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Tag: Nigerian Breweries Plc

  • NB champions sustainability in forest reserve

    NB champions sustainability in forest reserve

    Nigerian Breweries Plc., the foremost brewing company in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Forestry, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and local community stakeholders, has taken significant steps toward reforestation and sustainability in the Olokemeji Forest Reserve.

     The initiative contributes to Nigerian Breweries’ ambition to replenish watersheds in priority water-stressed areas by enhancing water retention in the local ecosystem restoring biodiversity and protecting native tree species.

     In addition, the project provides alternative economic opportunities for local communities while also contributing to carbon sequestration, strengthening climate resilience and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

     The project, which began in March 2021 and is now well underway, has already resulted in the restoration of 292 hectares of land, with 283,904 trees planted across more than 70 indigenous species, including the African Breadfruit (Ukwa) and Araba.

     The native species were carefully selected to ensure long-term ecological balance rather than relying on exotic commercial trees that fail to support the local ecosystem.

     Speaking at the project site, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, emphasized the importance of sustained engagement in preserving the reserve.

     “While logging licenses exist, due diligence must be ensured to protect conservation efforts. Nigerian Breweries is committed to working with government authorities to create a sustainable balance between economic activity and environmental preservation,” Morgan said.

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     In addition to tree planting, she stated that the initiative places a strong emphasis on community empowerment as over 100 community members have been trained in sustainable farming, beekeeping, and conservation techniques, thereby helping to reduce dependence on deforestation-driven economic activities.

     “More than 50 families have benefited from the beekeeping programme alone, creating alternative income sources and promoting environmental stewardship”, she added. She stated further that the project has focused on introducing indigenous trees that support biodiversity.

     According to her, unlike fast-growing exotic species like Teak and Gmelina, which are often used in reforestation efforts, Nigerian Breweries is planting species that provide multiple benefits, including edible fruits, medicinal properties, and stronger climate resilience.

     “The next phase of the project will focus on expanding reforestation to cover the full 618 hectares, with a continued focus on community engagement and local sustainability efforts, [OO1] as well as securing further public-private partnerships to reinforce long-term sustainability,” she added.

     A beneficiary of the project who is identified as Taiwo, a former casual worker who is now a regular worker on the project stated that through Nigerian Breweries’ support, he has been able to train himself through school.

     Taiwo who now studies Forestry at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State (FUNAAB) stated that his journey highlights how the initiative has helped to transform lives. The Olokemeji Forest Restoration Project represents a landmark commitment to environmental sustainability, demonstrating that corporate responsibility, local engagement, and conservation-focused policies can drive real change.

    As the initiative progresses, Nigerian Breweries invites further collaboration from stakeholders who share the vision of preserving Nigeria’s forests for future generations.

     # About Nigerian Breweries PLC: A member of the HEINEKEN Group, Nigerian Breweries Plc is Nigeria’s pioneer and largest brewing company. Incorporated in 1946 as “Nigerian Brewery Limited,” the company made history in June 1949 when the first bottle of STAR lager beer rolled out of its Lagos brewery bottling line.

    Today, it has a rich portfolio of 19 high-quality brands (Heineken, Desperados, Maltina, Life, Amstel Malta, Gulder, Fayrouz, and Legend) produced from seven operational breweries distributed nationwide. Nigerian Breweries Plc is also the recipient of several awards and recognition in other areas of its operations, including product quality, marketing excellence, productivity and innovation, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.

  • NB records 75% revenue growth in Q3 2024

    NB records 75% revenue growth in Q3 2024

    Nigerian Breweries Plc has reported a 75 per cent growth in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, ended September 30.

    The company generated N703 billion in revenue, compared to N402 billion recorded during the same period in 2023.

    The unaudited reports, released to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) yesterday, were accompanied by remarks from the Managing Director, Hans Essaadi, who highlighted that the company’s strong performance was fueled by strategic pricing, innovation, and market recovery. The company’s gross profit rose by 36 per cent, reaching N207 billion in Q3 2024, up from N152 billion in the previous year.

    Essaadi explained that the gross profit growth was tempered by a significant rise in the cost of goods sold, which surged by 99 per cent, largely due to currency devaluation and escalating input costs. Cost of sales, he said, increased from N249 billion in 2023 to N495 billion in 2024.

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    “In addition, marketing, distribution, and administrative expenses saw a 45 per cent jump, moving from N127 billion in Q3 2023 to N184 billion in 2024,” he said.

