In a move aimed at
reducing the import dependent profile of the Nigerian economy, creating more
jobs and boosting the local sourcing of raw materials, leading manufacturer and
Nigeria’s only total alcohol beverage company, Guinness Nigeria Plc, has
commissioned a new production line that will support the local manufacturing of
some of its spirits brands in Nigeria. Some of the brands to be manufactured
locally include Smirnoff X1 intense chocolate vodka, Smirnoff Extra Smooth
Vodka, Gordon’s Dry Gin, Moringa Citrus Blend, McDowell’s No. 1 Reserved
Whisky, McDowell’s VSOP and Royal Challenge Finest Premium Whisky.
The production line, with a design
capacity of 1.2 million cases, is located within the Guinness Brewery, Ikpoba
Hill, Benin city. It was commissioned by the Executive Governor of Edo state,
Mr. Godwin Obaseki at amidst pomp, fanfare and commendation for this landmark
stride by Guinness Nigeria. Governor Obaseki, who nostalgically recalled his
long personal relationship with the brand as a stockbroker, commended the board
and management of Guinness Nigeria for this feat, and urged other companies to
see the current economic recession as an opportunity for backward integration
and expansion of their business horizons.
“This is a company I am very close to
and very fond of, and so, I am quite excited that one of my first official
corporate functions as Governor is to commission the new spirits line for the
company. We are very pleased that Guinness is part of the landscape of Benin and
Edo State, and has been so since 1974. And so, for us, you are a partner, and
as a state, we will take our partnership very seriously. Even though the
economic environment in Nigeria today is quite challenging and difficult, for
us in Edo State, we see opportunities embedded in those challenges,” Obaseki
said.
Governor Obaseki also used the
occasion to announce that the Edo state government would like to partner with
Guinness Nigeria to create a minimum of two hundred thousand jobs over the next
four years in line with his administration’s agenda.
In his remarks,
Chairman, Guinness Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Savage described the commissioning as
part of the company's rich and prestigious legacy and a testament to its long
term commitment to Nigeria.
"Guinness
Nigeria has a strong heritage in Nigeria and in Benin since we built our
brewery here in 1974 with a robust portfolio of global brands like Guinness and
Johnnie Walker to boot. Today, we add to that strong heritage with the
commissioning of our spirits production line in Nigeria – a first for Guinness
Nigeria. With this line, we are now able to produce previously imported spirits
locally and we are able to offer a wider variety of products to our consumers
at a more affordable price point,” Savage enthused.
Mr. Savage also
reiterated the company’s commitment to making a marked and positive difference
in the lives of Nigerians via strategic social interventions.
“As a responsible corporate citizen,
Guinness Nigeria is interested in more than running a profitable business, we
are also enriching our communities with investments in the areas of provision
of water, health facilities and education scholarships to mention a few. As an
example, in the water sector to date, we have impacted over 1.5million people
in Nigeria through the provision of potable water to 25 communities in 14
States across Nigeria,” Savage said.
President, Diageo
Africa, Mr. John O’Keffe, noted that the commissioning reinforces Guinness
Nigeria’s position as the first and only Total Beverage Alcohol (TBA) Company
in Nigeria.
“Guinness Nigeria is
now able to offer a truly broad portfolio of beer, spirits and non-alcoholic
drinks to consumers at every category and price point. Innovation is a
competitive advantage for us in this market and we have a strong innovation
pipeline with plans to introduce some exciting new products for our consumers
to enjoy.
Also our commitment
to local sourcing is further strengthened by the commissioning of this plant
that will produce preciously imported spirits, using locally supplied raw
materials. As part of our broader local raw materials (LRM) sourcing, we
are looking to increase our locally sourced production inputs to 70% in the
coming years,” O’Keffe mentioned.
Some dignitaries present at the
occasion include Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa,
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, Edo State Deputy
Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, Secretary to the State Government, Barr.
Osarodion Ogie, Edo State Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, the Chief
of Staff, Edo State Government, Mr. Taiwo Akerele.
Olayinka
Edmond
Corporate Communications Manager,
Guinness
Nigeria Plc
Email: olayinka.edmond@diageo.com
Phone: +234 (1) 2709100 ext. 3138
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