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Tag: International Breweries Plc

  • Firm rolls out new product

    Firm rolls out new product

    International Breweries Plc, a member of ABInBev, the world’s largest brewer with over 500 brands, has introduced its newest flagship brand, Budweiser Royale, to the Nigerian market.

    This was done at a launch in Lagos. The unveiling drew royal dignitaries, government representatives, industry leaders, trade partners, celebrities and media personalities, who came together to witness the unveiling of a super-premium beer designed for consumers who value taste, confidence and distinction.

    Budweiser Royale delivers a smooth yet bold full-bodied profile at six per cent ABV.

    The beer is brewed with top-quality ingredients and the world-renowned Budweiser technique, giving consumers above the legal drinking age a rich drinking experience that stands out in the premium category.

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    Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, shared his thoughts on the new product at the launch.

    He said: “Budweiser Royale reflects our goal to keep pushing the boundaries of what a premium beer can offer. People want depth, flavour and a product that matches their lifestyle.

    “Budweiser Royale brings all these elements together in a full-bodied beer with a refined smoothness that speaks to modern taste.

    “Budweiser Royale’s exceptionally smooth taste reflects our commitment to innovation and our deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences in Nigeria.”

  • Firm urges moderate alcohol consumption

    Firm urges moderate alcohol consumption

    International Breweries Plc, subsidiary of global brewing giant AB InBev, has advocated moderation and informed consumption of alcohol.

    It highlighted its voluntary guidance labelling initiative across its Nigerian portfolio to promote moderation.

    The firm expanded its premium portfolio with introduction of Budweiser Royale, a super-premium beer unveiled at a high-profile launch in Lagos.

    The event, attended by royal dignitaries, government officials, industry stakeholders, trade partners, celebrities and media professionals, showcased the company’s latest flagship product crafted for consumers who value refinement, bold flavour and premium experiences.

    IB Plc reaffirmed its commitment to responsible drinking, noting that all marketing for Budweiser Royale targets adults, aged 18 and above.

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    Brewed with top-quality ingredients and leveraging Budweiser’sm renowned techniques, it said Budweiser Royale offers a smooth yet full-bodied profile with six per cent Alcohol by Volume.

    According to the company spokesman, the variant delivers a rich and confident taste tailored to evolving consumer preferences in Nigeria’s fast-growing beer market.

    Managing Director, Carlos Coutiño, described Budweiser Royale as a product born from continuous innovation and a deep understanding of consumer expectations.

    He said: “Budweiser Royale reflects our goal to keep pushing boundaries of what a premium beer can offer

    “People want depth, flavour and a product that matches their lifestyle. Budweiser Royale brings these elements together in a full-bodied beer with refined smoothness.”

    The event featured an immersive showcase noting the craftsmanship behind the beer — from its flavour notes to its sleek, intentional design.

    The organisers said the spectacle underscored why the variant is positioned to redefine Nigeria’s premium beer landscape.

    Marketing Director Bamise Oyegbami emphasised the beer’s balance of strength and drinkability.

    “Consumers in Nigeria know quality when they see it. Budweiser Royale meets that standard with ease. Its 6% ABV gives it strength, while the smooth finish makes it enjoyable,” he said.

    Marketing Manager Olajumoke Okikiolu explained that the brand’s “All Rise” campaign is crafted to inspire confidence and celebrate personal achievement.

    She said the messaging draws from modern Nigerian stories of ambition and self-belief.

    “Our message is simple: All Rise. It is an invitation to step up, celebrate achievement and carry yourself with confidence,” Okikiolu noted, adding that Budweiser Royale was designed to reflect the aspirations of Nigerians who aim higher and expect more from the brands they choose.

  • 476 young business leaders receive training

    476 young business leaders receive training

    International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), part of AB InBev, world’s largest brewer and producer of Trophy Lager, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, Budweiser, among others, has announced the Kick-start 2025 Awards Ceremony after its Bootcamp training.

    This year’s programme marks a decade of the company nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of business leaders.

    With the theme: “Sustain. Scale. Succeed – Building the Future of Nigerian Entrepreneurs,” the event will mark culmination of this year’s Kick-start journey, which has seen 476 shortlisted applicants participate in an intensive online training facilitated by Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), covering courses as Customer Service, Marketing Management, Selling Skills, Financial Management, Leadership Essentials, Operations Management, and Business Planning.