    Essaadi also indicated that foreign exchange losses, stemming from the devaluation of the naira, and rising borrowing costs, impacted the company’s overall financial performance.

    According to him, despite the continued tough operating environment, the firm managed to deliver solid results. “The business grew by 75 percent in revenue, benefitting from our pricing strategy, innovative products, and market recovery,” he said.

    He acknowledged that the company’s net loss was exacerbated by foreign exchange losses and higher interest rates but expressed confidence that funds raised through a recent rights issue would strengthen the balance sheet and reduce foreign exchange exposure.

    The company’s Secretary and Legal Director, Uaboi Agbebaku, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the nation, underscoring its focus on people development, strategic innovation, and operational efficiency.  “The company remained optimistic about delivering long-term value to its shareholders despite the current economic challenges,” Agbebaku added.

  • Nigerian Breweries Plc, ITF toempower 1,000 youths, women

    Nigerian Breweries Plc, ITF toempower 1,000 youths, women

    Nigerian Breweries Plc-Nigeria’s foremost brewing company has partnered with the Industrial Trust Fund (ITF) to empower 1000 youths and women across the country on skills development in line with its commitment to socio-economic development across communities in Nigeria.

    The beneficiaries of the empowerment, drawn from 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory, were trained in a wide range of skill areas, including solar panel installations, tailoring, leather works, hairdressing, phone repair, cap and wig making, and electrical installation.

    Delivering his goodwill message at the graduation ceremony held in Lagos, recently, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi, stated that the initiative has not only trained individuals but laid a solid foundation for a more skilled and competitive workforce.

    Congratulating the participants for completing the training, Essaadi encouraged them to continue to seek knowledge and embrace new challenges, noting that the skills and equipment acquired are not just tools for today but assets for a lifetime.

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    In his remarks, the Director General Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun, noted that the partnership between the agency and Nigerian Breweries Plc in the training of the youth and women in selected areas of skills is one of the numerous efforts ITF in supporting the growth and development of skills training for impactful skills intervention in various sectors of the economy.

    Ogun stated that the programme signposts the agency’s readiness to continually explore partnership opportunities with organisations as it strives to support the implementation of policies and programmes of the federal government.

    He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the skills acquired and the start-up packs given to them for self-sufficiency and wealth creation for national development.

  • NB unveils 2019 Maltina teacher of the year

    Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, Nigerian Breweries Plc, has announced the opening of entries for the 2019 Maltina Teacher of the Year. 2019 edition is the fifth edition of the programme.

    Speaking at the flag off ceremony held in Lagos recently, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mrs. Sade Morgan disclosed that the Maltina Teacher of the Year is one of the initiatives through which the company contributes to the development of education in Nigeria in line with its corporate philosophy of ‘Winning with Nigeria.’

    Morgan explained that Maltina Teacher of the Year is an offshoot of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust fund, which was established by Nigerian Breweries in 1994 to facilitate its active contribution to the development of the education sector in Nigeria, is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.4.

    She noted that the 2019 edition of the initiative is symbolic as it is not only the fifth edition, but also because the company has added a new twist to the project with the introduction of the consumer engagement online contest tagged ‘That one teacher.’

    “Maltina Teacher of the Year is one initiative that is very close to the hearts of our vibrant and dynamic management team who are passionate about education. Through this initiative we have been able to rewrite history by changing the age long narrative that the reward of teachers is in heaven by ensuring that they receive deserved recognition while still in active service,” she said.

    She also stated that entries for the 2019 Maltina Teacher of the Year opens on Friday, May 16, 2019 and closes on July 12, 2019. According to her, interested teachers are advised to download application forms from the Maltina website – www.maltina-nigeria.com or pick up a form at their States Ministry of Education, Nigerian Union of Teachers office nationwide.

    Announcing the prizes for the 2019 Maltina Teacher of the Year, Morgan disclosed that the winner will receive a total cash prize of N6.5 million and a capacity training abroad while a block of classrooms will be built at the school where he or she teaches. She added that the first runner-up and the second runner-up for the competition will get a cash prize of N1m and N750, 000 cash prize respectively while state champion, will receive a cash reward of N500, 000 each.

    Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director, Basic & Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Lami Amodu disclosed that the Federal Government acknowledges the role of NB in celebrating the impact and contributions of teachers through this initiative.

    On his part, the Secretary General, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Dr. Mike Ene commended NB for bringing teachers all across the country to limelight, pledging the support of the union and charged teachers nationwide to participate and ensure they enter for this commendable initiative.

