Local sourcing of raw materials has been identified as an important component, which does not only fuel brewing but also support livelihoods, strengthen rural economies, and boost national food security.

This was the position of the International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), producers of Trophy Lager, Trophy Extra Stout and others, during a symposium tagged: “Cheers to Farmers,” held in Lagos, to appreciate farmers.

The event was dedicated to celebrating the importance and contributions of farmers, aggregators, development partners, and public sector stakeholders who play a pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s food system and driving economic growth.

This gathering brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, other government agencies to farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, aggregators, and international organisations like the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), to affirm their shared vision for sustainable agriculture and value chain development.

More than just a corporate gathering, the symposium underscored the critical relationship between agriculture and industries – such as brewers.

In his opening speech, the Managing Director of IBPLC, Carlos Coutiño, lauded the role of farmers in its ecosystem, According to him, “Our beer is only as good as the people who grow what we brew. At International Breweries, we believe in brewing a better world and that starts with our growers. This session is about recognising your contribution, but more importantly, it’s about strengthening a partnership that is building rural economies and transforming lives.”

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented by Samaila Dauda, praised the initiative as “a powerful reminder of the crucial link between industry and agriculture.”

He commended IBPLC’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s backward integration policy through increased local sourcing, agro-industrial partnerships, and MSME support.

In his words: “This symposium is a celebration and a powerful reminder of the crucial link between industry and agriculture in building an inclusive and sustainable economy. The Ministry is particularly pleased with the emphasis on local sourcing in brewing, which aligns strongly with our national agenda of backward integration, rural industrialisation, and MSME support;

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by a Director at the Ministry, IwaraEdet, who appreciated the company’s approach to sourcing, the company’s commitment to sourcing local raw materials is commendable.

“They’re proving that agriculture is not just viable but vital for sustainable industrial development. Their approach is proof that private sector actors can be powerful enablers of agricultural development. Their local sourcing framework is supporting sustainable, community-focused agribusiness.”

The symposium also featured panel discussions, with the theme: “Farm to Bottle: Strengthening Nigeria’s Agricultural Value Chain through Local Sourcing,” a brewing-ingredients’ showcase (highlighting locally sourced sorghum, maize, and rice), and a symbolic “Moment of Cheers” with Trophy Lager.

The CEO of Nikoy Nigeria Ltd, one of IBPLC’s pioneer aggregators, Oyedele O.O explained the impact of IBPLC’s local sourcing initiative. “Our company has the privilege of being one of the first set of millers to partner with International Breweries plc, when they started the local sourcing programme. Since then, their local raw materials usage has continued to grow.”

“One significant effect of this is that, the farmers are able to benefit economically through the increased and sustained patronage of International Breweries. Interestingly, some of them, though peasant farmers, have been able to meet their daily financial obligations, including being able to sponsor their children to school.”

A sorghum farmer from Kaduna State, Malam Abubakar Kabiru, shared how working within the IBPLC aggregator network changed his story. “Working with IBPLC has changed my story. Before IBPLC came into our lives, many of us struggled to find markets for our produce. Today, we farm with confidence, knowing that our efforts are valued.

The support we’ve received has helped improve our livelihoods and given hope to our communities.”