    The programme ensured inclusivity by accommodating People with Disabilities (PWDs) among participants, underscoring Kick-start’s commitment to equal opportunity and inclusive innovation.

    From this pool, 124 most promising entrepreneurs advanced to the hybrid Bootcamp training, which featured in-person and virtual sessions in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Rivers and Anambra.

    The immersive training further deepened participants’ expertise in business model innovation, financial management, digital marketing, sustainability practices, and pitch preparation. The Bootcamp culminated in the PitchFest, where participants presented business ideas to judges; an inspiring showcase of creativity and enterprise that sets the stage for the finale at the Kick-start 2025 Awards Ceremony.

    The awards recognises the outstanding entrepreneurs; emerging innovators and enterprise builders from the PitchFest, granting them funding to launch or scale their ventures.

    Adding to the significance of this milestone edition, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will deliver the keynote address at the awards ceremony. A renowned advocate for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development, his presence underscores the ongoing national focus on nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

    Reflecting on the journey, Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, expressed confidence in the power of entrepreneurship to redefine Nigeria’s economic story.

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    “The Kickstart journey continues to demonstrate that our youths are the catalysts of inclusive growth. The 10th anniversary Awards Ceremony is not just a celebration of winners; it’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the spirit of Nigerian enterprise. Through Kickstart, we are investing in the future; a future where young people sustain their dreams, scale their impact, and ultimately succeed.”

    Similarly, Dr. Peter Bamkole, chairman of the Advisory Board of International Breweries Foundation, described this year’s theme as a summation of the programme’s legacy and its forward-looking vision.

    “For 10 years, Kickstart has proven that when we sustain a vision, scale opportunities, and empower entrepreneurs to succeed, we build more than businesses; we build the future of our nation. The energy and creativity displayed at this year’s Bootcamp reaffirmed our belief that Nigeria’s economic transformation lies in the hands of its young entrepreneurs who are willing to innovate and lead responsibly.”

    Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director at International Breweries Plc, Temitope Oguntokun, highlighted the programme’s unique model that provided long-term support beyond grants.

    “What truly distinguishes Kickstart is its holistic approach. We don’t just train or fund entrepreneurs; we walk with them on their journey. Through the Kickstart appointed mentors and Alumni Network, beneficiaries continue to access mentorship, business development resources, and peer learning opportunities. This end-to-end ecosystem ensures that our entrepreneurs don’t just survive, they sustain, scale, and succeed.”

  • ‘Why plastic cleanup, sustainablity education is essential’

    ‘Why plastic cleanup, sustainablity education is essential’

    International Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of global giant AB InBev, has shown its resolve to  plastic cleanup and sustainability education

    Under Africa Sustainability Week, an AB InBev initiative promoting environmental consciousness, the company has mobilised staff, volunteers, and local partners in Abuja, Lagos, and others, for riverbank cleanups and public sensitisation focused on plastic pollution. Speaking on the initiative, Carlos Coutino, managing director, noted the company’s  commitment to sustainability.

    “Sustainability is not just a corporate goal, it is a way of life for us at IBPlc.  We are proud to take action—from restoring land and cleaning rivers to promoting circularity in packaging. We believe in leaving the environment better than we met it,” said Coutino. Coutino noted that over 95 per cent of the company’s product portfolio is sold in returnable glass bottles—a key pillar in its circular economy strategy.

    The brewer reported recovering over 200,000 kilogrammes of post-consumer PET and flexible plastic waste from the environment in 2024, in partnership with Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA). 

    The initiative supports environmental stewardship and compliance with Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

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    Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs & Regulatory director, said: “Our responsibility to the environment extends beyond compliance—it’s about leadership and lasting impact. By 2025, we aim for 100 per cent of our packaging to be returnable or made predominantly from recycled materials.”

    In Lagos, it held public waste-sorting demonstrations and plastic recycling talks to raise awareness on our impact on environmental health.

    The cleanup received praise from stakeholders. In Rivers State, Sir Alwell Chinedum Okereuku, permanent secretary of Ministry of Environment, lauded the initiative.

    “International Breweries’s consistent efforts to tackle plastic pollution have not gone unnoticed. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to protecting our environment,” he said.