    In his remarks, the President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Principal Anselm Izuagie expressed appreciation to the management of Nigerian Breweries Plc for creating a platform that not only celebrates teachers but also provides reward for their efforts.

  • Nigerian Breweries committed to consumers, shareholders

    Nigerian Breweries Plc has reassured consumers of its commitment to stay consumer focused even as it acknowledges the challenging business environment and further anticipation of increase in excise duty on alcoholic beverages.

    Addressing a media conference in Lagos, the leading alcoholic brewery also disclosed that it has achieved 57 per cent of its 60 per cent 2020 target for local sourcing of raw materials for production.

    During the pre-AGM media briefing recently, the Managing Director Jordi Borrut Bel said that despite the difficult business environment which is prevalent in most countries that the company will still take cognizance of the financial condition of Nigerian consumers before taking any decision on pricing.

    Speaking on the increase in excise duty in alcoholic beverage last year, he said, “The federal government plans another wave of excise duty increase on beer. This is expected to come into effect in the middle of the year. The effect of the increase would be a rise in the rate from N30 per litre introduced last year to N35 per liter.”

    What this means to NB noted Jordi Bel is, “It would mean an increased excise duty cost of about 67 per cent over a 12 month period that is from N21 per liter in the first half of 2018 to N35 per liter in the second half of 2019.”

    However, he said that in view of the pressure on consumer purchasing power that it would be difficult to pass on the increased cost arising from the duty increase to consumers. “We shall not just increase the prices of our products because of the increase in excise duty. We shall look at many things before taking any decision on pricing. Many things must be taken into consideration. NB is confident of a positive financial year despite the challenging operating environment for manufacturing in the country.”

    Indeed, the brewing firm observed that the operating environment in the first quarter (Q1) 2019, remained challenging and similar to 2018, but expressed confidence in its clear strategy to deliver good return on investment for all its stakeholders.

    The brewer in 2018 incurred N25.8 billion as excise duty expenses, for which the Managing Director, said company results for the year were adversely impacted by the increase excise duty rates. This is in addition to a challenging environment and the double digit inflation rate, which he said is penalizing the business community.

    Borrut Bel however said the Nigerian economy presents challenges and opportunities, while also restating the company’s commitment to winning with Nigeria. “We want to win with the Nigerian societies and communities because we believe in Africa’s biggest market with a young and dynamic population showing promising indicators for growth. We also believe that the country’s demographics will play a huge role in the future,” he said.

    He said going forward, the company would priorities developmental efforts through its three pillars of growth. “These include expanding leadership in premium brands, build scale in mainstream to drive malt growth by leveraging on innovation and improving end to end productivity,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, said the company has achieved 57 per cent of its 60 per cent 2020 target for local sourcing of raw material for production. She added that plans are underway to take its current 57 per cent local sourcing of its raw materials to 60 per cent, saying the company would be working with Nigerian farmers to achieve the feat.

    Morgan also restated the company’s commitment to enhance renewable energy, saying that NB in 2018 commenced the reuse of biogas generated from its effluent treatment plants for thermal heat generation in its boilers. She said the company has also impacted over 20,000 people since the inception of its advocating responsible consumption campaign

    Echoing similar sentiments, the Marketing Director, Emmanuel Oriakhi, on his part assured that Nigeria Breweries would continue to produce top quality brands to meet the ever changing needs of the Nigerian consumer, stressing that with the help of its robust portfolio, it would ensure consumers get value for their hard earned money. “The quality of our brands cannot be questioned anywhere in the world and we are here for the long haul and we will continue to introduce innovative and quality products for the Nigerian markets,” he said.

    On the company’s turnover for last year, Mr Jordi Borrut Bel, disclosed that, the company recorded a turnover of N324 billion compared to N345 billion in 2017.

    He said that operating profits declined from N57 billion to N37 billion, due to higher Excise Duties and other operating costs.

  • Nigerian Breweries to pay N19.4b net profit to shareholders

    The board of directors of Nigerian Breweries Plc has recommended payment of the entire net profit of N19.4 billion recorded in 2018 as cash dividend to shareholders for the business year, despite the decline in the company’s performance.

    Shareholders will receive final dividend of N14.6 billion in addition to N4.8 billion earlier paid by the company. A breakdown showed that shareholders will receive final dividend per share of N1.83 in addition to interim dividend of 60 kobo, bringing total dividend per share for the year to N2.43.

