During a tour of the Orijin Brewery in Ogba, Lagos Corporate Relations Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, said the company met the certification for Orijin.

    He said Sodium Benzoate, used as a food preservative in some drinks, is not harmful. It was approved by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Control (NAFDAC), World Health Organisation (WHO), United States Food and Drug Administration Agency and other recognised agencies, he added.

    Orijin is made from herbs, fruits and alcohol.

    “We are assuring the public that the quality of Orijin is very good for the health of the consumers because Guinness has a stamp of quality on it. Orijin has been prepared to the highest quality standard and it has been certified by NAFDAC. The Director-General of NAFDAC during his inspection of the factory was impressed at the level of adherence to international standards in the production,”Sobowale said.

    According to him, the fact that Orijin clinched the 2014 ADVAN Awards for Marketing Excellence in the Innovation Category and the  Marketing World Awards for Excellence in Marketing Innovation show that the brand places premium on its consumers.

    On adulteration, Sobowale assured that Guinness Nigeria would stem the tide, noting that it is a global trend, particularly for brands that have recorded huge successes.

    “We have taken steps to build anti-counterfeit measures to combat adulteration, but it is obvious that you can differentiate original from fake when you see this product. Also, we have educated our distributors, retailers and bar owners on how to identify the fake. These are some of our precautionary measures since Orijin was introduced over a year ago,” he added.

    About 250,000 cans of Orijin ready-to-drink are pushed into the market daily, due to an expansion projects by the brewer.

    The company has invested N52 billion in expansion of its breweries in Lagos and Benin City.

    Guinness is a major economic player in Nigeria with interest in beer, non-alcoholic beverages and spirits.