    FBRA’s Executive Director, Agharese Onaghise, echoed similar sentiments, noting the importance of manufacturer participation in community-based recovery programs.

    “Our collaboration with International Breweries demonstrates a strong commitment to beating plastic pollution. By establishing collection hubs in communities like Osogbo, Mararaba, and Nasarawa, we’re ensuring plastic waste is rerouted into productive recycling chains,” Onaghise said.

    Beyond environmental actions, the company’s Kickstart youth entrepreneurship programme has also supported recycling-focused startups, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and a circular economy.

  • International Breweries thumbs-up distribution partners

    International Breweries PLC, member of AB InBev,  has hosted its distribution partners across the country to a gala night at the Lagos  Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

    . The distributors were commended for their excellent performances in the recent financial year, winning delectable prizes.

    It was also an opportunity for the company’s distributors, trade partners and other key stakeholders within the distribution value chain to exchange ideas, as well as deepen business relationships.

    In her remarks, International Breweries Managing Director Mrs. Annabelle Degroot was full of praise for the company’s distributors. “We want to spend this evening celebrating and thanking our special partners in our business, our distributors. The successes we recorded in 2018 would not have been possible without your hard work and commitment,” she said.

    She urged them not to relent in their work, adding that as a very ambitious organisation keen on meeting the needs of consumers across the country, neither the International Breweries PLC organisation nor its trade and distribution partners would rest on their oars. “We are looking forward to a 2019 that will be even more impactful than 2018,” she added.

    She assured the distribution partners that in the best traditions of ABInBev, International Breweries PLC would continue to engage them closely and render support to their businesses, reminding them about the company’s commitment to its communities and sustainability in general.

    Speaking on the role and the relationship that exists between the company and its valued distributors, National Sales Director, Godwin Oche, said the distributor-partners play a very critical role in the supply chain and was appreciative of the synergy that exists between the company and its distributors.

    He added that overseeing the movements of products from factories to the points of sale and managing all attendant risks, the distributors have been able to bring real value to consumers which have helped to enhance the reach and ensure year-round availability of the leading product brands across the country.

    Speaking further, Mrs. Degroot assured the distribution partners that in the best traditions of ABInBev, International Breweries would continue to engage them closely and render support to their businesses.

     

     

  • Trophy ends promo

    Trophy Lager, a beer brand and one of the national treasures from the stable of International Breweries Plc, a part of the AB InBev family, has concluded its national consumer promo, tagged Honourable Millionaires promo. The promo was designed to celebrate Trophy Lager’s forty years of facilitating goodwill and celebration.

    The 10-week promotion, which produced 40 millionaires, commenced on October 1 and lasted till December 20, 2018, with millions of naira worth of prizes awarded to consumers during the course of the ‘Honourable Millionaires promo.  Consumers also won other consolation prizes like instant airtime, cash prizes, free drinks and other items.

    Speaking on the promo, the Marketing Manager, International Breweries Plc, Mrs. Tolu Adedeji, said, “The Honourable Millionaires promo was all about providing a memorable experience for our esteemed and loyal fans and also reinforcing the brand’s values of honour, integrity and quality service. We are happy that through this promo we have been able to bring people together for a better world and it afforded us the opportunity to celebrate and reward our highly esteemed honourable men and women, who have stood with the Trophy brand for 40 years, for their support and loyalty, in a unique and fun way.”

    Many cash winners had their prizes presented to them in Trophy-organised musical fiestas in various cities across the south-west by the brand representatives in the presence of various audiences, as the brand showcased the transparency of the process.

    One of the winners, a medical doctor, Mrs. Ugonna Onyenekwu, said her reward was a surprise, adding, “I feel very good. This was unexpected. It’s like a free gift from nowhere.” Another winner, a 25-year old Ogundairo Olakunle, said he was happy going home with kitchen appliances. The university undergraduate said he would continue to be loyal to Trophy with the hope of winning bigger prizes in the future.

    Remarkably, Trophy Lager popularly referred to as the pride of the south-west and widely accepted as the Honourable beer that’s deeply rooted in the region’s socio-cultural values, and loved by consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality, has remained a market leader in its category.