    The dividend payout for the 2018 business year represented 41.2 per cent decline on the payout for 2017, reflecting the decline in the performance of the company. Nigerian Breweries had paid out its entire net earnings of N33.01 billion as cash dividend in 2017, representing dividend per share of N4.13.

    Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Nigerian Breweries for the year ended December 31, 2018 showed that turnover dropped by 5.8 per cent from N344.53 billion in 2017 to N324.339 billion in 2018. Operating profit declined by 35.3 per cent from N57.13 billion to N36.96 billion. Profit before tax also dropped from N46.57 billion to N29.36 billion.

    After taxes, net profit declined by 41.2 per cent from N33.01 billion to N19.4 billion. Earnings per share consequently dropped from N4.13 to N2.43 while net asset per share slipped by 6.8 per cent from N22.37 in 2017 to N20.84 in 2018.

    Company Secretary and Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uaboi Agbebaku, said the 2018 performance was adversely affected by the increased excise duty rates that came into effect during the year as well as other challenges in the operating environment.

    Nigerian Breweries had explained that its decision to pay out its entire net profit after tax as cash dividend to shareholders demonstrated its strong performance and confidence over its operations.

     

  • STOUT BRAND SAYS FELA IS ‘THE LEGEND WE REMEMBER’

    For 21 years, the world has tried in different ways to celebrate the legacy of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    The annual celebration of the music icon and political activist called Felabration provides the opportunity for fans to review what he stood for, and how valid and relevant is ideologies have remained to the socio political life of the society.

    As Felabration continues to bring to the fore, and teach people what the man stood for, by ensuring that we continue to fight the kind of battles he fought in largely better ways,

    To underscore this feat, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through one of its brands, Legend Extra Stout have identified with the legendary personae of Fela, and has joined sponsors of the iconic event, believing that by all ramifications, Felabration has become the most widely accepted of these platforms for celebrating all the great things that Fela stood for in the music industry.

    “The music fiesta brings back memories of a man with folded fists in the air, in bare torso, a partly painted face and signature tight trousers. Characteristic of the man, Fela, he greets a cheering crowd eager to hear him sing and have his queens move their energetic melanin bodies to the sound of his band. The crowd continues to cheer as he sings, and swings his body to different sides while stamping his left foot in rhythmic fashion, but those who know these stuff of Legends know that in those lyrics are clear messages for the people who need to hear them; “the brevity of a man willing to tell his story in its truest form and have fun while at it – that’s the man Fela was; that’s the Legend we remember,” say the brand promoters.

    Felabration was initiated by Yeni Kuti, Fela’s first child, in 1998, a year after his death, to get the world closer to the Fela spirit. This annual music festival runs for a week with different events from the concert to the dance and symposium. As the years go by, the festival features a different theme and continues to grow with more licenses signed across the world by fans of Afrobeats and those who truly believe in who and what Fela was.

    In the week of Fela’s birthday, which is when the festival is usually held, people will gather under the theme “Overtaking, Overtake”, a line coined from the 1990 hit ODOO – Overtake Don Overtake Overtake.

    This year, Legend Extra Stout brings excitement to the New Afrika Shrine and every other location in Lagos where people will gather not only to celebrate another edition of Felabration but Fela’s 80th birthday. For Legend, this is more than just an event sponsorship but an expression of the brand’s DNA and core values, which they say include, Authenticity, Courage and Freedom.

    Felabration provides the perfect opportunity for the brand to connect with young vibrant Nigerians who believe and have the courage to express their real selves.

    From October 15th until the 21st, fans will have the privilege to enjoy the rich taste of Legend Extra Stout as they celebrate Afrobeat and reminisce the stories Fela told in his days and how they are still relevant in today’s world.

    Over the years, Legend Extra Stout has brought fanfare to music lovers with previous editions of Felabration and the Real Deal Experience. Fun seekers coming to celebrate the Afrobeat king can do so in a relaxed environment where they can feel the richness of the Nigerian music and the amazing taste that Legend Extra Stout brings. Fela is a legend and will always be celebrated as one.

    Fans are expected in Lagos from around the world to honour the marks Fela made in the world music scene, as well as the inspiration he has given to younger talents coming out from Africa. In July, French President, Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the Shrine to honour Fela, and there will be no surprise if he and other prominent persons like him join in the October celebrations, which will feature a symposium, debates, art exhibition, dance competition and a music concert.

    Some of the acts who have performed at the music concert include Femi Kuti, Asa, King Sunny Ade, 2Baba Lucky Dube, Nneka, Awilo Longomba, Lagbaja, Wizkid, Burna Boy and many more. A lot of fans will be looking out for moments like Wizkid’s electric performance with Femi Kuti in 2017.

  • Corporate affairs adviser appointed goodwill ambassador

    The Corporate Affairs Adviser of the Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB), Kufre Ekanem, is the Goodwill Ambassador of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Akure. Also appointed along with him is Human Resource icon Abiola Popoola.

    The conferment and plaque presentation were held in Akure as part of the activities of the institution’s first ever Distinguished Lecture, which was delivered by Ekanem.

    The distinguished lecture, organised by the International Strategy Office of the university, was themed “Global perspectives on collaborations and partnerships between universities and industry.”

    A statement made available to The Nation said Ekanem, a marketing and public relations practitioner, was also the Chairman of Rosemary’s Group of Companies. According to the statement, he sits on the advisory boards of several Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  in the country.

    He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), a senior member of the International PR Association, and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He is also a corporate culture advocate who was voted the best image maker in the private sector for 2017.

    Popoola, who was the Chairman of the First Distinguished Lecture, is a seasoned professional coach, Managing Partner of Context Consult and Chairman of Net Construct. He has had far-reaching experience in organisational development and change management, working locally and globally.

  • Star Larger starts consumer promo

    Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Star Lager Beer, has announced the launch of the Star Lager Millionaires Promo, a national consumer exercise designed to reward football fans and lovers of Nigeria’s premium beer brand. The mega promo, expected to be the company’s biggest ever, is billed to give out over N400 million naira in cash between June 15 and August 15, 2018.

    Speaking on the Millionaires Promo, which is part of Star Lager’s ‘Nigeria United We Shine’ campaign which commenced a few weeks ago, Portfolio Manager National Premium, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Olayinka Bakare, declared:

    “Since 1949 when the first Star bottle was produced, the brand has always been about celebrating the unity of Nigeria, rewarding and enabling the passion of Nigerians, and supporting the team we love no matter what. It is because of this common desire for success and love for the country that we have launched the Star Lager Millionaires Promo across the entire country.”

    Thousands of consumers from across the country are expected to win instant airtime, plus whooping cash prizes of N1 million, N2 million, N5 million and the mega dream cash of N10 million naira. These are in addition to millions of free drinks and other items up for grabs.

    The announcement of Star’s Millionaires Promo also comes on the heels of its launch of special edition bottles, which were released in honour of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles. The promo winners are expected to look under the crown corks and see a winning code that is redeemed via a USSD code of *566*20# which can be dialed on any network from all mobile phones.

    Since its partnership with the Nigerian Football Federation was unveiled earlier in the year, Star Lager, the official beer of the Super Eagles, has been engaging fans in a number of activations and events, including the Star Fan Parks known for fusing music, party and live viewing experience that were held in multiple cities during the team’s preparations.

    Also, the recently opened Super Eagles Dome in Lagos has been hosting fans to memorable nights of football, music and fun with special appearances and analysis by Super Eagles legends, and performances from top entertainers such as Ice Prince, MI, Small Doctor, DJ Neptune, DJ Big N and many others.

  • NB unveils Phyno as brand ambassador

    Nigerian Breweries Plc. (NB Plc.), a Heineken company and Nigeria’s largest brewer, has announced the signing of award-winning Nigerian rapper and entertainer, Phyno, as the new brand ambassador for the leading South-east premium beer brand, Life Continental Lager Beer.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Marketing Director of NB Plc., Mr Maria Franco Maggi, said: “Working with a great act like Flavour and this new collaboration with Phyno – one of Nigeria’s most successful artistes and a proud son of the Igbo community – is further proof of Life Continental lager beer’s mission of effectively promoting Igbo highlife music, beliefs, traditions and progressive cultural values.”

    This deal which was signed at the Nigerian Breweries Plc. corporate head office in Lagos recently and will see the new ambassador featuring in Life Continental Beer advertising and marketing campaigns and will also make special appearances at events.

    During the unveiling ceremony, Phyno said, ”I am very happy to be part of this great development as Life Continental beer has always been a brand that shows great support for the Igbo culture and values and it is something that I respect this beer brand for. They are the reason I am here today and I am proud to now be their ambassador.”

    Life Continental beer pioneered regional brewing in Nigeria and has maintained leadership in the Southeast region’s booming market for decades.