  • IB Plc inaugurates CSI projects 

    International Breweries Plc, IB Plc, a member of the world’s largest brewer, ABInBev, has inaugurated a number of beneficial projects under its corporate social investment initiatives, across several communities in Osun, Ogun and Oyo states. These projects, which were completed in the last quarter of 2018, were recently handed over to the communities, amid fanfare. The projects are part of the company’s strategic policy of impacting the communities where it operates, especially in the areas where basic amenities are either lacking or inadequate. The projects include solar-powered boreholes, an adequately equipped primary healthcare centre and a sanitary facility.

    A newly renovated primary health centre was donated to Esa-Odo community in Osun State along with critical equipment including weighing scales wheelchairs, mattresses, a generator, among other hospital equipment, to facilitate the efficient running of the facility. Ilase-Ijesha community in Ilesha Osun State; Obafemi-Owode and Orile-Imo Logbara communities in Sagamu, Ogun State; and Christian Mission School for the Deaf in Onireke, Ibadan, Oyo State, each received a solar-powered borehole. Omi-Asoro Elementary Primary School, also in Osun State, received a newly built sanitary facility.

    Speaking on behalf of International Breweries, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Otunba Michael Daramola, said the aim of the donations is to positively impact communities and improve their overall wellbeing “We are here to hand over completed projects as promised. At International Breweries, we strive to impact every community where we operate and make it better than we met it. As a result, our projects are designed to be beneficial to the whole community and this is the essence of our give-back policy as encapsulated in our CleanerWorld and BetterWorld programmes, comprising water, health, culture and economic empowerment.

    “We are glad we are able to play our own little role as a business, and hope it will make a difference in the lives of the people, especially women, children and the vulnerable in the society,” Otunba added.

    In their remarks, the royal fathers present commended IBPlc for providing the facilities and always responding positively whenever it was called upon by the people. They urged the organisation not to relent in supporting the efforts of the government in providing basic amenities for those at the grassroots and promised to continue to maintain peaceful and cordial relationships with the organisation.

    Speaking on behalf of Obokun East Local Community Development Area, Osun State, the chairman, Omole Ishola, said: “It has always been the government’s plan to equip every health centre and hospital, as well as provide drugs for patients in the state but the plan has always been hampered by lack of funds. The intervention of International Breweries, especially as it caters for pregnant women, is a welcome development. We are indeed grateful.”

    At the Obafemi Owode Primary Health Centre, the Director of Investment, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Mr. Adedayo Somoye, said  what International Breweries had done for the community was very commendable, noting that the company has operated in Ogun State for less than a year. “I enjoin the community to protect this project for the good of everyone. We should also allow International Breweries to grow and make profit before they are bombarded with requests,” Somoye continued. He encouraged a cordial relationship between the community and the brewer.

  • INTBREW Appoints Scott Murray as Non-Executive Director

    The Board of International Breweries Plc has appointed Mr. Andrew Scott Murray as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

    Murray; has been the Vice-President, Finance for ABInBev Africa, leading the finance function across the AB Inbev Africa operations, with his base in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    He was the Global Director AB Inbev M&A based in New York with exceptional track record of handling transactions and corporate disposals of different description and magnitude.

    He was also part of the ABInbev’s focused group on Budgeting and Business Performance Optimization.

    Prior to joining ABInBev in 2013, Andrew worked at Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm for approximately 7 years. He holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Williams College and an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University).

    “The Board is pleased to have Mr. Murray’s experience come to bear on the company”, said Muyiwa Ayojimi, company secretary and General Counsel, IB Plc.

  • Buhari to inaugurate $250 million brewery in Ogun

    President Muhammadu Buhari is set to inaugurate $ 250 million dollars new brewery, International Breweries PLC (IB Plc), sited at Flowergate Industrial Scheme, Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, Ogun State.

    IB Plc which is part of the AB InBev group, the world’s largest brewer has Trophy, Hero, Betamalt, Grandmalt, Castle lite and Eagle lager as its products line. It also recently launched a global brand, Budweiser.

    The plant is the company’s fourth brewery in Nigeria, after those in Ilesa, Onitsha, and Port-Harcourt, demonstrating the country’s capacity to attract foreign direct investment to drive socio-economic growth and development.

    The Plant Manager, Mr. Tony Agah, who made this known to reporters at the at brewer’s state – of – the – art facility on Monday, said it will be the Company’s largest plant within the group in Africa, outside of South Africa.

    Agah added that it will also significantly engenders multiplier impact on the value chain within Ogun State, its environs as well as provides direct and indirect employment.

    According to him, other dignitaries expected to join President Buhari to perform the commissioning of the facility on August 28, include Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Minster for Budget and Planning, Mr. Udo Udoma, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyeama, the global Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev, Mr. Carlos Britowill.

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    Also, the Company’s Managing Director, Annabelle Degroot, described the plant as a major step towards the company’s strategic goal of producing high-quality drinks locally.

    Degroot said “International Breweries Plc is a brand that places a premium on quality.”

    Degroot assured that Nigerians will be treated to the best traditions in brewing, with outstanding recipes, superior ingredients, innovation and world-class techniques and provide a great opportunity to engage qualified locals.

    “One of the objectives of the company is to create job opportunities for the people of Ogun state as well as Nigerians in general.

    “The plant will also be instrumental in empowering farmers as most of the raw materials required will be sourced locally. This will, in turn, contribute to the economic development of the country,” she said.

    On his part, Otunba Michael Daramola, the Corporate Affairs Director said that establishment of the plant in Nigeria is in further recognition of the corollary between having prestigious brands and a befitting world-class setting.

  • Hero Lager Beer wears new cork

    Hero, a premium lager on the stable of International Breweries Plc, now has a new crown cork -a red cork and the title of “Mmanya ejiri mara Igbo” (a symbol of inspiration)

    The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, represented by Okey Ononye, Onowu Iyase of Onitsha, gave his blessing to start the Red Cap ceremony in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    This was amid applause and excitement by hundreds of Nigerians who thronged the venue of the event, the King’s Courtyard, Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha.

    The red cap ideology is of high importance to the Southeastern people as it represents the peak of achievement, societal status and recognition for any individual or brand.

    Launched into the market in August 2012 without much fanfare, Hero lager beer warmed its way into the hearts of consumers in the Southeast region and became a symbol of inspiration.

    The success of the brand draws from its strategic cultural resonance with the people and has catapulted Hero Lager from zero to a market leader in the region. Furthermore, consumers have christened Hero, ‘Oh Mpa’, in reverence and as a mark of respect (Mpa means father in Igbo language).

    Speaking when he received the International Breweries Plc team in his palace, Igwe Achebe commended the management of the company for the honour of commemorating the milestone in Onitsha, the commercial nerve-centre of Anambra State and home to one of its plants.

    The event, he said, speaks to the fact that International Breweries values the community wherein it operates, adding that since the inception of the brewery in Onitsha, the comapny has not only created jobs for the people, but also supported activities in the area.

    “I must commend the company’s efforts. This is surely worthy of emulation. Today, as we knight Hero lager beer and award it the title of “Mmanya ejiri mara Igbo” (a symbol of inspiration), our prayer is that the brand continues to do well,” he said.

    Igwe Achebe added that Hero lager beer is a premium brew crafted by the people and for the people, a beer that is a rallying point to all Igbo men and others who need that new strong center of hope and strength to accomplish great things. Hero is also the first beer brand to be awarded a symbolic title in Nigeria.

    International Breweries Marketing Director, Arne Rust, said: “Through this ceremony, we hope to inspire consumers to be heroes every day and in every way. We have great plans for our consumers in Nigeria, part of which includes strategically launching several beer brands to suit specific geography and cultures.

    “Hero is a well-established brand in the eastern part of the country. International Breweries Plc genuinely cares for the culture and tradition of the people, and we will consistently seek ways to showcase our culture and positively impact the society,” he said.

    Hero Lager Marketing Manager Obumneke Okoli, said: “We want to use this opportunity to show our appreciation to our eastern brothers who have received the Hero lager beer as one of their own.

    “Since we introduced this beer to the Nigerian market, it has clearly found its way into the taste buds of beer drinkers first in South East Nigeria and beyond. The people are happy, excited with a burning flare in them all because of this beer. For this, we say thank you.”

    The red capping of Hero will run as an integrated marketing campaign during which people and Nigerian men would be rewarded in recognition of their efforts and mission to “Go! Be the Hero.”

    As sponsors of World Cup 2018, Hero will bid the Eagles farewell  with the unveiling of the world’s biggest football message written with people-”Eagles Be Fearless, Go Be The Hero.”